With COVID-19 cases at an all-time high, most of us are planning on video calls instead of visiting loved ones for Thanksgiving this year. Which, initially, sounds about as festive as a raw turkey wrapped in a wet blanket. But each circumstance life hands you has its set of pros and cons, and we assure you there are plenty of positives to a virtual Thanksgiving celebration.
If you’re having trouble seeing the bright side of Zooms-giving, here are just a few reasons that will help you see the light!
Bring apprehensive relatives into the digital age
We all have that one relative (or several) who’s still asking, “What’s a Facebook?” Well, a virtual Thanksgiving mandate may be the push they need to finally enter the digital age. Before the “Big Day,” make some time for a practice run so they can set up a Zoom account and learn how to use the basic functions.
Remember to be patient and laugh at the inevitable glitches. After all, we extend this courtesy to our colleagues, so why not our family members? Yes, it’s annoying when your relative asks the same question for the fifth time, but moments like these will be precious memories when they’re gone. Oh, and here’s another bonus that may get apprehensive relatives on board: if they pick a background, no one will see the clutter in their living room or judge them for not taking down those Halloween decorations.
Share family recipes
For many of us, it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without family favorites like mom’s apple pie or uncle Bob’s famous sausage stuffing. Make this the year where you finally learn the recipe! That way, you can make it any time you like and feel the holiday fuzzies all year long.
Just set up a Zoom session and invite family members to watch, or cook along with grandma as she demonstrates the secret to her creamy mashed potatoes. Along with the Zoom invite, make sure to email everyone a list of the ingredients and tools they’ll need ahead of time.
No need for a kid’s table
A kid’s table may be a necessity when all your siblings and cousins stop by with their little ones. But it also creates a disconnect when Thanksgiving should be about togetherness. With a virtual Thanksgiving, kids can sit at the table in their own home and engage with the adults. They can even draw or make crafts and receive instant “oohs” and “aahs” from the grownups.
Zooms-giving etiquette
Dreading the prospect of arguing with your rich, uber-successful brother or keeping your cool when Aunt Beth asks yet again, “So, when are you getting married?” Well, thank goodness for Zooms-giving etiquette!
Even if your relatives are veteran onliners, a practice run may still be a good idea to head off technical issues with computers, internet connections, etc. These sessions are also a great time for setting ground rules, like not talking all at once and off-limit conversation topics. Believe it or not, this is a lot easier to do online than in person, perhaps because you’re already used to doing it with your coworkers. And if your relatives break all the rules and start shouting or arguing? Hit the mute button and enjoy the silence until they’re done.
Positives aside, a virtual Thanksgiving isn’t the same as hugging people you haven’t seen all year or huddling up on the couch to watch football with your family. But it is a chance to keep your loved ones safe so you can hopefully see them the following year. And remember – previous generations in quarantine could only communicate through letters or occasional phone calls. Let’s give thanks for the technology that keeps us connected, not just on Thanksgiving, but all throughout the year!
Article by Rose Scott. Check out more of Rose’s work at https://thewriterrscott.wordpress.com/
Photo credit: Afif Kusuma
Magdalene Journal 