How to Host Thanksgiving during the Pandemic

There’s no doubt about it, our annual celebrations have been pretty different this year.

Whatever the occasion - whether it be weddings, birthdays, summer trips or, now, Thanksgiving - the pandemic has forced us to change our plans, rethink our annual traditions, and think on our feet a bit. Although it might not be the day that we had planned, that certainly does not mean that we can’t still have fun. In this article, we will be taking you through the latest government guidelines regarding socialising. Then, we will go over specific guidelines regarding this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations. This advice has been provided by officials and covers the safest ways to either host or attend a Thanksgiving celebration.

We’re here to help make this year’s Thanksgiving the best that it can be - ensuring that everyone is celebrating both safely and happily.

What will make this year’s Thanksgiving different?

As with our day-to-day lives in general, we can expect to see a number of key differences in this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations. The COVID-19 pandemic has made social distancing, less contact with other people, and mask-wearing all part of our normal routine, and that’s no different with Thanksgiving.

Each family has their own unique idea of the perfect Thanksgiving. Yours might involve everyone gathering around the table, inviting over your relatives from across the globe, or tucking into a multi-course meal at a nice restaurant. Although things will certainly look different this year, you can still recreate your traditions in a way that fits with the COVID guidelines.

How can we safely celebrate Thanksgiving this year?

Of course, right now your top priority will be to keep yourself and your relatives safe during the holiday period. Particularly during the colder winter months, COVID poses a high risk to vulnerable people.

With this in mind, the CDC have provided some fantastic resources to keep hosts and party-goers safe this year.

Remember, if you are inviting people to your home, it’s essential that you consult the government guidelines for your area first, as this may stop you from being able to invite people over who are not in your household.

What can you do as a host?

As a host, the best ways that mitigate any risks during your celebrations are:

• Travel is one of the biggest factors that contributes to the spread of the virus, so any potential guests that would have to travel a long way to get there should stay at home
• It might sound harsh, but cut down the numbers of people attending as much as possible - the less people, the less risky the celebration will be
• On the day, chat with any friends and family members who can’t attend via a video call instead
• Avoid going to the shops at the last minute, as this will help to cut down the crowds
• If you can, serve up the dinner outside, as this will significantly limit the chance that the virus spreads between your group. If your celebrations are inside, keep the room well ventilated by opening doors and windows.
• Check the levels of COVID-19 in your local community - if these levels get too high, you will have to cancel any in-person celebrations that you had planned

What can you do as an attendee?

As an attendee, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your host, friends and family safe:

• Make sure that you keep your distance from everyone else - you should all keep at least 6 feet apart
• Wear your Cambridge Mask
• Regularly wash your hands
• If you do find that, before the event, you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not attend the event. Then you should self-isolate
• Bring your own masks and hand sanitizer with you
• Make sure that you are mindful of other people, and do not hug or kiss your relatives
• Fully adhere to any state, local, government or national health and safety regulations that are put in place, and consult the advice provided by your local authorities in advance of the day

Amidst the unusual times that we are living in right now, we certainly hope that you had wonderful days to thank for. Cambridge Mask Co. Team are more than happy to keep you company, serving the best service and product to protect you and your loved ones. Anywhere, anytime.

Stay prepare, stay alert and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, everyone!