Celebrating Thanksgiving from Afar: Staying Connected with Loved Ones
As the crisp air of October settles in, we start looking forward to one of the most cherished holidays of the year—Thanksgiving. It’s a time when we gather with family, share delicious meals, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. But for some of us, Thanksgiving can be a little bittersweet, especially when our loved ones are far away and we can’t celebrate in person.
When we made the move from New Jersey to Colorado, we found ourselves far from family, unable to celebrate holidays together. We missed the warmth of those gatherings and, in hindsight, wished we had embraced different ways to stay connected, like the ones listed below. Distance can make it challenging to feel close, but it doesn’t mean we can’t share the warmth and joy of the holiday. Here’s how you can celebrate Thanksgiving with distant relatives, bringing that special holiday feeling into your hearts, no matter the miles between you.
1. Host a Virtual Thanksgiving Dinner
Technology has given us a wonderful gift—the ability to be together even when we’re apart. This year, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving dinner. Set up a video call with your family and enjoy the meal together. You can share the same recipes, toast to good health, and even play a few online games after dinner. It may not be the same as sitting around the same table, but it’s a close second that still allows you to see the smiles and hear the laughter of those you love.
2. Share Thanksgiving Recipes
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the food, and everyone has that one dish that makes the holiday complete. If you can’t cook together in person, why not share your family’s cherished recipes? Send them to each other ahead of time so everyone can prepare the same meal. On the day, you can compare how they turned out and reminisce about past Thanksgivings.
3. Send Thoughtful Care Packages
A care package filled with Thanksgiving treats can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Consider sending a little something special to your distant relatives. It could be homemade cookies, a jar of your famous cranberry sauce, or a handwritten note expressing your love and gratitude. It’s a simple gesture that shows you’re thinking of them and wish you could be together.
4. Create a Shared Thanksgiving Playlist
Music has a way of bringing people together. Create a Thanksgiving playlist that you can all listen to, no matter where you are. Include songs that remind you of past Thanksgivings, family favorites, or even tunes that get everyone in the festive mood. Listening to the same music can help you feel connected, even when you’re miles apart.
5. Take a Thanksgiving Walk Together—Virtually
Many families enjoy a walk after Thanksgiving dinner, taking in the crisp autumn air and the colorful leaves. This year, take a virtual walk together. Call your relatives while you’re out and describe the scenery, or share photos of your surroundings. It’s a simple way to share a moment of peace and reflection, even if you’re in different places.
6. Express Gratitude Together
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and expressing what we’re thankful for can be even more meaningful when shared with those we love. During your virtual gathering, take turns sharing what you’re grateful for this year. You can also start a shared gratitude journal or a group chat where everyone can post something they’re thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
7. Plan for Future Thanksgivings
While it’s important to make the most of the present, looking forward to future Thanksgivings can bring a sense of hope and excitement. Start planning for the next time you’ll be able to gather in person. Whether it’s choosing the menu, deciding on activities, or just imagining the joy of being together again, having something to look forward to can make the distance feel a little less daunting.
Thanksgiving may look different when we’re apart from our loved ones, but the spirit of the holiday remains the same. It’s about love, gratitude, and connection—things that can transcend any distance. So, whether you’re gathering around a table or a screen, remember that what matters most is the time spent together, however you can manage it.
This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the new ways we can celebrate, and remember that even from afar, we are never truly alone. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, near and far!
