New Thanksgiving Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New Thanksgiving Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

Thanksgiving is about gratitude. During the difficulties of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others.

1) Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - "On Thanksgiving Day, tune in to enjoy larger-than-life balloons, dazzling floats, big stars & the one & only Santa Claus!" (https://www.macys.com/social/parade/)

2) Virtual Turkey Trot - A good way to build up an appetite is a virtual race/walk.  Even better if it's for charity!  

3) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

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4) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

5) Have your favorite foods - For many people, Thanksgiving is only about eating turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. And that's great! But some people would rather eat something else. DO IT! Make something new or get take out: Chinese, pizza, whatever! A culinary adventure can lead to great memories.

6) Random Act of Kindness - We all know someone experiencing some form of difficulty in their life. The illness/death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Do something nice for them.

7) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.

8) Gratitude Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you're grateful for them. And why you're grateful for them.

9) Gratitude Chain Letter - Write a letter to someone you're grateful for and tell them why. And end with saying "send a gratitude letter to 5 people you're better for knowing." It can be a personal letter through the mail that can be saved as a keepsake. Or a public message on social media that can be shared with friends and family. The choice is yours.

10) Thankful Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Create something the honor who or what you're grateful for.

11) Home Decorating - Fill your home and yard with turkeys and gourds. But we can do more! Do you appreciate your good health; thank healthcare workers. Honor veterans for their service. Show and tell your neighbors they are amazing. Make a public gratitude board.

12) Gratitude Challenge - There's a lot of wonderful things in our lives. Let's find ways to recognize it.
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep are two easy-to-remember moments. And it can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your partner, family, or others; make a gratitude board.
c) Find something you find beautiful and focus on it.
d) Think of a time someone was kind to you and reflect on the experience
e) Ask three other people what they are grateful for.
f) Think of a difficult time in your life and it's positive outcomes.
g) Keep a journal of positive actions in your day.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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