2020 Calls For Untraditional Thanksgivings

At this point, we sound like a broken record, but 2020 is the year of ‘firsts’ and Thanksgiving is no exception. As this year’s festivities take a virtual turn, Americans are struggling with the decision to comply with social distancing protocols or to celebrate Thanksgiving with extended family, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the nation. 

With the pandemic putting a pause on traditional festivities, brands are taking notice and are tapping into their corporate social responsibility to offer alternatives and to help in the fight against COVID-19. Zoom, the workforce’s favorite 2020 accessory, is offering unlimited time sessions for all users from November 26-27. This means all Zoomers who don’t have the luxury of a premium account, me included, can now spend well over 40 minutes in a conference room with as many relatives as they please. Now this might seem dissatisfying to some, but when you think about it, IT’S GENIUS. For the first time ever, people from all over the nation could conserve their energy and merely just exit a conference room when their favorite problematic relative tries to explain why the pandemic is a hoax. 

Zoom isn’t the only brand that is pivoting this holiday season. Uber Eats and Popeye’s took notice of the percentage of the population who will be cooking for the first time and partnered to offer the Churkey Special. This includes an eight-piece meal with a large side and four biscuits. For those like myself who don’t own a turkey thermometer or a microwave with a “turkey” option, this is a lifesaver. 

Big name brands aren’t alone in supporting America’s decision to stay home this Thanksgiving. Local businesses across the nation are getting creative and making Thanksgiving meal kits to ensure no family goes hungry. Here in Seattle, names like Addo and Café Flora are offering everything from turkey chili tacos with Cheetos, to veggie options like pumpkin risotto cakes. Many cities like Chicago are also going ham (pun intended) on meal kits and other to-go orders. Eater has some great guides on where to find the best Thanksgiving meal according to your city. That way, the festivities can go on while supporting small businesses affected by the pandemic.

Regardless of how you choose to supply your Thanksgiving meal, let’s make sure we’re doing our part and gathering only with those in our household. With all the resources available to us, there is no reason we shouldn’t be.

As a viral tweet once said, “Zoom Thanksgiving is better than ICU Christmas.”