Let’s focus on what we can do (rather than what we can’t) to enjoy the holiday this year.

With restrictions on indoor gatherings in place to protect health, Thanksgiving 2020 celebrations will be scaled down—including gatherings with family and friends. Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we’re turning our focus to what we can do as we give thanks and provide TLC for loved ones and ourselves. Here are ideas for enjoying the holiday in a new way this year.

Watch a Thanksgiving Day Parade

In Detroit, the parade must go on—even without in-person spectators. However, bands, musicians and favorite floats like Kermit the Frog and Captain Underpants will be make appearances in a compressed 2-mile format that will be shared on TV and via streaming. Coverage of America’s Thanksgiving Parade starts at 6 a.m. for the early birds. Watch live-stream coverage from ClickOnDetroit.com. The parade will also be broadcast on NBC starting at 10 a.m.

If one virtual parade is not enough, tune into to see the Elf on a Shelf, Red Titan and other crowd pleasers as you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, another gathering-free virtual event. It starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon with livestreaming on Verizon’s Twitter feed and YouTube channel.

Plan to play and exercise

All those good eats are the perfect fuel for exercise. Take a walk around the block, play football or hit one of West Michigan’s trails for a hike. If inside activities are more your style, a yoga, tai chi or qigong session will also do your body good. YouTube is filled with short and long lessons.

Shake, shimmy and dance with abandon

Hold a dance challenge! Recruit everyone in your household to bust a move. You can also invite others to get their groove on via Zoom. Learn some new moves on TikTok. Vote for the person or couple with the smoothest moves, most unexpected talent and the most room for improvement.

See who can tell the best joke

Knock-knock. 

Who’s there?

Luke. 

Luke who?

Luke through the peephole and find out.

Even silly jokes and groaners are more fun than no jokes at all. Make up your own or borrow some funny ones you find online like we did here. (Thanks, Parade.) You’ve got three days to practice landing the punch line, so get going! 

Classic family fun

Create new family memories by spending time together with board games, card games and puzzles. If video and Wii games are more your style, gather everyone around and game on!

If you’re spending the day solo

There are lots of folks who will spend the holiday alone this year. While this might be difficult, having a plan in place can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Use the holiday to connect by phone, text and video calls. Give yourself lots of TLC – sleep in or take a nap; get some exercise; have an at-home spa day. Give yourself permission to binge watch TV and movies. Here’s a list of 14 classic Thanksgiving films to get lost in. 

Stay healthy and have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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