25: On Thanksgiving 2020

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Every year, for Thanksgiving, we reflect on the things we’re thankful for. It’s a good time to reflect on things in any given year, but it seems particularly important in this god-awful year that we’ve been all experiencing.

I know many people are upset that new restrictions are in place, that we’re discouraged from getting together with family and asked to spend these holidays “alone”. As someone who has spent many holidays apart from family (for many different reasons), it’s hard for me to understand that people would get upset – or even argue with their family members – over skipping ONE holiday together.

Let’s be honest: yes, it sucks.

Now that we have that out of the way though, let’s think about this rationally: the fact is if everyone had pulled together months ago and if we had had leadership in this country that would have enforced a nationwide lockdown for a couple of weeks and implemented a pandemic strategy, Thanksgiving this year might have looked a lot different. But here we are. We can’t change missed opportunities. We can only act smart now and hopefully flatten the curve again.

There are millions of Americans who already don’t have the option to celebrate with family members anymore because they’ve been taken away from them. There are millions more concerned with paying rent and putting food on the table. There are frontline workers who’ve been doing an incredible job for the last 9 months and who are exhausted and who are bearing the brunt of this pandemic. Don’t ever forget that. If it’s not for yourself, do it for them.

This Thanksgiving, I will not complain about the things I can’t have or do. Honestly, you guys, we have it easy. I am thankful that my family has stayed healthy, that I still have my job (that I can do safely from home), and that I have a cozy home where we can cook some good food and enjoy a bit of quiet time.

I went for a turkey trot (by myself) this morning. It was a beautiful autumn day here in California, and even though I wish I could have run with other people today (in the spirit of Thanksgiving), I enjoyed my run knowing that my friend Tanja was also running a turkey trot in her neck of the woods and it made feel thankful and connected.

It’s not all bad, guys. Look around you. Be thankful for what you have.

I hope you can make the best of this Thanksgiving day!

Tanja Jordan
November 26, 2020 at 8:03 pm

Happy Thanksgiving friend with the beautiful soul!
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:33 pm
  
  Awww <3
Anthea
November 26, 2020 at 9:15 pm

I saw your virtual turkey trot on Insta – such a cool idea. I’ve finally gotten back into running outdoors and it has made a huge difference to my energy levels.

Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:34 pm
  
  Awesome to hear that you also got back into outdoor running.. it’s such a great release.
Stephany
November 27, 2020 at 5:18 pm

Happy Thanksgiving, San! I hope you had a lovely day with Jon. :)

I guess time will tell what this holiday does for case numbers. I don’t think it will be good. :(

I went to my cousin’s house for dinner (she’s in my “bubble”) and we kept things small. There were a lot of missing family members around the table. It sucked, but I’m grateful they were just missing from this gathering and we’ll (hopefully!) see them next year. <3
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:37 pm
  
  I am so glad you were able to see some family members for Thanksgiving – even if it was a small setting <3
Tobia | craftaliciousme
November 28, 2020 at 9:08 am

Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you had a wonderful day. The meal on Instagram looked amazing.
It sure is sad to be “alone” on a holiday but I’d rather spent one year without family than the coming years. And. yes I believe we have it rather easy – food, roof, job, not alone but with a loved one. Stay healthy
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:37 pm
  
  “I’d rather spent one year without family than the coming years.” 100% agree!
anne
November 29, 2020 at 10:02 am

Thank you for stating so clearly that peoples’ actions (or, more specifically, *failure* to take action) in the spring and summer is what got us here. And yes, this is ONE holiday. One. I hope that you and your husband had a lovely day together, and that you were able to connect somehow with your families near and far.
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:38 pm
  
  Thanks, Anne. We all need to be vigilant. It’s just the way it is.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
November 30, 2020 at 6:23 am

I dread seeing what is going to happen to our numbers in December because I do not trust that the majority of people obeyed the governor’s orders to not celebrate with others – including my own family. We were on our own and will be for Christmas and probably for Easter, too. It’s not ideal but it is what it is. Like you said, we are far better off than so many people.
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:39 pm
  
  I am a little scared too… the hospitalization rates are up and I really wouldn’t want to take any chances right now.
Sara
November 30, 2020 at 6:28 pm

Beautiful post, beautiful reminder. I can’t articulate much more than that – just with you in solidarity for all your comments about why and how we are here – and how lucky we are, too.
1. San
  December 1, 2020 at 8:39 pm
  
  Thank you, Sara. I am glad you feel the same.

Comments are closed.

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