25: On (another pandemic) Thanksgiving

photo credit: Jovan Vasiljević via Unsplash

Ok, ok. I know what you’re going to say. Last year, I pleaded with you and said we should all put the big boys’ (and girls’) pants on and suck it up that we’re spending this holiday “alone”.

Now, it’s one year later and one would have thought we’d be much farther along in this god-forsaken pandemic. Me too, friend. Me too. But alas, we’re not. 

I know many people will travel for the holidays (not us!) and many people will get together with their families. And who could blame them. My hope would be that everybody is vaccinated, that groups are kept small, and that we’re still getting through the winter without another surge. 

I am just warning you: even if numbers look good where you are right now. That was a very slippery slope last year and things can go downhill again quickly (looking at you, Germany and Denmark). 

Anyway, this is not what I am here to say today. Despite this year being quietly disappointing, I want to remind everyone of what’s still good out there. Because it’s the time of the year where we reflect on the things we’re thankful for. 

There are even more Americans this year who won’t be able to celebrate with family members because they’ve been taken away from them. There are millions more who are still struggling to pay rent and put food on the table for the holidays. There are frontline workers who’ve been doing an incredible job for the last 18+ months and who are exhausted, and who are still bearing the brunt of this pandemic. Don’t ever forget that for a minute.

This Thanksgiving, I will – again – not complain about the things I cannot have or cannot do. I am simply thankful that my family has stayed healthy, that I continue to safely work from home, and that I have a cozy home where we can cook some good food and enjoy a bit of quiet time.

I did a “Turkey Burn” spin class this morning, will now head out for a turkey trot (by myself, because I still don’t do “crowds”) and grab coffee with an old friend from the gym, before heading home and cooking a nice meal for Jon and me. Today is a good day. It’s all about perspective.

I hope you also have a nice Thanksgiving day!

  1. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jon. I hope you make it a wonderful thing and enjoy Avery minute of it. I bet you would like to see family and I am hoping its in the book too. As you mentioned Germany is downhill and I am sure we are going a little more downwards. Tomorrow is my last outing I have planned (my annual volunteering and before the docs office) and then I am back into staying home. I am glad its a bit more relaxed in California. Happy Holidays

    1. Thanks friend. We all still need to be vigilent!

  2. Your Thanksgiving sounds…lovely. I’m an introvert and don’t enjoy large gatherings most of the time, so fitting in exercise, a coffee with a friend and then spending time at home with my immediate family (and great food) sounds pretty much perfect.

    Here’s hoping next year people can be reunited for special holidays, but until that point comes, kudos to you for being a beacon of hope and gratitude and optimism amid the dark shadow cast by COVID and other world events.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    1. I agree, this is my perfect idea of a quiet holiday, as I am an introvert, too. Thanks for your kind words, Elisabeth,

  3. I have a not-so-secret confession to make: I’ve really enjoyed the pandemic holidays, far more than I’ve ever enjoyed any family holiday. It’s just me and my husband and the quiet is beautiful. I get to eat what I want, when I want, and there’s no drama surrounding anything. I know that eventually we’ll go back to family events (right? someday?), but I don’t mind staying home.

    I also fear I may soon turn into an honest-to-goodness hermit.

    1. I totally agree, if we MUST exercise caution, I am totally a fan of these quiet holidays!

  4. Yes, we’re incredibly lucky. I have nothing to complain about! I hope your Thanksgiving was great.

    1. I am glad you’re able to see the silver-lining as well, Jenny.

  5. We were with my family for Thanksgiving for the first time in 2 years. We mostly went because it was important to my parents. It’s been a tough year for my family and I know being around my boys lifts their spirits. But given the choice, I would have preferred to stay home. I find the holidays to be really overwhelming. It’s loud and chaotic at times. That’s life in a big family, though. We’ll be home for Christmas and I’m really looking forward to a quiet, relaxed holiday. My MIL will come but that’s it!

  6. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, San! Quiet holidays are sometimes the very best. <3

  7. San, I hope you enjoyed your quiet Thanksgiving. I love quiet holidays – I am immensely grateful that my job and my location keep me from having to attend my family’s large Thanksgiving get-together. I never enjoyed it (I would hide in the kitchen) and to not have to join is a huge relief for me. :)

Comments are closed.