By Abbie Cornett

Every day, I ask my Family what they want to do for Thanksgiving this year, and every day, I get the same blank depressed look! Seriously, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we have zero plans. In the past, we have always had friends and family over. I cook for a couple of days, and the family cleans. Unfortunately, quarantine has taken its toll! No one, including me, seems motivated to do anything. I am sure we are not the only family with no idea how to spend turkey day during a quarantine.

Obviously, doing nothing isn't going to work. I can't imagine sitting around the house all day doing nothing but moping and thinking about how our world has changed this year. Thanksgiving is supposed to be about being thankful for what we have, and while the world has changed, there is still a lot to thankful for. So, I guess it is time to think outside of the box to reinvent the holiday! Here are a couple of options I'm considering, and you may want to consider them as well.

One option is to invite friends and family to dine together virtually. This could be accomplished in several ways. We could get together ahead of time, Decide on a menu and share our favorite recipes. Then, we could all get together virtually on Thanksgiving to cook and dine together. If this sounds like too much work, we could divide the labor with each family making one or two dishes in bulk and having them delivered. If you decide to do this, I would recommend packing the food in disposable containers. That way, you don't have to worry about returning containers, and it makes clean-up easy.

Another option is to have a family gathering outdoors. Our family lives in a climate that would allow us to gather and maintain safe distancing. If you decide to do this, consider each family bringing their own food or bringing food in separate containers for each of the families attending.

If neither of these ideas seem right this year, I suggest ditching tradition. Forget the turkey altogether and pack a picnic and go on a hike (in my case, to the beach for the day).

Whatever you decide, I suggest you put your phones down, turn off the news and just be thankful for the time together. Be safe, stay healthy and have a great Thanksgiving.