How to make Thanksgiving 2020 special (and free postcards)

I think at this point we’ve all accepted that the holiday season this year is going to be drastically different than those of the past. And it’s totally okay to feel sad and depressed about this. I think everyone is to some degree, and even though by staying home and not gathering we are doing the right thing, it still doesn’t mean it’s going to be fun or it feels good. But, I do think if we have a positive approach to it, and work actively to do what we can this holiday season, it can still be just as magical.

I obviously do not want to negate anyone’s suffering, I recognize that it is a very hard year and for thousands of people they will be missing loved ones as they celebrate the holidays. So, I think by approaching this holiday season with gratitude and grace, we will all get through it together with empathy for the suffering of this year, and joy for all the good that has still managed to come out of the darkness.

I want to persuade everyone that just because we can’t do our normal traditions doesn’t mean it can’t be special. I think the holidays this year will be a different kind of special. I’ll be spending Thanksgiving with just my parents and siblings, so we’ll get to talk and share a meal and spend the whole day together. Normally I’m chatting with my cousins the whole time and so we don’t get to converse as much. (But yes, I am sorely missing already the fact that I won’t be with my cousins or aunts and uncles.)

Maybe 2020 will allow us to try out new traditions, new recipes, new activities that we will remember and incorporate for years to come. I have a few ideas on how to make Thanksgiving special this year, so that you’re looking forward to the holiday and not sad about it…

I also want to acknowledge the gruesome origins of Thanksgiving, the genocide of millions of Indigenous people, theft of their land, and attack on their culture. It is with this recognition that I hope the country can move forward and honor the native people who called it home first.

Plan a menu.

If you’re like my family and normally just show up to Thanksgiving with dessert, then you’ll want to spend some time planning your menu. My parents were actually very excited to get a jump on this, though my brother is now using the opportunity to persuade them to smoke some sort of meat other than turkey (because he personally doesn’t like it). Rest assured, we will have stuffing and mashed potatoes and turkey on the menu, smoked meat aside.

Make a signature cocktail.

I’m still deciding on what this will be! So if you have any ideas of Thanksgiving appropriate cocktails, please leave them in the comments below. I’m thinking an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni might be just the thing, for their beautiful coloring and their magical digestive powers!

Create a beautiful tablescape.

There’s nothing better than sitting down to a meal with your family at a beautiful table. Make this year’s dinner extra special by putting extra effort into your table settings.

Visit the farmer’s market.

Here in Minnesota, there are special markets the week of Thanksgiving so that you can buy your produce, flowers, and anything else you might need fresh! I visited the market almost every weekend this summer, and I’m looking forward to going back next week for all my Thanksgiving essentials. If you’re in Saint Paul, try the fried pierogis while you’re there, they are delicious!

Drop packages off at your friends and families houses.

This might be the part of this year’s Thanksgiving that I’m looking forward to the most! Besides decorating the table. Giving gifts is my love language and it’s one of the few things that makes me feel less helpless in this pandemic. My sister and I are planning to do some baking, then drop off little packages around town to the people we love. It could be baked goods, a pie, flowers, whatever you’d like to give to the people you love to show them you care about them and are grateful to have them in your life.

Lucky for you, I made some Thanksgiving postcards that are at the end of this post, free for you to download! They are sized 5×7, but if you’re printing at home it’d be easy to print two to a sheet. Tag me on Instagram if you use them, I’d love to see it!

Plan a family zoom.

The beauty of zoom is that we can connect to anyone and everyone. Typically during the holidays we might facetime in a cousin or two, but with zoom it means you could truly see all of your relatives on Thanksgiving no matter where they are in the world! Pick a time and send out a zoom link to everyone so you can at least say hi and see their smiling faces. I’m sure it will make everyone feel better!

Dress up like you normally would.

I know for some people Thanksgiving is a holiday for comfortable clothes or football jerseys, but I’ve never been in that camp (internally cringing right now lol). I always love getting dressed up for the holidays, and plan to still do that this year! It doesn’t matter if I’m not leaving the house, I’m doing it for myself. And I’m eyeing this dress from & Other Stories…

Donate to Second Harvest Heartland.

Or your local food shelf, or anywhere that’s helping the high number of people who are struggling this year because of the pandemic. When you think about all the money that you’re saving by not going out or going to restaurants or bars over the holidays, that money could go to people who really need it. Consider showing your gratitude for your health and stable income by making a donation for those who are living with stress and worry and empty stomachs.

to those to whom much has been given, much will be required.
Luke 12:48

Think about anyone who might be alone, and reach out to them.

It could be a neighbor, a relative, a friend…anyone who might be having a tough time during the holidays. Reach out to let them know you’re thinking of them, or send them a little something to brighten their day. You will both be grateful for the spark of human connection, which is something we’re all craving this year.

Attend a workout class for a cause.

My favorite way (surprise, surprise) to start Thanksgiving morning, or the morning after, is with a yoga class. Even better if it’s a sculpt class so that I really sweat it out before I eat my weight in stuffing. I mean, Thanksgiving only comes once a year…

This year one of my former yoga instructors, who now offers classes online from her in-house studio, is doing a donation-based full body circuit class on Thanksgiving morning. Your donation ($20 is suggested) will go to Ruff Start Rescue, a Minnesota based animal rescue service which helps foster rescue dogs until they find a loving home! On average they save eight animals a day. Find all the details here on Sasha’s Instagram.

Make a playlist.

This is the entertaining step that many people miss, and it’s the one that really seals the deal on the ambiance and the vibe you want to set for your party. So even if it’s just your family or roommates or whoever, make a playlist of old classics or some favorite artists to set the tone for the day. It will make a nice backdrop to all the loving conversations you’ll have, hopefully with that signature cocktail in hand!

Share what you’re grateful for.

I think this might be the best part about Thanksgiving, reflecting and feeling the gratitude from the year. Invite your family or friends to share what they’re grateful for, or have them write it down on a piece of paper. You could even make a gratitude tree, where everyone ties their piece of paper with what they’re grateful for to the branches.

Go on a long stroll.

There’s no better way to digest than by taking a long passeggiata as the Italians say. Go on a lengthy stroll after you’ve had your meal. No one will know if that’s tea in your thermos or mulled wine. Live it up, it’s a holiday after all!

Have a bonfire.

I love this idea for the end of your Thanksgiving night! If the weather allows, get outside after your big meal or your walk and make a roaring fire. Keep the mulled wine coming, or opt for some hot cocoa and Bailey’s to stay warm!

And the postcards, free to download…

There are two ways to get these postcards for yourself! You can download the PDF file with all 12 designs by clicking below, or just save each of the images below by right-clicking on them.

If you’re planning on printing at home, my recommendation would be to save the images then insert them in a word doc to print! Use cardstock if you have it, then cut them in half and write your note on the back. Or, print one design per page then fold in half so it’s like a real greeting card.

thanksgiving Download