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Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. These food items have been a constant in our Thanksgiving dinners for many years. With all the changes happening right now, the food might be one of the few things that stays the same this Thanksgiving.
Many changes have been made and continue to be made around the world because of COVID. Thanksgiving will not be untouched by these changes. Many of our plans and traditions will be different than the years before.
In a recent NS Times survey, 45 percent of students said that their Thanksgiving plans have changed from the usual.
“Normally we go up north at like 9 o’clock in the morning, help my grandparents make dinner, then go to lunch with my dad’s family, and then we go back to dinner with my mom’s family,” said sophomore Connor Power.
In years past, Powers’ family would make a whole day out of Thanksgiving. But that’s not going to be able to happen this year.
“Our family is going to do a really small Thanksgiving dinner,” Power said. “And we’re going to do Zoom calls with our extended family.”
Although there are ways to still see family and connect with each other, it’s hard to not be able to get together as a family and enjoy a meal as one. Most people enjoy the company of their loved ones so this will not be easy, but it could be necessary.
Studies have shown that one of the main places that COVID is transmitted and spread is in the home with our families.
“Leaders in the state’s pandemic response contend that the viral spread isn’t happening in public settings. They have blamed social and family gatherings for the current surge in infections,” an article from the Salt Lake Tribune said.
People are more comfortable around their families. They tend to not wear masks or social distance when they are together. This makes it easier for COVID to spread. Because of this, social gatherings are limited and discouraged.
Not only are people wondering how Covid will affect the holidays, they are also worrying about how the holidays will affect Covid. As cases continue to rise, many ask: is it really worth it to come together to celebrate Thanksgiving? Or should we stay home and avoid social gatherings?
“If it’s just all family, I don’t think that should be restricted. But if it’s like guests and family friends, then I feel like that should be restricted on,” said senior Jaron Peckham. “If it keeps the people safe, if it keeps everyone safe, then I feel like it’s a sacrifice we can all make.”
Even though we have had to make sacrifices and this year has been hard, we still need to remember to be thankful. Especially right now as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
“It’s been harder to see the good side in all of this,” Peckham said. “But there’s always things you can be thankful for, no matter the circumstances.”
This year hasn’t been easy. There are so many changes and new things happening. But through all the hard times, we need to remember to be thankful and have hope that it will get better.
