Reflections on a Different 2020 Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving was a point of reflection for many, as traditional gatherings looked very different from what we've experienced in previous years. Here's my journey through the holiday, marked by both continuity and change.

Normalcy Amidst Unusual Celebrations

For many, the festive traditions of Thanksgiving like turkey, dressing, and desserts are staples of the day, but my experience is rather unique. Due to frequent outings with friends, I've rarely enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. Last year, in Dallas, my friend and I dined at an Uzbek restaurant for lunch and then at Denny's for more indulgence, a steaming pile of plov capturing the essence of the holiday.

Before that, in San Antonio, dinner at the Menger Hotel provided a much more traditional but laid-back experience, with a large buffet that allowed for a diverse range of meals, akin to turkey and stuffing, or roast beef and more.

The Impact of the Pandemic

However, the year 2020 brought an unprecedented twist to Thanksgiving. While some practices, like watching football and enjoying ample food, remained unchanged, the very essence of the day was altered by the need for social distancing and safety precautions. No longer could we gather in large groups, which made the holiday both different and oddly fitting, under the shadow of a global pandemic.

Personal Adaptations and Innovations

For me, 2020 Thanksgiving was unlike any previous experience. Instead of hosting a large gathering, we scaled down to just me and my two sons. The usual family feast, which typically involved upwards of 30 family members, was now reduced to our small family unit. The reduction in guests meant minimal cooking and baking for us, and no sense of preparing for hours before hosting.

One of the most notable differences was the greeting of family members. Instead of the usual festive and friendly exchanges, my niece dropped off a plate on the porch, and we communicated through the glass door. It was a novel change, one reflecting the shifts in social interactions made necessary by public health guidelines.

Lessons and Blessings

In the midst of these changes, one of the recurring themes was the importance of gratitude. The essence of Thanksgiving remains a reminder to thank God for the blessings in our lives. Despite the lack of traditional gatherings, the core principles of the holiday stayed the same – expressing thankfulness for our lives and the good fortune we've experienced.

As we look forward to other holidays like Christmas, it is another opportunity to reflect on the year and those who have supported us. Even without a large family gathering, the spirit of gratitude and sharing can still find a way to the forefront of our minds.

While the holiday felt different, it also served as a reminder of how good we have it. The ability to celebrate in our own homes, with the people we care about, is not something to be taken for granted. In this way, 2020's Thanksgiving was a moment of recognition for the many blessings of the year, even in a changed world.