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Everyone loves the holidays. The food, the laughter, the shared stories, and families gathered together giving thanks –  make the season. However, 2020 is not a typical year. As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, the importance of social distancing should not be taken lightly- especially during the holiday season.

Fortunately, I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the people I love while following CDC guidelines, but it was in no way a traditional celebration. On Thanksgiving, my family and I planned to have a safe dinner outside with my grandparents and cousins. Unfortunately, our plans changed after one of my cousins heard of a friend who tested positive at her school.  Although there was no direct contact between the two, it was better to cancel the in person Thanksgiving dinner.

My family did not let this interfere with our holiday however, we were grateful to have been able to connect with our extended family through a Zoom call. There may have been empty chairs at the dinner table. It may not have been a traditional Thanksgiving, but my parents’ positive attitude during the chaos served as a reminder that I am so blessed to be healthy, attending school, and loved, unlike so many people in the world. I could have moped around, complained, and dwelled in the fact that my Thanksgiving was not as “grand’ as in the past, but having my close family together during a time of uncertainty made it the most special one yet.