Give Thanks to Those You Love This Year

Thanksgiving this year may not be what we planned, but we still have plenty to be grateful for! While it may be disappointing to begin thinking about foregoing traditional activities this holiday, it could also be seen as an opportunity to reflect on the moments that bring you most joy and happiness over Thanksgiving. Perhaps there are some activities or traditions that you performed out of obligation. This year presents an opportunity to assess which moments you treasure and which you can leave out this year in favor of staying safe.

In times of hardship, we realize just how grateful we are for those around us. While this year has been difficult and uncomfortable for all of us, it has also shown us how the love of the people around us can help us get through the most unnerving times.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this year’s holidays is a bit different from years past. The Boston Globe recommends a few safety measures your family could consider when planning a Thanksgiving celebration this year:

· Limit the size of your gathering. Rather than hosting a large event with extended family and friends, consider having a more intimate Thanksgiving celebration with those closest to you. This will limit everyone’s potential risk of exposure, and may also make the celebration feel more meaningful as you celebrate with those most important to you.

· Ask guests to wear masks when possible, especially when indoors.

· Consider hosting the event outdoors. Thanksgiving is an event marked by group meals and mingling, so it is not reasonable to expect that family and friends will be keeping their masks on throughout the entire event. If you host the event in open air, it will make it safer for everyone in attendance.

· Ask family and friends who are more likely to socialize in larger groups to quarantine before visiting. If you are worried about possible exposure, communicate your concerns and request that guests do their best to social distance before attending the event.

While it may be disappointing to begin thinking about foregoing traditional activities this holiday, it could also be seen as an opportunity to reflect on the moments that bring you most joy and happiness over Thanksgiving. Perhaps there are some activities or traditions that you performed out of obligation. This year presents an opportunity to assess which moments you treasure and which you can leave out this year in favor of staying safe.

If you do choose to celebrate with a smaller group, you may be considering how you can give thanks to your loved ones from a distance. A short note giving thanks can go a long way during this time. If you have a favorite dish you usually bring to Thanksgiving and won’t be able to share this year, consider writing up the recipe and sharing it with those you love as a special treat. Take a moment to reflect on how you can demonstrate your gratitude this season and find simple, meaningful ways to celebrate those who are important to you.

Thanksgiving this year may not be what we planned, but we still have plenty to be grateful for!

Organizing your funeral in advance is a wonderful gift to begin planning for your family. When reflecting on what is most important to you this Thanksgiving, take an extra moment to consider how you would like to be remembered. Rather than leaving your family to make rushed

decisions once you’re gone, you can plan your funeral in advance and leave everything taken care of as a final gift of love and generosity to those you love. To learn more, plan online here.