Every time it’s seemed like we’re escaping the COVID-19 crisis, a new wrinkle drags us back. Despite the good news in the past few weeks that several vaccines are showing success rates of over 90%, the U.S. is still being rocked by a monumental spike in cases. It appears as though many states who were easing restrictions are going back into a semi-lockdown. New York City has become the latest to announce the ceasing of in person education for the fall semester. What makes this timing even worse is the proximity of these new regulations to Thanksgiving. Right as people began to make plans, everything seems ready to be put on hold again. With this in mind, just as with Halloween and Easter before it, it’s important to focus on what we have to be thankful for and how we can make the most out of this season.
Seeing as traditional family gatherings will be harder to pull off than ever this year, finding alternatives to the usual habits will be a necessity. If everyone in your family is isolating, one option to maintain some sense of normalcy is having dinner over Zoom or Skype rather than around the table. Though it’s far from ideal, it is an especially valuable option for those with compromised immune systems. Consider even dropping off a meal at the houses of family members if they’re near by. If you do end up opting for an in person event, remember to keep the health of you family and those who will be interacting with you and them in mind. Take precautions such as social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing.
This Thanksgiving takes on special meaning for many of us. With such a large portion of the population suffering with so many different things, there truly hasn’t been a better to time to reflect on the blessings that we have. Please consider setting aside some time this holiday season to use the gifts you’ve been given to give back to those who are less fortunate. There’s a wide variety of charities and organizations that are desperate for volunteers to keep their work going during this unprecedented time. We here at Yadestiny Treasure Chest are always looking for whatever help you can offer. If you are able in interested in volunteering, please see the “Get Involved” section on our website. Maybe you don’t have the time to put into volunteer opportunities right now, you can still be a great help to our organization by donating or even just sharing the word.
Have a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving.