Happy Thanksgiving!

With COVID-19 infections rising to record levels across the U.S, families are changing how they celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Like much else in 2020, we’ll need to develop new and creative traditions to replace the ones that put those we love at risk for COVID. Normally we would be looking forward to celebrating with friends and family — all coming together to eat way too much food and say thanks. With our new reality of smaller indoor gatherings, this year may look quite a bit different for some.And yet, that doesn't mean we should let go of those important traditions we need now more than ever. The biggest change we may experience is how "un-celebratory" this holiday feels. This has been such a stressful year and we're still grieving. Simply put, it may be hard to feel thankful right now. But Thanksgiving has been shown to combat the stress that comes with it because of how much gratitude is infused into its traditions. 

There are many ways to celebrate from a distance. You can video call friends and family from the Thanksgiving table. You could spend in-person time outdoors at a distance, wearing masks and avoiding shared dishes. I have even heard of some families even getting creative offering “curbside pickup” of their signature pumpkin pie, green bean casserole or oyster dressing for loved ones to pick up and enjoy in the safety of their own homes.
 
Tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared some tips on how you could celebrate Thanksgiving this year and limit the spread of COVID-19:
 

• Wear a mask
• Rethink traveling
• Keep gatherings small
• Celebrate virtually if you can

For those who are celebrating Thanksgiving with people outside of their household, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) offers the following recommendations for keeping your Thanksgiving safer.

• Limit the number of guests
• Eat outdoors, if possible, and open windows if eating indoors
• Wear a mask and safely store it when you are eating or drinking
• Stay at least six feet from others who do not live with you
• Wash your hands frequently or keep hand sanitizer available when you are not able to do so
• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils
• Avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared
• Use single-use options such as condiment and dressing packets, plates and utensils
• If serving shared food, have one person serve using single-use options, rather than passing around objects like bowls and spoons

Finding ways to celebrate and take the time to reflect on what is good in our lives is important to overall well being, so finding the safest way for you and your family to connect and enjoy the holiday is important. We  may have to refrain from the old Thanksgiving traditions and big family dinners this year, but that does not mean shutting down love and gratitude.

We also want to take this opportunity to say how thankful we are for our Team ELM family, the continued love and support you’ve shown over the years in the good and the bad times makes us proud to be a business that works with such amazing people. We hope your homes are filled with warmth and love this Thanksgiving and that you all stay safe and well!
 
XOXO