Thanksgiving is two weeks away, but with Governor Herbert’s recent mandates, some people are changing traditional plans. Rather than big family feasts, some are opting for smaller-scale celebrations of this holiday of gratitude.
It’s that time of the year when people look forward to good food, gratitude and grandparents. Traditionally, extended families gather on this holiday to celebrate, but this year things may look a little different.
As coronavirus cases increase in Utah, the governor’s executive order prevents anyone outside of a household or immediate family to gather, unless people wear masks and social distance. And though it ends days before Thanksgiving, some feel this familial holiday can’t be celebrated traditionally. So out of safety they are choosing to remove some plates from the table.
Madeleine Reber typically has Thanksgiving dinner with over 20 family members of her husband’s extended family. But this year a small group of her side of the family plan to gather after taking COVID precautions.
“They’re making us take a test before we get there and then taking a test when we get there, and then if it’s negative we’ll just continue our normal traditions and stuff. Otherwise we’ll just have to quarantine for the weeks that we’re there,” Reber said.
And she’s not alone. Kelly Stanley typically visits her extended family with her husband and kids. But this year, Thanksgiving dinner will be held virtually.
“So it looks like we’re probably all just gonna, like, facetime together and we’ll probably all just do our own things at our own homes,” Stanley said.
And though you can make a Thanksgiving meal for yourself, some prefer sharing the feast with friends and family.
“It’s so hard not being able to go and see people,” Stanley said.
No matter how the holiday fairs, make sure to stay healthy and stay grateful.
