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I swear, every year I search “how to Thanksgiving” (as the kids say it) on the internet, because every year I forget. After all, how is a person supposed to remember how to roast a turkey or what foods to buy? And let’s be real, ever since the pandemic began, I’ve completely forgotten how to socialize — let alone how to host a festive gathering.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year but aren’t sure how to keep everyone safe and healthy, read on for some tips and helpful information.
Even though the COVID vaccine is now readily available, it still behooves us to be cautious. “We're at a pretty complicated juncture, so it's well worth families and groups thinking very carefully through [how to handle the holiday],” Dr. Pia MacDonald of the the Research Triangle Institute told Delish.
After examining multiple factors such as the Delta variant, current vaccination rates, national masking guidelines, and schools resuming in-person instruction, Dr. MacDonald said she expects an uptick in COVID cases through December. As a result, you’ll want to prioritize the safety and health of your guests — especially the most vulnerable, such as children who haven't yet been vaccinated, the elderly, or folks who are immunocompromised.
Safety tips for Thanksgiving this year
Though this year may not be like the last where many of us had to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually, that doesn’t mean everything is back to pre-pandemic times. Here are some tips to keep your loved ones safe during dinner.
Make sure attendees are vaccinated
Since this is your house, you can absolutely request that attendees who can be vaccinated are vaccinated. It’s not rude or impolite — in fact, as the host, it’s proper etiquette to ensure that all guests are safe in your home. Plus, the more people coming to dinner who are vaccinated, the less chance there is of spreading COVID either as a breakthrough infection or to the guests who haven't been fully vaccinated yet, such as young children.
Some folks, like entrepreneur Tomika Bryant, are taking COVID very seriously. “We are planning to host at another family member’s house,” the mom of two told Mom.com. “Everyone must be vaccinated and take a COVID test days before. We have gloves, sanitizer, and Lysol ready. Dinner is restricted to family only.”
Limit the attendees
While more is often the merrier, that is not the case during these COVID times. Statistically speaking, the more people there are, the higher the risk of contracting and spreading COVID (which is why the vaccination status of guests is very important).
Eat in well-ventilated areas
Enclosed spaces pose a higher risk for spreading COVID, so weather permitting, you may want to keep masks on indoors and then eat dinner outside or open the windows and run fans to circulate the air.
“We’ll keep the windows open and have a HEPA filter running in the room,” mom Sandi Lawver Francioch told Mom.com about her Thanksgiving plans. In addition, because she’s a public school teacher, she gets a PCR COVID test biweekly. “I also wear a KN95 mask at work to protect my students, myself, and my family,” she said.
Stagger mealtimes
Even if you’re masking during the gathering, it isn’t possible to mask while eating — and that’s often when social distancing is more difficult to maintain. Space your guests out around the table and stagger mealtimes so there are fewer people eating at a time. While you’re at it, have designated serving spoons, and make sure people aren’t sharing utensils.
COVID guidelines for Thanksgiving 2021
This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued general guidelines for people celebrating the holidays like Thanksgiving. By now these should sound super familiar (and I know we’re all sick of it). However, there’s a simple reason we repeat the suggestions so often: They work.
Here they are again for your convenience:
- Protect the vulnerable and get vaccinated (and get your booster)
- Wear a well-fitting mask when in public (indoors or outdoors) and while using public transportation
- Avoid poorly ventilated areas
- Don’t host or attend a gathering if you are sick or have any COVID symptoms
- Get tested immediately if you have COVID symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID
- Avoid or delay traveling for the holidays until you are fully vaccinated
Travel: Thanksgiving and holidays
If you have family or friends traveling from out of state or the area, you will have to decide what is best for you and your family. As just mentioned, the CDC recommends people delay travel until they’re fully vaccinated. Your guests can also visit the CDC travel page to make their own determinations on if it’s in their best interest to travel this Thanksgiving.
Check your area’s vaccination and infection rates
Deciding whether to gather with out-of-town guests will depend on the vaccination rates of your local county and how quickly COVID is spreading in your community. If you have guests traveling to visit you, you may also want to consider the vaccination and infection rates near their residences.
Ultimately, inform your guests of your expectations and efforts to keep them and your family safe this Thanksgiving. The earlier notice you give and the more clear your communication, the less any of you will be surprised by unwelcome and awkward situations.
