That's right! Turkey Day, like many other holidays this year, has gone virtual.
Unless you're having a tiny, socially distanced, outdoor get together - you probably shouldn't gather to feast with your entire family this year. The good news? You can host a virtual Thanksgiving celebration. Between birthday Zoom parties and virtual weddings, we're getting used to celebrating special events and holidays online.
So don't you dare skip the turkey and enter your collective food comas via Zoom (or whatever video calling platform you prefer) on Thanksgiving day!
Play a Game
An easy way to find amusement during a virtual celebration is with a game. We're talking Jackbox, Monopoly, or even a unique virtual interactive game show you can organize through The Bash!
Talent Show
This one's pretty self-explanatory. Get each of your family members to prepare a short showcase of one of their talents! Calling all jugglers, pianists, and moonwalkers. And don't forget to include your pets! Show off the tricks your dogs, cats, lizards, and hedgehogs can do so they can be a part of the celebration too.
Trivia Night
Here's an amusing way to show your family how many random and hilarious facts you know. Whether you choose a trivia theme like geography, Harry Potter, local history, or a homemade family-themed trivia game - it's sure to be a hit. If nothing else, y'all will likely learn a thing or two you didn't know before!
Family History
What better time than Thanksgiving to look into your family's roots? As a way of giving gratitude to your ancestors, learn more about them. Surprise your virtual Thanksgiving guests with insight from Ancestry.com, or ask your eldest relatives to share memories and stories of their eldest family members.
Thanksgiving Zoom Scavenger Hunt
As far as Zoom Thanksgiving ideas go, a virtual scavenger hunt is a personal fave. It’s simple, really. First, decide on a leader. The leader will create a list of household items the other players have to find. Give the players 60 seconds to find each item. The first to bring their item to the screen wins 3 points. Anyone else who brings the item within 60 seconds gets 1 point. Create a scorecard to keep track of points, and play until you’ve exhausted your list!
Pro Tip: Choose a mix of easy and obscure items — this will help bump up the competition and keep players interested. Make sure to throw in a few Thanksgiving-themed items too! (Like a turkey baster, a can of pumpkin puree, a family photo, or a whisk.)
Virtual Thanksgiving Craftmaking
This Zoom Thanksgiving idea is especially fun if any kids will be joining the virtual festivities. Choose a Thanksgiving craft ahead of time and mention it in your virtual Thanksgiving invitations. This way, everyone is prepared with paper, scissors, and markers by the time the call begins. A family tree or handprint turkeys are great options to start with!
Zoom Storytelling Game
Make a game out of storytelling with this creative Zoom Thanksgiving idea. Going around in a (virtual) circle, each player says one sentence to create a collaborated story. Depending on the size of your Thanksgiving Zoom party, decide on how many rounds to play so the players know when to start thinking of an ending. Be sure to record the story, or designate someone to write down each sentence so it can be read out at the end!
Make a Family Slideshow
View a slideshow of family photos to feel closer to your loved ones while celebrating virtually. Ask each household to provide a handful of favorite photos to include that way everyone is sure to be included.
Feed the nostalgia and pair your slideshow with a few home videos too! It's nice to reminisce together, especially during a time when we can't all be together. Be sure to take a few screenshots of the virtual celebration, to add fond memories of this whacky time to future slideshows.
Host a Virtual Thanksgiving Field Trip
Scholastic's First Thanksgiving Virtual Tour is an educational, virtual Thanksgiving idea that could be interesting for the whole family to check out. If your kids haven't already experienced it with school, why not host the virtual field trip during your Thanksgiving celebration? Take a peek into what life was like for colonists and First Nations in the 1600s, and learn a little about the history of Thanksgiving. https://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/voyage/index.html
Make an Autumnal Beverage
Whether you decide on a hot toddy, a pumpkin brew, a spiced latte, or simply some apple cider - let your family know what's in your cup! You could even make a contest out of who can make the most extravagant looking autumnal drink. Think fall colors, whipped cream, cloves, and cinnamon!
Watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Virtually
New York's iconic Thanksgiving Parade is going virtual this year, and I think it's going to be a blast none-the-less. What better way to enjoy a parade than from the comfort of your own home? Cozy up with your family and friends virtually to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade from home this year.
Say Thanks
What is Thanksgiving without going around the virtual table to say one thing you're thankful for? Cringey as it is, it's one part of the modern Thanksgiving tradition that ought to continue. Because we have a lot to be thankful for - especially when it comes to family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! You can find even more Thanksgiving celebration ideas on The Bash.
https://www.thebash.com/articles/virtual-thanksgiving-celebration-ideas