17 Fun Quarantine Thanksgiving Ideas to Help You Have a Festive Feast
Your celebration may look different this year, but that doesn't mean it has to be any less exciting.
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'Tis the season for gratitude, giving, and lots and lots of turkey. However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, your Thanksgiving festivities might look a bit different. Maybe instead of a packed house, you're only entertaining your immediate family members (ya know, the ones you've been cooped up with for the past nine months). Or, maybe you'll be spending the holiday completely alone. Whatever the case, there are ways to make your Thanksgiving feel festive and special, even while social distancing.
Ahead, we've found the best quarantine Thanksgiving ideas you can do at home. From watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade (yes, it's still happening this year) to making a creative fall craft, these ideas will help you celebrate in style. You might even find that taking the time to reimagine Thanksgiving could lead to new traditions that last for years to come. Need more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday? These are our favorite things to do on Thanksgiving (besides eat mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the desserts, that is!).
Make a filling fall breakfast
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food, so it makes sense to start the day with something scrumptious. A fall frittata with sweet potato and kale will keep you full until the main event: turkey.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Kale Frittata »
RELATED: 39 Best Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas to Fuel Your Day
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sure, it'll look different this year, but the show will go on. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held virtually, without a crowd. "It will not be a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving day." You'll definitely want to tune in to this once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) experience on NBC at 9 a.m in all time zones.
In many parts of the country, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to soak up the last bit of fall weather. To do that, head out on a scavenger hunt. Too cold? This set, for kids ages six and up, includes indoor options too.
RELATED: 22 Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas to Keep Your Kids Guessing
Decorate for the season
The easiest way to make it feel like the holidays is to decorate like it's the holidays. Even if no one is coming over this year, adding a few festive touches here and there will lift your spirits. A cool centerpiece can go a long way in setting the Thanksgiving mood.
RELATED: 50 Thanksgiving Decor Ideas for a Feast to Remember
Go on a family walk or bike ride
Go ahead, enjoy the fresh air! Break out your bicycles and take a spin around the block to look for the prettiest leaves and trees. It's a great way to get moving before you get eating.
Want a more low-key holiday? Settle in with a soothing fall candle and a cup of tea. The turkey will take a while to cook anyway — and so you might as well relax while it's in the oven.
RELATED: The Best Fall Candles to Have You Feeling Warm and Cozy All Season
Little ones love to celebrate all day long, and playing an outdoor game is the perfect way to get them off the sofa and into the fresh air. A bean-bag toss is ideal for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
RELATED: 40 Fun Fall Activities That Make the Most of the Season
Mix a fall cocktail
There are so many yummy fall flavors that taste delicious in cocktails. Mix individual drinks or whip up a large batch of punch in the morning. This one includes pear, ginger beer, lemon, and bitters.
Make a Thanksgiving craft
Need something to do while the turkey cooks? Try an arts and crafts project. Making something as simple as a handprint turkey will keep the kids occupied. Not to mention, it'll be a cute keepsake for years to come.
RELATED: 42 Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
Make a yummy appetizer
The best way to feel festive all day long is to eat delicious food. For example, everyone can nosh on this cheesy monkey bread while they play games, watch the parade, and hang out. And if it's just you at home? You can share a pic on Insta. Just make sure no one gets too full.
Get everyone cooking
Everyone in the house can help get dinner on the table. Kids can roll pie dough and mix ingredients together, and other adults can put together a signature dish. Just because your feast might be smaller this year doesn't mean it has to be any less creative or fun.
Host a virtual party
By now, you're a pro at hosting virtual parties. Get the entire family together on Zoom and play a card game or say something you're thankful for. You might even use some of the same recipes for your side dishes so you can compare notes on how everything came out. Something else to be thankful for: Zoom is lifting its time limit on free calls for Thanksgiving day, so you can chat with the family for as long as you'd like.
RELATED: 10 Best Games to Play on Zoom to Amp Up Your Next Party
Here's a cute tradition that doubles as a centerpiece: Turkey on the Table. This book and activity kit encourages kids to brainstorm and write down everything they're thankful for. Plus, the company has a partnership with Feeding America, which means that for every Turkey on the Table it sells, it'll donate 10 meals to someone in need.
Answer festive questions
Every family could use a few conversation starters from time to time. These printables focus on the joy of Thanksgiving, and are the perfect thing to have on hand in case your Zoom party starts to die down.
Watch a fall movie
The best way to unwind on Thanksgiving is with a cozy fall movie. Build a pillow fort, pop some popcorn (or heat up some leftovers), and snuggle in to watch a film. If you want to get a head start on the holidays, watch a Christmas movie.
RELATED: 20 Best Fall Movies on Netflix That Are Essential to the Season
Bits and Pieces Put together a Thanksgiving puzzle
Movies not your thing? Try a post-dinner puzzle. This 500-piece option is easy enough to complete in a night — but not so easy that you'll be done in an hour.
This year, your loved ones might be scattered across the country. But just because you're physically separated doesn't mean you can't make their day special. Send custom gift bags or prepackaged goodies to show your love.
RELATED: 30 Thanksgiving Gifts That Show Just How Grateful You Are
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Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.
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