The “goose is cooked,” so to speak, for anyone thinking a large family/friends gathering would be possible for the coming Thanksgiving weekend.
Because of COVID-19, health officials are sorry but definite in the decision that Thanksgiving celebrations this year will be much different than Thanksgivings of the past.
In order to follow the guidelines, hosts must ensure social distancing is possible for the restricted number of invited guests. And those guests should be from the same household or extended household bubble.
Potluck dinners won’t be allowed this year, and the only redeeming feature of that rule is that no one will have to endure a fried brussel sprout casserole or pumpkin pies with crusts requiring an axe to chop through — every family has stories to tell about what some members have contributed to past dinners.
Guests with compromised immune systems or seniors should be served first to avoid any contamination that might be left behind by younger persons in attendance. Hmmmm - that sounds like a great idea for the seniors among us.
There is a bit of hope attached to these recommendations: if we behave ourselves at Thanksgiving, maybe, just maybe, Christmas will mean more relaxed gatherings and the continuation of so many family generational traditions. So be careful out there.
At this time of year it is customary to count one’s blessing and to list some of the reasons we are thankful.
A year ago at Thanksgiving we were welcoming friends and family from all over Canada to celebrate our 50th anniversary with us. It was a wonderful day and we still marvel at how much fun we had listening to our musical friends and visiting and sharing memories with so many people who have shaped our lives.
If we had married a year later, in 1970, our anniversary party this year would have been much different. In fact, there wouldn’t have been a party, except maybe a party for two. Therefore, we both give thanks that we were wise enough to marry in 1969 and extremely thankful for everyone who joined with us to chat about our 50 years together. I am also thankful Housemate decided to stick around for another year!
Lives have changed so much since the March lockdown, changes so drastic that surely few of us ever imagined just how severe it would be. We laughed at the hoarders of toilet paper and Lysol spray and wipes but noted with interest how empty some shelves were at the grocery store. Word of the pandemic was being taken seriously and we are thankful that inventories were replenished as soon as possible.
We are thankful for the long-haul truckers who deliver the products and for the grocery store/retail store employees and owners who have continued to work to serve local customers.
Also on the front lines have been all variety of health care workers and support staff and we thank them for their service. We also thank military members who are ready, able and prepared to lend a hand whenever and wherever requested.
Educators have faced some interesting times but continue their determination to teach children on many platforms and using methods that perhaps weren’t part of their hands-on training. Children and parents have also been required to adapt.
I am especially thankful that my injuries from a car accident on March 21 were not more serious. On that day and since I have been appreciative of the EMTs, Moose Jaw Police Service and Fire Department, emergency room staff, my family doctor and his associates, and friends and family for their generosity, expressions of good wishes and good luck. I’ll add in the congenial car salesperson, Brandon, who sold me the vehicle of my choice in the colour of my choice when my previous vehicle was deemed a write-off.
And so, in this Thanksgiving season, we in this household have much for which to be thankful despite these unusual times.
Although our particular goose hasn’t been cooked yet, it is within my sights and it can be thankful it will be going to a good home.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
