2020 Thanksgiving options can be celebrated virtually

Turkey Day will look different for many of us this year, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the idea behind Thanksgiving and “friendsgiving” celebrations. Here are ways to create meaningful moments with family and friends and still play it safe.

■ Send a touch-of-home package: If your Thanksgiving table is smaller this year, mail care packages to those who won’t be there. Candles, festive napkins, pumpkin spice anything, sweet treats, football gameday snacks, a drawing from a little one — there are endless ways to show those you care about that they are missed.

■ Connect through cooking: Thanksgiving is about the food — eating it and the memories made through cooking together. Choose a favorite family recipe, create a new recipe tradition and whip it up, or follow along via FaceTime or Skype. Still don’t have your mom’s gravy recipe down or want to learn how to make your friend’s famous apple pie from scratch? Set up an online tutorial in advance.

■ Toast of gratitude: By now, many of us have made an art out of the virtual cocktail hour. So what better time than Thanksgiving to schedule an online gathering? Share a toast and a moment of gratitude.

■ Group photo stream: If a live Zoom isn’t your thing, find other ways to share the moment. Upload photos and video of the table decor, meal prep and your turkey debut. Apple iPhone users can set up a shared album or try Flickr, Amazon Photos, Google Photos or other photo-sharing sites.

■ Vary the virtual fun: While you can dine virtually (make sure everyone knows how to use the video chat platform of choice before you sit down), consider upping your game (and avoid the tendency to talk over each other) with planned activities. Keep things moving with a scavenger hunt, an old-fashioned pie-eating contest, a TikTok dance-off or a favorite family game — using a real board game or an online app. Watch the television-only Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade early, or stream a movie together later. The idea is to use technology to create connections to those we are thankful for — no matter the distance.