Finding ways to still gather together on Thanksgiving

My family usually celebrates Thanksgiving at my cousin Kasey’s, bringing side dishes to go with the bacon-wrapped turkeys she makes.

We pack into her house and spill out onto the back porch, where she’s set up tables and chairs. Maybe 30 family members and friends in all.

Not this year.

Our family is debating what to do about Thanksgiving.

There’s no way my mom would come. She’s only left her house a handful of times since March. My brother Danny is staying put in Seattle.

Should we just cancel it? Health experts warn against people congregating in small, poorly ventilated indoor spaces for extended periods of time. The nation’s leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, recommends skipping Thanksgiving this year.

We could keep it small — only the people we live with and those in our bubble — and eat outside.

We decided we couldn’t have a buffet with everyone dipping into the same dishes as we usually do.

We talk about who’s been doing what. Cousins Virgil and Tamatha went to a Halloween party. Kasey and her family went to Florida for a wedding and then to St. Thomas. I’ve been to Tucson and Miami for work. Dana has been in and out of her office, Uncle Michael, too.

I noted what happened in Canada, where there was a record-high surge in coronavirus cases after families there celebrated Thanksgiving in October.

Maybe we could do Thanksgiving togo, Dana suggested.

She’d make turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and pack it in containers. I could make sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. Others could contribute.

We wouldn’t be together. But sharing our favorite Thanksgiving foods might make it feel as if we are.