So many people are discussing the difficulties of the holidays in Covid time. Especially with the spike in cases. This is NOT an easy time I am in the mind of trying to reframe the experience. For us, Thanksgiving has always been a small gathering at home so it isn’t going to be so different. Although we usually invite a few friends to our table, this year we have to be extra careful about who can safely join us. That said, there is great joy in preparing a beautiful table even if it’s just for your immediate “pod.” Nothing like a beautiful tablecloth, linen napkins, special china and FLOWERS to make everyone feel special. And right now, as more and more of these months blur together, we need markers in time. I have a class this Sunday focusing on decorating your small thanksgiving table with miniature floral arrangements and/or garlands (so they can stay on the table, like salt and pepper shakers.)

On the subject of reframing, I was really touched by the resourcefulness and creativity that was brought to a zoom wedding. I love how they invited “guests” to contribute paper flowers that were woven into the arrangements on the wedding Huppah. It spoke to me of everyone’s desire to contribute to special occasions even if they can’t be present. And that we can invent new ways of participating. Here’s the article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/fashion/weddings/how-to-give-guests-an-active-role-in-your-virtual-wedding.html

Finally, if you aren’t spending money on traveling or hosting legions of people, perhaps some of that money you’re saving can go to feeding the increasing number of people in need this winter. Here are a few organizations that would benefit from your support:

https://www.brc.org/donate-brc

https://give.mazon.org/give/307175/#!/donation/checkout

https://hookarts.org/donate

https://rhicenter.org/support-us/taste-of-redhook/

Wishing you and yours a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving.