Happy Thanksgiving from Ideastream and The Sound of Ideas. We are grateful that you have chosen to spend part of your holiday with us.
There is no disputing that 2020 has brought many challenges to our lives and livelihoods.
The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact us as we enter the holiday season. For many families, the pandemic may mean a change in how they celebrate Thanksgiving. Large gatherings may instead go virtual—onto Zoom perhaps or a video call.
But, that does not mean all traditions have to be canceled. In fact many of our listeners say they are adapting holiday plans or creating new ones to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Here are a few examples sent to us at SOI@wcpn.org
From Sue: My brother and I decided even before the governor asked to have a small Thanksgiving that we would not gather together. All of us are high risk, especially the 96 –year-old mother-in-law. We also will not be gathering for Christmas. Better to stay safe than to be sick.
From Linda: We are staying home because my husband is an essential worker and he is potentially exposed daily. I lost my first husband Nov.3 1989. I do not want another Thanksgiving and Christmas grieving a loss like this. It may be selfish, but our wish is that everyone please stay home so we can be here next year to celebrate together.
From Wendy: Our Thanksgiving day plan for the extended family (who live from Boston to San Francisco) will be a virtual zoom call to include some games like Pictionary and a best dressed pet contest. Winner will get a $10 gift card to Starbucks! We are grateful for the technology that makes it possible for us to connect!
From Mitsi: Husband, wife, mimosas, dog show on TV, turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, brussels sprouts, and we gave ourselves permission to have what we like -- CHEESCAKE!
This morning we bring you our annual Thanksgiving special hosted by Ideastream Executive Editor Mike McIntyre. Over the next hour we will bring you more stories of Thanksgiving memories shared by listeners and the community collected over the years by Ideastream producers. However, you spend this holiday, we hope you enjoy the program.