🦃 Celebrate Thanksgiving Virtually in 2023

For many people, how they celebrate Thanksgiving has changed. We still want to have fun and spend time together, right? We’re going to show you how to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually!

There’s something special about gathering with friends and family on Thanksgiving to watch the parade, cheer for our favorite football team, and savor a delicious meal, we have different considerations this year. Keeping the people we love safe is possible if we set up a Thanksgiving celebration using a virtual video chat platform.

Most people have personal computers and phones that put the power of video chat technology at their fingertips. Because of the widespread use of social media and smart phones, we can meet with friends and family on Thanksgiving to celebrate virtually. Here are three of the top video chat platforms and a bit about their use.

Facebook Messenger

• You can connect with up to 50 people.
• Download via Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
• You can use your computer’s browser and webcam.

Zoom

• Connect with up to 100 people on the free version.
• You can share your screen. A pretty cool option for playing games.
• Check out the video below to learn more.

Discord

• Download the app or use your computer’s browser.
• Set up a Thanksgiving community server.
• People can pop in and out, share photos, and much more!

We have great news! Zoom has put together a list of apps you can use on their platform to make things even more fun. Check them out here.

Whether you are into a golden brown turkey or prefer a vegetarian option, there’s no doubt that one of the best parts of Thanksgiving celebrations is the food! We don’t have to sacrifice this delicious part of the holiday because we are getting together virtually. By making a few adjustments, we can still enjoy a meal together.

Keep the fun alive this Thanksgiving by not just cooking together but sharing the meal using the same video chat options. Share the fun and interesting table decorations and moments of gratitude before you dig into the delicious food you cooked together.

Let’s have some fun! Put together a few games and activities that help you connect. Here are some ideas to get you started, but don’t be afraid to get creative with games that fit the Thanksgiving theme. It’s possible to plan a memorable and fun Thanksgiving celebration – even if we are dealing with challenging times.

Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items that people may have available in their homes. Set a time limit and go for it! You can ask people to return to the camera after each item to keep it active. Have a little prize to mail to the winner.

The Question Train

What was the worst dish you’ve had on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for this year? Start by asking a random person. They ask someone else. Keep going until everyone has answered one question – or more!

Thanksgiving Trivia

Compile a list of Thanksgiving trivia questions. Create teams and let the fun begin. You can create questions in categories like Food, Traditions, or Family Facts. Alternately, keep it random.

You’ve put checks by planning the meal, exchanging recipes, and planning games, now what? A fun, creative craft session or two adds personality to the Thanksgiving celebration and helps create memories. Offer prizes that you can mail out after the gathering or just share some laughs. You’ll be making cherished memories no matter which option you choose.

Play-Doh Turkey Dinner

You’ll want to have a variety of dough colors, newspaper, or something else to protect the surfaces and other things to help with the designs.

Who can create the most realistic dinner? Who created the funniest?

Extreme Lego Building

Choose a theme for the holidays or let everyone go crazy with their own designs. Big blocks for the kids and smaller blocks for adults.

Who builds the grandest design? Who wows everyone with something adorable?

Drawing or Coloring

Capture the magic of markers and crayons with themed color books or freestyle drawings. The catch is that you must send them to someone else.

Which coloring page is the most colorful? Who has the funniest drawing?

If cooking dinner is not something you are excited about but you still want a delicious meal, why not order a Thanksgiving dinner to be picked up or delivered? There are some positively marvelous options in the Sarasota area. Be sure to check for deadlines in ordering and note pick up times.

Bob Evans

• Meals serve up to 10 people.
• Available November 1st – 24th.
• Online ordering option.
• Check out what they offer HERE.

Mattison’s

• Meals are packaged for serving six to ten.
• The cost depends on the size of your order.
• Pick up in two locations.
• Learn more about offering HERE.

Sprout’s Farmers Market

• Pick up in-store or at the curb.
• Traditional and vegetarian options.
• Party trays are available.
• See what they offer HERE.

The beloved tradition of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues on November 23rd from 8:30 AM – 12 PM EST. NBC will be broadcasting the parade, and it will also be streamed on Peacock. This year’s new parade floats include Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat & Chugs, Kung Fu Panda’s Po, Monkey D. Luffy, and The Pillsbury Doughboy.

The way we celebrate Thanksgiving may have evolved a bit during the last few years, but our determination to gather and enjoy the festive season has not changed.

From everyone at Brock Realty, we wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!