Thanksgiving Joy Amidst a Global Pandemic

Nov 23

The other day I was playing peek-a-boo with my nine month old. While I lay on the floor, I peeked out from under a large pink box. He grew disinterested and I found myself lying on the ground, under the pink box, enjoying a few moments of dark, quiet, rest.

Motherhood has introduced me to a level of exhaustion I was not previously aware existed. When I am able to take a rare nap, I fall into what I call “Rip Van Winkle Sleep.” I wake up and wonder, “where am I? What year is it???”

We are about nine months into the pandemic, as mentioned, roughly the same age as my son. For many of us, we are nine months into the gymnastics of managing childcare (or lack thereof) and distance learning amidst the pandemic. That’s a lot of meals prepared without much of a break, a lot of nights-out that weren’t, a lot of opportunities for rest and relaxation that haven’t happened.

I made it through the first eight months of this slog without many tears. On Nov 1st we held a socially distant parade for my Grandma Jean’s 90th birthday. The rules were strict- stay in your car, no gathering, masks on at all times. It was the first time most members of my extended family met Oslo, through the window of a car. The parade was half a mile long. Because my parents and grandparents are farmers, we were able to decorate hay wagons. In the photo below you can see that we wore aprons and pretended to roll lefse, since our annual lefse fest event will be cancelled. (Lefse Fest is a tradition where all the family comes together to make lefse for the holidays.)

The parade was beautiful and uplifting. It also unleashed a flood of tears. On the drive home to Duluth I cried on and off for the better part of four hours. It finally hit me that Oslo won’t be opening presents with family for his first Christmas. I haven’t been able to share the joy of his first year with my loved ones. The anxiety on the drive home was intense, were we safe enough? It definitely felt like a last hurrah, and something none of us would feel comfortable risking now, a mere month later.

I know I’m not alone. I think many of us are experiencing a collective sense of dread as we head into what everyone keeps calling “the long, dark, winter” ad nauseum on television.

So I thought, what is something I can share with y’all that brings me joy? Thanksgiving.

I love Thanksgiving. When I got married I requested this holiday from my sisters. I’ve hosted approximately nine times (?) give or take. So here are some of my hot tips for those of you about to host Turkey Day at home for your immediate family for the very first time. It may not be the same boisterous group around the table, but you can still create a special day with your small group, or at your table for one.

Tablescapes

A simple tablecloth and unscented candles can turn any table into a fine dining experience! Bring in elements of the outdoors to enhance your tablescapes. Small sprigs of cedar or balsam fire look lovely! Or, order some eucalyptus from a local florist for a touch of elegance.

Your local thrift store is likely to have candleholders, that’s where my aunt found the candlestick holders pictured below! Get creative and try to use what you already have at home.

Turkey Tips

A few things: those bags at the store work wonders. If you aren’t worried about pulling a gorgeous turkey out of the oven, go with the bag (and really, this is the year to go for taste over presentation because… no one is going to see that beautiful turkey!). Yum!

If you cook your bird upside down, all the juice will settle in the soft tender white meat, instead of the dark meat. Again, if you don’t care what your bird looks like before you cut it up, this is a great technique. (I’ve even used the bag and the upside down technique together.) I have many other turkey tips but I’m leaving it to these two this year. Seriously, keep it simple! If ever there were a year to skip the brine, this may be it. Take it easy on yourself.

The hottest tip of all: Turkey Surprise!

I learned this hot tip on The Splendid Table several years ago and we swear by it! Layer your leftovers in a casserole or cake pan. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, and gravy. I also add corn casserole. This makes one easy leftover casserole instead of 10 small Tupperware containers. Then, either freeze the casserole and bring it out later, or warm in the oven on 350 the next day. Solves the problem of too many mashed potatoes and not enough gravy, etc. When you layer it up, it all works out in a delicious way!

One final bonus tip for a pandemic “zoomsgiving”

Start your day off with yoga! Bryana is teaching a gentle yoga class with a focus on gratitude on Thanksgiving! Come solo, or invite your friends and family to join you virtually for some feel-good yoga. A sure-fire way to start the day on the right foot. :)

10-11am Gentle yoga with Bryana - Meeting Link & ID: 975 5580 0262
Sliding scale classes: Venmo or PayPal $5-20 per class - thank you in advance for supporting our small business!
- Venmo account is @BorealBliss, last four digits 9999
- PayPal account is hello@borealblissyogaretreats.com
Download Zoom prior to class for desktop, iPhone, and/or android.

Amanda Imes

Amanda seems to be most herself when reading, writing, planning or attending a theme party, traveling with her husband, visiting glaciers, dancing like a crazy woman, laughing, and when outside. She melts (and complains) when the thermostat exceeds 80 degrees and plans her life to avoid large crowds, traffic and big cities. She owns and operates a paddleboard outfitter in Duluth, SUPerior Paddle, with her husband and french bulldog Loki.

She is certified to teach yoga through Core Power yoga.

“As a teacher, I’ve found so many interesting new friends on the mat. Like anyone, I have bad days. Life breaks my heart sometimes. However, I always do my best to bring my best version of myself to class as a teacher. I know that some of my students might be having a difficult week too, and that one hour on the mat might just be the hour that turns their week around. I have yet to make it further than 45 seconds into a class with a bad attitude.

Teaching fulfills me. I leave class feeling joyful. That is what yoga (and writing) do for me - they save my life sometimes. They are my secret lifeline to joy, forgiveness, groundedness, serenity- to the truest version of myself.

Can’t wait to lead you in journaling practice, crafts, silliness, and an epic yoga sculpt dance party.”