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Fun quarantine Thanksgiving ideas to help you have a festive feast

Your celebration may look different this year, but that doesn't mean it has to be any less exciting.

Fun quarantine Thanksgiving ideas to help you have a festive feast

Your celebration may look different this year, but that doesn't mean it has to be any less exciting.

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Fun quarantine Thanksgiving ideas to help you have a festive feast

Your celebration may look different this year, but that doesn't mean it has to be any less exciting.

'Tis the season for gratitude, giving, and lots and lots of turkey. However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, your Thanksgiving festivities might look a bit different. Maybe instead of a packed house, you're only entertaining your immediate family members. Or, maybe you'll be spending the holiday completely alone. Whatever the case, there are ways to make your Thanksgiving feel festive and special, even while social distancing.

Ahead, we've found the best quarantine Thanksgiving ideas you can do at home. You might even find that taking the time to reimagine Thanksgiving could lead to new traditions that last for years to come.

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fall breakfast quiche
Ramulo Yanes
1

Make a filling fall breakfast

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food, so it makes sense to start the day with something scrumptious. A fall frittata with sweet potato and kale will keep you full until the main event: turkey.

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thanksgiving decorations
Brian Woodcock
2

Decorate for the season

The easiest way to make it feel like the holidays is to decorate like it's the holidays. Even if no one is coming over this year, adding a few festive touches here and there will lift your spirits. A can go a long way in setting the Thanksgiving mood.

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smiling children riding bikes in autumn park at camera
Getty ImagesFlairImages
3

Go on a family walk or bike ride

Go ahead, enjoy the fresh air! Break out your bicycles and take a spin around the block. It's a great way to get moving before you get eating.

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Lulu Candles
4

Light a fall candle

amazon.com
$14.95

Want a more low-key holiday? Settle in with a soothing fall candle and a cup of tea. The turkey will take a while to cook anyway — so you might as well relax while it's in the oven. 

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Tifeson
5

Play an outdoor game

amazon.com
$20.99

Little ones love to celebrate all day long, and playing an is the perfect way to get them off the sofa and into the fresh air. A bean-bag toss is ideal for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

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fall punch
Mike Garten
6

Mix a fall cocktail

There are so many yummy fall flavors that taste delicious in cocktails. Mix individual drinks or whip up a large batch of punch in the morning. This one includes pear, ginger beer, lemon, and bitters.

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children drawing at thanksgiving table
Getty ImagesAlexandra Grablewski
7

Make a Thanksgiving craft

Need something to do while the turkey cooks? Try an arts and crafts project. Making something as simple as a handprint turkey will keep the kids occupied. Not to mention, it'll be a cute keepsake for years to come.

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cheesy monkey bread
Mike Garten
8

Make a yummy appetizer

The best way to feel festive all day long is to eat delicious food. For example, everyone can nosh on this cheesy monkey bread while they play games, watch the parade and hang out.

turkey dinner
Getty ImagesLauriPatterson
9

Get everyone cooking

Everyone in the house can help get dinner on the table. Kids can roll pie dough and mix ingredients together, and other adults can put together a signature dish. Just because your feast might be smaller this year, it doesn't mean it has to be any less creative or fun.

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video chatting with friends during social distancing
Getty Imagesyulkapopkova
10

Host a virtual party

By now, you're a pro at hosting virtual parties. Get the entire family together on Zoom and play a card game or say something you're thankful for. You might even use some of the same recipes for your side dishes so you can compare notes on how everything came out.

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Courtesy Turkey on the Table
11

Make a Turkey on the Table

amazon.com
$49.99

Here's a cute tradition that doubles as a centerpiece: Turkey on the Table. This book and activity kit encourages kids to brainstorm and write down everything they're thankful for. Plus, the company has a partnership with Feeding America, which means that for every Turkey on the Table it sells, it'll donate 10 meals to someone in need. 

questions games
Alice and Lois
12

Answer festive questions

Every family could use a few conversation starters from time to time. These printables focus on the joy of Thanksgiving, and are the perfect thing to have on hand in case your Zoom party starts to die down.

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movie night at back yard
Getty ImagesM_a_y_a
13

Watch a fall movie

The best way to unwind on Thanksgiving is with a cozy fall movie. Build a pillow fort, pop some popcorn (or heat up some leftovers) and snuggle in to watch a film. If you want to get a head start on the holidays, watch a .

Bits and Pieces
14

Put together a Thanksgiving puzzle

amazon.com
$15.98

Movies not your thing? Try a post-dinner puzzle. This 500-piece option is easy enough to complete in a night — but not so easy that you'll be done in an hour. 

Godiva
15

Send a sweet treat to a loved one

amazon.com
$60.00

This year, your loved ones might be scattered across the country. But just because you're physically separated doesn't mean you can't make their day special. Send custom gift bags or prepackaged goodies to show your love. 

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