This Just In –After a global pandemic and a serious struggle to preserve democracy, I am READY for some turkey, stuffing and pie. This means, at my house, there will (thankfully) be lots of cooking next week and lots of people on the big day.
There’s a lot to do in preparation for this dinner for 17. Obviously, the meal planning, cleaning the house, airport pick-ups and managing whatever surprises appear. I’m hoping the sneak attack of back spasms on Monday evening has the “surprise’ thing covered (it’s getting better).
Last weekend, I checked my most important boxes – those of flu shot and COVID booster. That meant a lazy day on Sunday and a sore arm for a few days, but now I’m ready to have a house full of people in close proximity.
As we launch into the chilly weather and more time inside, less fresh air, please be reminded that influenza has taken no holiday. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that tens of thousands of Americans have already been hospitalized with acute illness from the flu. Millions of cases have already been reported.
When we collect for the holidays it’s a joyful thing to see friends and family that we haven’t seen in person for a long time. It’s vital for our mental health to keep us connected and engaged with each other.
That said, we don’t want to send anyone home with any viral hitchhikers. Be reminded of some of the many easy, free things you can do to avoid the spread of the flu (and colds for that matter):
- Get a flu shot – You can still get the flu if you’ve been vaccinated, but its course will be less severe. Local pharmacies can give you a flu shot. It’s quick and easy and there’s still time to get it done before Thanksgiving.
- Wash your hands frequently – Yes! Still gotta do this!
- If it’s not insanely cold, open some windows and get the air moving.
- Keep those fluids up – Keeping yourself well-hydrated is important for preventing severe illness. Our grandmothers would be pleased that we’ve “discovered” so many things they told us were exactly right. Including …
- Go easy on the alcohol – Booze may be delicious and called for on a special occasion, but it is dehydrating. Have a glass of wine, but have another glass of water with it.
- Take that walk after the big meal. Exercise helps your digestion and gets you out of my way while I’m cleaning up.
Also, this… instead of the tradition uh-oh political discussion, I recommend two things:
- Make sure everyone (complaining or not) is arranged for a group photo (take many pictures, but make everyone line up and look at the camera for at least one group shot). My dad was always THAT GUY who insisted on this. We all groaned but this year we will feel his absence deeply, so I’m taking over that job.
- Get as many people as you can involved in playing a game. Monopoly was our favorite years ago, then Cards Against Humanity, but there’s hardly a wrong choice here. These can be great opportunities for candid photos, too.
Finally, remember that large group gatherings can be overwhelming for pets and young children. Be sure to make it easy for a skittish kitty to get away from the crowd and ensure some quiet and/or outside time for the kids. They need space. We all do.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jean Bolduc is a freelance writer and the host of the Weekend Watercooler on 97.9 The Hill. She is the author of “African Americans of Durham & Orange Counties: An Oral History” (History Press, 2016) and has served on Orange County’s Human Relations Commission, The Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina, the Orange County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and the Orange County Schools’ Equity Task Force. She was a featured columnist and reporter for the Chapel Hill Herald and the News & Observer.
Readers can reach Jean via email – jean@penandinc.com and via Twitter @JeanBolduc
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