Is This the First “Normal” Thanksgiving Since 2019?

Pexels, Tima Miroshnichenko

Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude in many households across the United States and Canada. It serves as a reminder to be thankful for our health, families and the opportunities we are presented with. But, there’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on this holiday, among others. 

In recent years, the pandemic and other sub-related illnesses have interfered with families coming together to celebrate any holidays or special moments. Moments normally filled with cheer and joy have turned lonesome as they were forced into isolation.

But, as COVID cases are decreasing compared to the initial high numbers and vaccines are rolling out, Thanksgiving can start to look slightly more normal. 

For some families, Thanksgiving 2022 is going to be the first time in years that their family is all going to be together again. Ipsos reported that many families feel more comfortable with gathering now because of available vaccinations and boosters, accompanied by their own safety precautions taking place in their homes, such as keeping an open airflow, disinfecting and other safety procedures.

Aubree Schnaars ‘26 said, “This will be the first Thanksgiving in almost two years that I will be able to spend with my grandparents. Because of the pandemic and the risks it poses on their health, I have not been able to spend as much time as I usually had been in years past, so this Thanksgiving is especially important to me.” 

Across the country, many people feel the same way. They will finally be able to embrace their loved ones after years spent apart, which is truly something to be grateful for. Many people look forward to enjoying savory meals with the people they love, and to finally be able to do it together again is a huge deal.

The overall consensus among the Marist community shows that students are excited to head home and spend time with their loved ones and friends.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my family of course, but I’m also looking forward to finally feeling some normalcy since I’ve started college,” said Emma Gaecklein ‘26. “I love being here, but every day has been up and down and I’ve had to adjust to it so much, so I’m excited to go home and know what to expect.”

Schnaars added, “I am very excited to go home and see my family, especially my dogs and my friends from high school and my boyfriend.” She said the break is well-needed and will help her get through the end of the semester.

While most families this year are eager to be together again, a recent study by Qualtrics found that other people are planning to scale back their typical plans. In an effort to scale back, people are also reducing their travel, Black Friday spending and large group gatherings this Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving is meant for quality time and enjoying delicious food with those you love. However, three in five people reported that they will avoid their friends and family due to the risk of getting sick in 2022, according to Qualtrics. With the possibility of loved ones being asymptomatic, it can be dangerous to gather for the holidays.

Overall, it seems that this Thanksgiving is going to be the first “normal Thanksgiving” since 2019, in which families can gather without COVID regulations keeping them apart. However, it may still look a little different from pre-COVID years.