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Let me give you some pratical tips for hosting meaningful virtual thanksgiving celebrations that connects family through activities and traditions. I cannot believe we are already talking about Thanksgiving again. Where did the year go? As someone who has had family scattered across three different time zones for the past decade, I have become somewhat of an unwitting expert in the art of the virtual holiday gathering.
Back in 2020, virtual celebrations were a necessity. They have become a fantastic supplement to traditional gatherings, especially for those relatives who simply cannot make the journey. Last year my aunty who who started recovering from a major surgery she just did and my cousin had just had a baby there was no way they were traveling, but that did not mean they had to miss out on our family celebration.
Why Virtual Thanksgiving Still Matters in 2025
Not everyone can stand the chance to stay on a plane or drive six hours for turkey dinner. Maybe your sister just had a baby, your parents decided to retire in Arizona, or your best friend took that amazing job opportunity across the country. Virtual Thanksgiving celebrations have evolved far beyond the awkward Zoom calls of years past. Now they are meaningful ways to maintain holiday traditions and family connections despite the miles between us.
I remember last year when my grandpa saying he never taught he would ever appreciate the power of the internet but here it is he was absolutely right. Technology has actually given us a way to go about long distance relationships even though it is not the same as getting a hug.
Setting Up Your Virtual Thanksgiving Space That Does Not Look Like a Work Meeting
First things first nobody wants to feel like they are attending another work meeting on Thanksgiving. When I host virtual Thanksgiving gatherings, I take time to create an actual festive atmosphere. This means moving away from my desk and setting up somewhere with good natural light and holiday decorations in the background.
My living room has this perfect spot next to the window where the afternoon light comes in just right. I set up my laptop there with a ring light and make sure there are pumpkins, fall leaves, and maybe a cornucopia visible behind me. The atmosphere matters it signals to everyone that this is not just another video call, this is Thanksgiving.
Coordinating the Virtual Thanksgiving Meal Experience
Food is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, and virtual celebrations do not have to miss out. Last year I tried something and luckily enough it came out well shared recipes! About two weeks before Thanksgiving, I sent everyone the recipe for my grandmother’s famous sweet potato casserole with instructions to make it for our virtual dinner.
There is something powerful about knowing we are all eating the same dish, prepared from the same recipe, even though we are apart. My brother texted me halfway through preparation saying he had no idea how much work went into that casserole newfound appreciation right there.
Creating Meaningful Activities That Do Not Feel Forced
Let us be honest, sitting and staring at each other while eating can get awkward fast. I learned this the hard way during our first virtual Thanksgiving when conversation fizzled after about 15 minutes.
Now I plan simple activities that work well through screens. One tradition that has stuck is our gratitude bowl. Everyone writes down three things they are thankful for before the call. During dessert, we take turns reading one and guessing who wrote it. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes tearful, it always gets conversation flowing naturally.
Another hit has been kitchen tours where everyone shows off their cooking space and explains one dish they prepared. My nephew Max stole the show last year with his detailed explanation of how he made cranberry sauce all by himself with considerable supervision from my sister, as her facial expressions clearly conveyed.
Navigating Technical Difficulties With Grace And Backup Plans
Something will go wrong. Accept this now. Whether it is unstable internet, a device that suddenly needs updating, or a relative who cannot figure out how to unmute, technical hiccups are part of the virtual Thanksgiving experience.
I have learned to build in buffer time and have backup plans. Last year my internet went down 30 minutes before our scheduled call. Instead of panicking, I switched to my phone hotspot and sent a quick text pushing our start time back 15 minutes. And that was how it was settled without even panicking
Virtual Thanksgiving celebrations have earned their place in our holiday toolkit. They bridge distances, include those who cannot travel, and remind us that thankfulness does not require physical proximity – just open hearts and decent WiFi.
Reference
Hampton, K. N., & Wellman, B. (2023). Digital technology and social connection: Complementary rather than substitutive. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 28(3), 231–248. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmad001
Kushlev, K., & Heintzelman, S. J. (2022). Technology use and well-being during COVID-19: Adaptations and vulnerabilities. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 837948. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.837948
Mulfinger, A. M., Wolfson, J. A., & Miles, M. (2023). Virtual vs. physical holiday celebrations: Impact on family cohesion and psychological well-being. Journal of Family Psychology, 37(1), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam000089
National Institute on Aging. (2023). Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: Risks and interventions. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected