Spread These Memes Instead of COVID-19 This Thanksgiving
Updated Nov. 25 2020, 9:04 a.m. ET
It might be the Thanksgiving season, but no one is giving thanks for the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since the number of positive cases has been steadily increasing over the weeks leading up to the holiday, many government officials are recommending you don't celebrate the holiday with anyone outside of your current living situation.
Of course, that hasn't stopped extended family members from trying to keep things as normal as possible. But whatever your family has decided to do, it's likely this holiday season looks much different from how it usually does.
If you need a funny reminder as to why it's OK to spend this holiday apart from your family, here are some Thanksgiving memes. Send these to the family members you're missing (you know, instead of giving them COVID).
If you haven't already, here's your reminder to cancel your Thanksgiving plans.
Nothing says "organized chaos" like scheduling a family Zoom meeting only to exit it once you tell them in-person Thanksgiving is canceled.
If you go, you'll be passing more than just the green bean casserole around the table.
Yes, COVID-19 can make you lose your sense of taste, but there are much nicer ways to get out of tasting another slice of your aunt's undercooked pie.
Remember that gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people!
And remove the turkey timer before you carve the bird, ideally with only your immediate household present.
If you must meet in person, don't forget to social distance!
Now you have an excuse to stay away from the cousin who constantly annoys you!
Honestly, what makes Thanksgiving any different than the rest of 2020?
If you think about it, if you had swapped your other quarantine comfort foods for turkey and stuffing, you could've celebrated Thanksgiving every week this year!
Going home for the holidays is like being the person you scream at in a horror movie.
You wouldn't go in the spooky basement of a haunted house alone, so why are you going home for Thanksgiving?
You can do all of these things from the comfort of your own living room.
No one likes holiday travel anyway, so why not save yourself the stress and stay home?
There are way fewer awkward goodbyes over Zoom.
Think about it: Hosting your Thanksgiving dinner over Zoom means you don't have to hug your creepy uncle one too many times before you can get out the door. Just click "leave meeting" whenever you're ready!
Think of the health care workers caring for all of the sick COVID patients this holiday.
If you aren't going to stay home for your family members, do it for the healthcare workers who don't have another option.
We know you might not be able to convince your family a Zoom Thanksgiving will be fun.
But having it in person isn't any fun either. At least over Zoom you can mute the loud chewers.
Think of all of the puns you can make in your invite.
Make the bad jokes in the invite so you're spared them at the dinner table.
And what meme compilation would be complete without a dog?
Ask your parents to send photos of the family dog in funny hats as a better bonding activity than traveling to visit.
And if you needed a hard reality check ...
Remember: Just because you think you're being safe, doing any amount of travel this holiday season is putting you and your loved ones at risk for catching the virus. Think of your family members and stay home instead.
The best way to prevent contracting or spreading coronavirus is with thorough hand washing and social distancing. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, which include persistent cough (usually dry), fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue, please call your doctor before going to get tested. For comprehensive resources and updates, visit the CDC website. If you are experiencing anxiety about the virus, seek out mental health support from your provider or visit NAMI.org.