Thanksgiving is... Different

One of our favorite holidays is here – but like all things in 2020, things are a little different this year.

Many state and local governments are trying to stop the spread of Covid-19 by limiting the number of people gathering indoors. The idyllic Norman Rockwell painting "Freedom from Want" with Grandparents serving a turkey to a crowded table of family members huddled together is probably not in the cards for most of us this year.

While Halloween and December festivities increasingly overshadow Thanksgiving, 2020 reminds us that it's more important than ever to take time and celebrate the friends and family that help make these trying times endurable. Being thankful and being angry have a hard time occupying the same space simultaneously. Gratitude is a state of mind that allows one to focus on the positive amidst the negative. We can all use a day like this to take a break, especially those of us who have suffered loss, feel helpless, and are losing hope. I assure you, there is treasure in the trash of 2020!

Getting together might look a little different this year. Your gatherings might have a virtual component. Maybe you are taking your Thanksgiving outdoors, or maybe your table only consists of people in your immediate household.

How can you embrace tradition and at the same time lean into different?

If you are reading this blog, you probably consider yourself pretty artsy. We do, too! Why not channel some of that creativity and talent into making something unique? Let the special people in your life know what they mean to you. At Thanksgiving, we usually do this with food, but this year, think of ways how you might be able to do this with art.

Here are some of our ideas:

For those who can't be with you this year, write a letter or make a card. Whether it's a heartfelt letter to a friend or family member, or a "thinking of you" card dropped off to residents of a retirement home (or hospital patients nearby), your thoughts and talent will bring joy to others.

If you've never made a tablescape, try it out this year! Even if it's just a setting for two, embellish your dinner table with invitations, handmade menus, seating cards, and artistic thank you cards. Write a thank you card to yourself while you are at it; you deserve it!

If your friends and family live nearby, but you can't get together in person, consider the classic ding dong ditch. Ring the doorbell and leave dessert and a handmade card, or maybe it's the full dinner for those that are homebound.

If you regularly volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, maybe donate some of your art in the form of positive quotes in the size of an artist trading card, or donate some art supplies to your local shelter. As you already know, art can be therapeutic. Small gestures can make a difference for both the giver and the receiver.

If you are one of those artistic souls that try something different to express your gratitude at Thanksgiving this year, let us know! We'd love to see your comments below. You can also show us your work by tagging us on Instagram with #kohinoorusa.

From our family at Chartpak to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. We are truly grateful for the artists who use our products and inspire us every day.