Can Chronically Ill People Make Plans For Thanksgiving? Yes!

Planning. Planning. And more planning. Yes, with planning for Thanksgiving, chronically ill people can definitely still enjoy the holiday.

The origin of the Thanksgiving holiday in the US is rooted in our early history. But several other countries also celebrate  their own version: Canada, Australia, Grenada, Liberia, Netherlands, and St. Lucia. Even more countries celebrate harvest festivals. So, to our international readers, just substitute the name of your celebration as you read this post. And, if you do not celebrate a fall festival, you can apply these ideas to planning for any gathering or celebration.

Rosalind Joffe, who has MS, once hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 22 people at her own home. How did she do it?

So, the key is planning. In advance.

Don’t give up solely because of your limitations or disabilities. Take these ideas below and adapt them to your personal situation.

For instance, think about the following situation. Could her solutions work for you?

Practical approaches

Step 1: Who and how many people will you be spending Thanksgiving with?

Step 2 : Consider your options.

• Do you need to go to a restaurant this year?
• Will the gathering be at a friend’s or family member’s home?
• Or do you need to host the dinner at your own house? (In the past, we have because we have grown children and their kids who want to be at grandma’s.)

With decisions made about these first two approaches, you are ready to consider specifics.

Step 3: What plans do you need to make?

• If going to a restaurant, and it is your choice, diligently search for the best option.
  • Research the cost and be sure all of the guests can afford it.
  • Consider diet needs.
• Are you going to someone else’s house?
  • Think about transportation.
  • Be sure any physical needs can be met.
  • Avoid misunderstandings about if and what food or decorations you might be expected to bring.
• And the most planning will be needed if you host the meal.
  • What time?
  • Plan your menu.
  • Estimate costs.
  • What decorations will be needed?
  • When will you shop, and how will you get there?
  • Who would you like to help you, and when should you ask them?
  • Decide who will do what when.

Write your plan down. (I use a spreadsheet with the item, who is responsible, how long it will take, when it needs to be started, and when it needs to be finished.)

In closing

Remember to prioritize and simplify. Follow the advice given in the quotes above. Plan in advance. Ask for help beforehand. And consider simple explanations as to what you can and cannot do.

And above all, have fun and enjoy your company.

What planning have you done in the past so you could enjoy Thanksgiving?

Or

Do you know a chronically ill person who has done extra planning for Thanksgiving? What did they do?