Many families are grateful for the opportunity to once again gather this Thanksgiving as COVID-19 vaccines offer some protection from the virus.

Last year, the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health officials encouraged people to not travel for the Thanksgiving holiday and to have a small celebration at home. This year, infectious disease specialists say it’s safer to celebrate the holidays with family and friends as long as everyone is immunized against COVID-19.

Minnesota state health officials are asking people to use precautions to help curb the spread of COVID-19 over the holiday season. That includes wearing masks, trying to host gatherings outside or in well-ventilated areas and to be mindful of social distancing.

Last week Gov. Tim Walz announced that all fully vaccinated Minnesota adults are now able to get COVID-19 booster shots after federal authorities approved expanding eligibility. Minnesotans are encouraged to find a local provider for a booster shot by going to this website. 

Health officials say most people 5 years of age and older should be vaccinated. Gillette Children's is offering COVID-19 vaccines for existing patients who are 5 to 18-years old.

While changes to family traditions are not easy, health experts say it’s the best way to keep your family safe and help curb the spread of the virus.

“This too shall pass,” says Matthew Witham, PhD, manager of Child and Family Services at Gillette Children's. “It’s certainly continues to be challenging and we’re being asked to adjust to things and to modify the traditions we hold dear,” he adds.

Witham advises that children take cues from parents and caregivers so it’s especially important to model calm behavior. It’s also a good idea to have a family discussion about why Thanksgiving and other holidays will be different this year. “Parents should focus on why it’s important to make changes to celebrations this year. Children have already probably missed birthday parties, had a different kind of Halloween experience and now we need to prepare them to celebrate the upcoming holidays in a different way,” Witham says.

“You want to keep these conversations positive and not blame health or political officials,” Witham says. “Explain that we’re all in this together and we want to keep everyone safe. It’s best to focus on positive things like the opportunity for us to be together as a family. Explain how not having distractions like traveling or lots of people in the house can mean more time to bond as a family.”

“It’s an opportunity for children to learn good coping skills,” Witham says. “Adults can teach children to calm themselves by deep breathing. Sometimes sitting quietly next to a child can help them become more calm and regulated.”

In the best of circumstances the holidays can be a stressful time for families. Witham advises people to focus on three things to help tamp down the holiday stress:

1. Give and extend grace. You can’t do it all and it won’t be perfect. Remind yourself that no one is perfect.
2. Keep it simple. We want to do everything but we can’t. It might be a good idea to focus on fewer activities. This simplifies things and allows you to spend more relaxed quality time as a family.
3. Start every day new. Let it go. Be in the present moment.

Witham suggests families might want to consider taking the focus off the meal. "That can be helpful," Witham says. "Especially since we can't have big gatherings around a table or share a feast with lots of people." 

Instead, Witham suggests people consider coming up with ways to express gratitude. For example, families could leave “Gratefulness Care Packages” on the doorsteps of people who have helped during this challenging time.

Witham and his family plan to spend part of Thanksgiving doing outdoor activities—if the Minnesota weather cooperates. “Getting out in nature is a good way to enhance your mood and some light exercise can also help to regulate your emotions.”

“Remind children that while the celebrations and traditions may change—your love for them is still the same,” Witham says. “That reassurance can help everyone have a happy holiday.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at Gillette Children's

Gillette is offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for existing patients between age 5 and 11 at the Burnsville or Phalen Clinic. Appointments are necessary and parents or caregivers should call 651-290-8707 or schedule an appointment via the patient portal with MyGillette. 

Additional vaccine information is available at the Minnesota Department of Health website.