Most In CO Plan Thanksgiving Within Own Household: Patch Survey

COLORADO — Most Coloradans plan to spend the Thanksgiving holiday celebrating within their own household only as coronavirus cases spike in the state and across the country and public health officials urge Americans to keep their gatherings small and refrain from traveling, according to a Patch survey.

The survey, which appeared this week in questionnaire form, is not meant to be a scientific poll but only give a broad idea of public sentiment.

And while the vast majority of the 125 Colorado respondents said they planned to celebrate within their own household (76.8 percent) or plan on celebrating virtually (9.6 percent), some respondents (less than 4 percent) still planned on celebrating with those outside their own household.

Some respondents also shared more details about why they were limiting their plans this year.

"My extended family is in town, but we won't be seeing them (except by Zoom)," one person wrote. "However, we decided to do a completely contactless food exchange the day before so we can still share the usual food that each person makes."

And for those of you who are spending Thanksgiving alone, you know what? You actually aren't really thaaat alone — it turns out there are many Coloradans of all ages who will be celebrating Thanksgiving solo.

"It is only one year, I'll focus on being grateful, and I'll be ok being alone," one respondent wrote.

"Our Seattle daughter was planning to come home for the holiday, but instead will be in her apartment alone on Thanksgiving," another person wrote. "We intend to Zoom with her."

Some also said that their family had to cancel travel plans.

"My best friend's daughter passed away in October. We invited her and her son from Florida to spend Thanksgiving with us. I cancelled that because of advisements," a respondent wrote. "I am also encouraging her to not to have her son visit. Times are too scary and we should just be able to deal with one year where we give up a little to gain a lot."

"It will just be my husband and me this year," another respondent said. "Our son is an hour away but works in a hospital and has decided not to come to our house because of covid (and the fear of spreading it). Our daughter lives in Scotland and can't fly here due to covid. We have never had such a small holiday celebration."

A few respondents said they've decided to forego the holiday altogether.

"We are staying home and skipping Thanksgiving for this year," one respondent said.

"Thinking about throwing a “Thanksgiving in July” celebration!" another person wrote.

Many Colorado counties are shifting to Level Red on the state's COVID-19 Dial as coronavirus rates climb. Under the new level, gathering with people from outside your household is not permitted.

A new 'Level Purple - Extreme Risk' was added to the state's dial Friday for "counties where hospital capacity is at extreme risk of being overrun," public health officials said.

"At this level, all businesses must significantly curtail in person functions and people must stay at home except for necessary activities."

Respondents to Patch's survey also overwhelmingly said they were concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.