It’s one of the most revered American holidays: Thanksgiving. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy good food and relax. Back in the day Thanksgiving meant a whole lot more work. What if you had to catch your own dinner? Certainly times have changed. Technology has made this holiday a whole lot easier. Here’s how we’re thankful for technology this Thanksgiving.
How many of you meet up with long-time friends on Thanksgiving eve? We used to have to call everybody and spread the word, but with Facebook events, Evites and a slew of other paperless invite sites you can create a mini high school reunion at your favorite bar with the click of mouse!
It’s a tradition – and you don’t have to be in New York City to enjoy the festivities. In fact, you don’t even have to be in front of a TV anymore! Enjoy the parade laying poolside, cozied up by the fireplace, or just enjoying your coffee in bed. After all, it’s all live streamed to your tablet or device.
If you’ve ever planned the Thanksgiving menu you know how much technology is involved. Recipe and meal planning apps not only help you decide what dishes to make but can also provide you with a timeline for making sure everything’s ready at the same time – and even a detailed grocery list. Of course, if things don’t go as planned just order takeout online!
Who gets to break the wishbone at your family gathering? How long should it dry? How should you hold it? Where does this tradition even come from? The answer: Google it.
If football is center stage at your house then you already know how technology scores big time. Technology brings the game(s) to your family room with an estimated 40 television cameras, superimposed yard lines, and social media hash tags so you can see what everyone else is saying about that questionable call.
Some families take some time on Thanksgiving to put up their Christmas tree! Or they get crafty gathering the kids around to create ornaments or garland. Where do we get these novel ideas? One word: Pinterest.
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If you’re not decorating a tree, chances are you’re watching a movie, or two, or three! Take your pick: Showtime, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, the list goes on and on. We’re thankful for the ability to steam movie after movie while we rest after that amazing dinner.
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Thanks to technology like Facetime and Skype your loved ones, who couldn’t make it to the Thanksgiving table, can still participate in the celebration. Ever play Pictionary with someone who lives thousands of miles away? It’s a hoot!
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If you’re a black Friday shopper you are scouring the sales online and planning your early morning itinerary. Retail apps and virtual coupons fit into the mix. If the thrill of the hunt isn’t your thing you’ll probably sleep in Friday morning and do your shopping on Cyber Monday instead.
Okay, you don’t need technology to enjoy an old fashioned snooze on the couch, but after a day like Thanksgiving you certainly deserve it!
