CHARLOTTE – This has been a year like no other.

It’s been difficult to not lament as each holiday passes by without the normal gathering and celebrations.

I remain grateful though that we have the technology and social media to stay in touch. My family has lived away from extended family for many years now, and there have been some years our family has been separated due to my husband’s military service. We are no strangers to communicating online.

While it’s not the same, it is something. There’s something special about being able to see and hear your loved one from hundreds of miles away…and sometimes only a few miles away now.

My philosophy as a military wife raising young children was to adapt and overcome, if I kept trying to do things the same way when they were not the same, we were always going to feel cheated. Instead, we did holidays differently away from family and away from my husband, so it wasn’t a comparison and constant reminder of what was missing.

For this Thanksgiving how can it be different? Maybe try different dishes since there will be a smaller crowd around the table. Or try something fancy. Be sure to take pictures and video to share. Schedule a video chat during desserts or in the morning over coffee. Have a watch party of a favorite holiday movie online together.

No matter what you do, try to find something to be grateful for, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!