NORFOLK, Va. - Thanksgiving looked and felt different this year.
“It changed a lot of things - from a huge family get-together reduced down to a couple friends,” said Tanasha Cook.
Marcus Baker and his family in Portsmouth tried something new this year.
“So, how my aunt did it is, she had my grandma come and we came in shifts of six to eat with grandma so everybody got a chance to eat with her,” Baker adds.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's celebration recommendationsput a hold on some plans.
“Sometimes my sister will come in town from Charlotte, but we are just socially distancing now,” said Allyson Hyatt.
Allyson spent the holiday at work but got off in time to get dinner with her mother.
“The restaurants are very careful, I think,” said Mary Beth Hyatt.
Restaurants were also an option for people who wanted to step out.
“The turkey dinner with all the fixings. Of course, lots of cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and stuffing,” said Operations Director of RZ Restaurants Olivia Gray.
“A lot of people joined us for the first time this year because they weren’t able to do their traditional family get-togethers,” Gray adds.
People told News 3 they are grateful and appreciative of restaurants that decided to open their doors and kitchens.
“I’m thankful for anyone that is opening their doors on Thanksgiving and allowing us to enjoy ourselves but still being cautious of the pandemic,” adds Cook.
Related: Virginia Beach bakery sees huge demand for Thanksgiving dinner orders
Gray says she’s thankful for the guests who keep their kitchens busy in order to stay open - not just on a holiday, but through this difficult time.
“We are just so appreciative of our guests, and I hope they know that,” she adds.
