Who’s ready to feast? Thanksgiving is upon us again, along with all the staples of this American holiday: roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Of course, the best part of Thanksgiving is being surrounded by the warmth of family and friends gathering together and giving thanks for all that has come and gone this year.
Most of us would rather NOT think about technology on Thanksgiving — if there’s a day to put away your phone, shut up your laptop, and leave the gadgets turned off, that’s it. Right? It turns out that technology can actually help bring us together and make the most of our kitchens this Thanksgiving. Below, CMIT Solutions has compiled our top 7 ways to put technology to good use, all of which will hopefully result in a more relaxing vacation:
While our grandparents might have hosted a full house without even looking at a recipe card, why not take advantage of the endless apps, high-tech thermometers and interactive menu wizards that offer instant recipes, planning platforms, cooking assistants and even online sommeliers. Want to turn your phone into an interactive food scale? You can do it. Need help understanding the difference between dried and fresh cranberries? There is an app for that. And with 10 dishes prepared at once, a hands-free mobile assistant can be a Thanksgiving cook’s best friend.
Whether you’re on the other side of the world or just across town from your loved ones, you can still all get together this Thanksgiving. Web-based video calling is easy, cheap, and everywhere — Skype, FaceTime, Gchat, you name it and (as usual) there’s an app for it. Whatever your preferred method of digital communication, don’t let a little distance keep you from telling that absent relative how much you love and miss them this Thanksgiving. BONUS TIP: You can instantly upload photos of the day to any number of social media and cloud sharing sites to share the love.
Just as video conferencing has brought the world a little closer, streaming TV has changed the way we access our favorite programs. No matter what Thanksgiving tradition takes place in your household—the Macy’s Parade, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, classic sitcoms—rely on technologies like DVR, TiVo, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more Call Aunt Martha’s favorite show in no time. And if your family doesn’t enjoy watching TV, take advantage of the big screen so everyone can share family pictures all year round. Talk about a way to really say thank you.
Whether you’re a Black Friday fan who loves queuing at 12:01 AM or you’d rather let your favorite websites and apps grab you that sweet 95% discount, technology can help you this Thanksgiving be your best shopping buddy. From email alerts to review apps that tell you who has the shortest routes and the best sales, the internet can help you get it all done — in person or online. (Just make sure the online sites and apps you use are legit, safe, and that you’re not falling for cyber scams that can spread when internet traffic increases.)
While this tip doesn’t sound very technical, anyone who’s been nominated to butcher a turkey the old-fashioned way will tell you that the struggle with a semi-sharp blade and an old serving fork is real. Every kitchen should be equipped with an electric carving knife that will make this Thursday dinner a breeze, save time and eliminate frustration in what should be a fun, family-oriented moment.
Let’s face it, our non-tech kin will always need a hand on their computer, smartphone, or digital camera. Yes, it can be excruciating watching them try to find the power button, let alone learning the ins and outs of their favorite social media app. But this Thanksgiving, slow down, take a deep breath, and give this tutorial — a little generosity goes a long way. You never know what kind of connection you’ll facilitate or what kind of thanks you’ll get in return. Isn’t that exactly what the holiday spirit is all about?
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