America celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday, although for many people, this year looked a little different.
With the US among the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, many enjoyed a scaled down celebration.
Around the world, people took to social media to express their thanks, which for many was all the more poignant this year.
It was also an emotional day for fans of game show Jeopardy! as a special pre-recorded Thanksgiving message from late host Alex Trebek was aired. Trebek died on November 8 after being diagnosed with cancer.
“You know, in spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now, there are many reasons to be thankful," Trebek said in the video.
"There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbours," he continued, "and that's a good thing."
The message ended with Trebek urging America to “keep the faith”. “We're going to get through all of this, and we will be a better society because of it.”
US basketball player Rex Chapman tweeted to say: “Alex Trebek recorded a Thanksgiving message prior to his passing. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Happy Thanksgiving everyone — and RIP, Alex...”
Other stars took to social media to share messages of thanks and show glimpses of how they celebrated the holiday. Here’s a look at how they saw in Thanksgiving 2020…
Huda Kattan
Iraqi-American make-up mogul Huda Kattan saw in Thanksgiving surrounded by her friends and family from her home in Dubai. The Huda Beauty founder shared an insight to the celebrations on her Instagram page, from hand-painting seasonal decor for the table to basting and preparing the Turkey. She also shared a glimpse the finished feast, which looked seriously impressive. "This is all homemade," she reassured her followers, as she showed off the food in industrial-sized serving trays. She also offered a look at the table outside, set against the backdrop of The Palm Jumeirah. "The weather in Dubai is just amazing right now,' she said.
Gigi Hadid
New mother Gigi Hadid revealed that she and partner Zayn Malik hosted Thanksgiving for the famous family this year. She shared snippets of food prep throughout the day, as well as a glimpse at the table settings, which featured individual name cards made from mini pumpkins, and dried corn for decoration. Sister and fellow supermodel Bella Hadid shared pictures of her preparing brie and cranberry tarts, as well as an indulgent looking mac and cheese.
Chrissy Teigen
Model, presenter and chef Chrissy Teigen loves to show off her cooking skills on social media, and Thanksgiving was no different. Teigen showed off her mouth-watering dishes, including a beef prime rib roast, smothered in herb butter, as well as a traditional turkey and all the trimmings. “Happy Thanksgiving, my loves,” she captioned a post shared with her 33 million followers.
The Kardashians
As you might expect from one of the world's most famous families, Thanksgiving at the Kardasians' in hardly a low-key affair. From turkey-themed table wear to a dedicated smores bar, various members of the family shared snippets from their day on social media. Khloe Kardashian proudly showed off the Oreo cupcakes and huge cake she made for the occasion, while Kris Jenner revealed the family settled down to watch Home Alone after their feast.
Kate Hudson
Actress Kate Hudson chose the holiday as a chance to share her reflections on the challenges of 2020. “I am about to take out the turkey to get to room temp and start the holiday bustle of a family of 5. I am sitting at my desk, writing. I am thinking of my family, not spending this holiday with my mom and dad, my siblings, my cousins, my friends. My family holiday looks different this year, as it does for many others. And all I can think about is how many people are spending their first holiday away from someone they lost,” she wrote.
“This year brings that front and centre. I hope everyone who is saddened by this today, either directly or indirectly, can join me in choosing to pray and give thanks for the gift of life and love, that everyone can understand there is freedom in letting go and understanding that we are all impermanent.”
