Daily Skimm: These are my Thanksgiving pants

"Corn and Cob" – The two turkeys pardoned by President Trump. Amaizeing.

Staying Safe

The Story

As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, states are preparing for the worst.

What do you mean?

Health experts have cautioned against traveling for the holidays – including as the weather gets colder and carving the turkey with gloves and a Parka isn't on anyone's to-do list. But despite the warnings, millions of travelers are packing their bags and boarding passes. Now, states and city govs are taking matters into their own hands. In Pennsylvania, alcohol purchases will be restricted on "Blackout Wednesday" (yes, that's what some people call Thanksgiving eve). In Maryland, state police are being called to help enforce coronavirus restrictions. In Los Angeles, outdoor dining will be on hold temporarily, and officials are thinking about a possible stay-at-home order (for the first time since March). And across the country, especially in America's heartland, hospitals are "drowning" with an increased number of COVID-19 cases and dwindling ICU beds.

What can I do to stay safe?

Stay home. And stick to celebrating the holidays with members of your household. If you really need to travel, experts say driving a car may be safer than taking public transit. And regardless of how, when, where, or if you travel: mask up, wash your hands often, bring sanitizing wipes or gels, and stay six feet away from others (stranger danger 2020 edition). While this year's celebrations may look a little different, there are plenty of traditions you can still count on.

Finally, some good news.

Always. You may not have a kids' table with your favorite cousins, but you can show off your new plant babies on Zoom all night long. And watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from your couch-turned-WFH desk. Or even cheer on your favorite football team without getting into an argument with your uncle (hear that, Cowboys fans?). Don't forget that you can still 'add to cart' all of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. (Speaking of, check your inbox on Friday for a little surprise.) And if none of that's your cup of tea, er gravy boat, make your own Thanksgiving traditions. Instead of traveling to another state, why not make its most popular side dish? Or just dive into a good book to help you escape from it all.

theSkimm

2020 has given Americans its own set of challenges, and the holiday season isn't looking any different. But what better time to think about all the things to be thankful for, rather than thinking about things we're missing. Happy Thanksgiving.

And Also...This

What's having a good workweek...

The Dow Jones. Yesterday, it topped 30,000 for the first time ever, causing a stock market surge that has broken pre-pandemic records. What's the reason? Well, three things appear to be making investors optimistic. Now that President-elect Joe Biden's transition process is underway, the stability in the White House is positive news for the markets. So is Biden's nomination of ex-Fed chair Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary (think: she's got the experience to lead the US out of an economic crisis). And finally, positive reports of successful COVID-19 vaccines. Because vaccines take us one step closer to defeating this virus and getting back to work.

What got its day in court...

Purdue Pharma. Yesterday, the OxyContin maker pleaded guilty to three federal criminal charges for its role in the US's deadly opioid epidemic. And has now formally taken responsibility for its part in an addiction crisis, fueled by their prescription painkillers. It admitted to trying to defraud US officials and paying illegal kickbacks to doctors and vendors to encourage them to prescribe more of its drugs. Now, as part of a settlement deal with the DOJ, Purdue Pharma's owners (the Sackler family) will pay $225 million in civil penalties. And will open a public benefit company, with its profits going toward helping alleviate the opioid crisis.

Who's singing 'fly me to the moon'...

China. Yesterday, the nation launched a spacecraft to the moon to bring back more than four pounds of rocks and debris from the lunar surface. This will be scientists' first opportunity to study material from the moon since the US and Russia missions in the '60s and '70s.

Who's irreplaceable...

Beyoncé. Yesterday, the singer was nominated for nine Grammys ahead of the 63rd Awards show – the most for any artist this year. And it's got her friends Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa saying 'wait up.'

Who's helping create a path to healing...

The Duchess of Sussex.

Thing to Know

88%

That's the percentage of small businesses that have used up all their PPP funding, according to a September Goldman Sachs study. Reminder: PPP stands for Paycheck Protection Program, a loan scheme established by the CARES Act to help small businesses stay afloat during the pandemic.

Lots of small biz owners are hoping more aid is on the way – especially as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb. But you can help, too. One easy (dare we say, fun?) way: shop small this holiday season. Whether you're looking for gifts or a little something to say 'you go, self' for getting through 2020, the Goldman Sachs #MakeSmallBig Holiday Market has you covered. It features over 60 businesses whose owners have gotten access to education and resources through their 10,000 Small Businesses and 10,000 Women initiatives. Good things come from small businesses. That's the saying, right?

If "the more the merrier" is usually your holiday season motto, you'll have to rethink things this year. Here's our guide to celebrating safely tomorrow, secret family recipe not included. So you can spread love and holiday cheer, not COVID-19. Spoiler: it involves a lot of BYO.

Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...

1. 15 products to get you through quarantine winter. As if you haven't baked enough bread. Here are things that'll make the next few months better. Like an embroidery kit, a mini space heater for your desk, and a book dedicated to staying indoors. Hibernation mode, activated.

2. The 20 best TV Thanksgiving episodes, ranked. Something tells us you'll have pleeeenty of time to make it through these.

3. How to host a digital holiday party that won't suck. Friends don't let friends throw awkward parties on Zoom. Alexa, play "Party Rock Anthem," please.

PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox.

For when you want the whole fam to be cozy and stylish this season…

This brand's got cashmere sweaters, jogger sets, gloves, scarves, and LOTS of other great gifts. And their Black Friday offers start today. PS: Skimm'rs get $20 off. Plus a holiday-themed face covering and hand sanitizer. Talk about a happy holiday.*

For when you go all in on Oprah's Favorite Things…

Stock your pantry with Pipcorn. Their heirloom, delicious, sustainable snacks have made her list three times. Start with the crispy, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese balls. There are 114 in a serving. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 25% off. You get a bag, you get a bag, you get a bag.*

For when you never seem to find the right skincare...

Help is on the way. Take the Skin Genome Quiz™ and this brand (founded by a female scientist) will formulate a simple and clean routine for you. Based on factors like your lifestyle, skin concerns, and environment. Skimm'rs get a $60 Black Friday gift plus an additional $25 off their first order. Personalize it.*

Programming Note

Skimm HQ is OOO tomorrow eating turkey and cranberry sauce. But check your inbox on Friday for a lil' something special.

Skimm’rs

In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.

Feeling chair-itable...Michael and Lucas. They're the co-founders of Fernish, a company that lets you rent furniture and home accessories. They'll be donating a piece of furniture or a home accessory to various charities for every order made on the site to help those in need this holiday season. Get to it.

Inspired by...Cat G (MI). She's the brain behind Nurses Inspire Nurses. The company that aims to support a community of about 60,000 nurses around the world with free resources, monthly connection calls, and mentorship programs. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Jessica Kelly (NY), Rachel Grundmeier (DC), Mimi Drake (PA), Tara Krolick (NY), Dave Warren (FL), Sydney Williams (NY), Taylor Salditch (NY), Zoe Tomaras (IL), Erin Jankowski (NJ), Jessica Cable (OH), Elizabeth Nurse (MA), DeShonna Brown (VA), Lina Galindo (FL), Julia Neppl (SC), Jessica Jeffress (KY)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm Share

Skimm HQ is sharing turkey brining recipes. Share theSkimm with your friend who's nailed the perfect tofurky.

Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kamini Ramdeen, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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