What are some activities to do during Thanksgiving?

Holidays & Special Events

By Kristy Tolley

The Importance of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of year when families and friends gather together to celebrate and give thanks for all the blessings in their lives. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for the people and experiences that have enriched our lives. While the focus of Thanksgiving is often on the traditional turkey dinner, there are many other activities that can make the holiday special and memorable.

1. Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is the traditional turkey dinner. Families usually spend hours preparing the meal, which typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also have their own special recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Sharing a meal together is an important part of the holiday, and it’s a time to connect with loved ones over a delicious spread.

2. Volunteer Opportunities

Thanksgiving is also a time to give back to the community and help those in need. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities, such as serving meals at a soup kitchen or delivering meals to homebound seniors. Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the importance of helping others and can be a meaningful way to spend the holiday.

3. Football Games

Thanksgiving is famous for its football games. Many families gather around the TV to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and catch a few football games. It’s a fun way to spend time together and cheer on your favorite team.

4. Family Scavenger Hunt

A family scavenger hunt can be a fun way to get everyone moving and working together. Create a list of items that family members need to find around the house or in the neighborhood, and offer a prize for the team that finds everything first.

5. Movie Marathon

If football isn’t your thing, a movie marathon can be a great way to spend the day. Choose a series of movies that the whole family will enjoy and settle in for a cozy day on the couch.

6. Outdoor Activities

Thanksgiving is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fall weather. Take a family walk or hike, play a game of touch football, or go for a bike ride. Being active outdoors can be a great way to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories.

7. Board Games and Cards

Board games and card games are a classic way to pass the time on Thanksgiving. Choose a game that everyone enjoys and spend the afternoon playing together.

8. Karaoke Night

Karaoke can be a fun way to break the ice and get everyone singing and laughing. Choose a few of your favorite songs and have a karaoke competition.

9. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts projects can be a great way to keep kids entertained on Thanksgiving. Set up a craft station with supplies for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations or handprint turkeys.

10. Shopping Deals

Thanksgiving weekend is famous for its shopping deals, with stores offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. If you’re up for braving the crowds, shopping can be a fun way to spend the day.

11. Thanksgiving Day Parade

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a tradition for many families. The parade typically features giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances. It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday and get into the festive spirit.

Conclusion: Creating Memorable Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time to come together and celebrate the people and experiences that make life meaningful. While the traditional turkey dinner is an important part of the holiday, there are many other activities that can make the day special and memorable. Whether you choose to spend the day volunteering, playing games, or enjoying the great outdoors, the most important thing is to create traditions that bring your family together and foster a spirit of gratitude and togetherness.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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