Sometimes I would like to spy on other people’s Thanksgiving dinners. What do other families talk about? What do other families do after Thanksgiving dinner has been cleared off the table?
Well, let me tell you what mine does, because this has been the tradition as long as I can remember.
- Everyone arrives in a rush carrying their food, and while the women set the table, the men ask when it’s going to be ready. 🙄
- When the table is ready, one of the men blesses the food, and then all the men and children fill their plates first. (I think that part is stupid.)
- Then the women eat rather quickly and start clearing the table.
- The men retreat to the living room to watch football and start asking for dessert, while the women clear away the leftovers.
So the rest of the night involves the men watching the game, the women washing dishes and the kids being bored to death.
Why does it have to be that way? Can’t Thanksgiving be more fun and memorable?
Of course, it can. Here are a few ideas to try with your family this year.
After Thanksgiving Activities
1. Go for a walk.
This is a no-brainer, right? Eat all the things and then go walk off the food coma. And this lets kids burn off some of their energy.
2. Play games.
Everyone enjoys come kind of game whether it’s board games, video games, card games, or puzzles. Or play a variety. (I love board games and my husband prefers video games.) If you have a very large family, you could have a tournament where an ultimate winner is crowned.
3. Watch the first Christmas movie of the season.
It certainly isn’t too early to watch Christmas movies on Thanksgiving, is it? Or, if you have the Hallmark Channel, they are sure to be airing some Thanksgiving-themed movies.
4. Sing if you have a musical family.
I know this sounds corny, but hang with me. I once dated a guy who was from a family was musically gifted. So, at many of their get-togethers, they usually pulled out a couple of guitars and sang their favorites. It was super fun to attend, and they always seemed to enjoy it.
5. Go serve someone.
There’s nothing better than taking a moment to share with someone else on Thanksgiving. After all, isn’t that what the pilgrims and Indians did? And it doesn’t have to be hard. Package up your leftovers and take them to a family in need. Or drop a pie off at the police station, fire department, local hospital, or others who serve the community on Thanksgiving.
6. Plan your Black Friday shopping.
If you want to score the best deals, you have to have a plan. Gather all the shopping circulars, and map out your route.
7. Make something.
Have you ever considered doing something crafty or creative with your family? Any kind of project would do. Consider things like writing Christmas cards, creating a family tree, or even work on a quilt together. If you want something everyone can do, try out those adult coloring books.
8. Take a drive.
One of the best things about fall is the beautiful foliage. Cram as many people in a car as you can, and go find the best colors in your area.
I would like to see what your family does after Thanksgiving. Take a picture and tag me in your post or message me on Instagram or Facebook.
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