10 Activities You Can Do on Thanksgiving That Don't Involve Eating
Thanksgiving is a holiday mainly reserved for eating, watching football, and, of course, spending lots of time with family and friends. After the “What are you doing with your life?” conversations die down—or you successfully dodge them—what's left to do? Well, we’ve got you covered with loads of activities to engage in over the holiday break. From playing games to taking a relaxing nature walk, you can switch up your Thanksgiving Day routine with any of these pursuits.
Go for a walk.
You can’t beat the tranquility (0r health benefits) of taking a walk 30 minutes or so after finishing a delicious meal. Plus, now that that the days are getting shorter, you'll want to soak up all the sunlight you possibly can. Take a swing around the block or find a nearby park or trail. If you time it right, you may even catch the sunset.
Organize your kitchen.
Streamline your holiday cooking routine by making sure your pots, pans, and pantry goods are stored properly and easily accessible. (Organizing is also a good way to release stress—always a plus during the entertaining season!) Need some help? These products will help you assemble the most organized kitchen ever. Promise!
Look at family photos and home movies.
There’s nothing more meaningful than reliving favorite family (OK, and occasionally cringe-y) memories by looking through old photos or videos, whether it’s footage of a first family trip to Disney World or photos from your last Thanksgiving get-together. You’ll be amazed at how time flies!
Grab a deck of cards.
From a friendly game of poker to kid-favorite Go Fish, there are tons of card games you can whip out on Thanksgiving. It’s the easiest way to bond with friends and family and not fall asleep on the couch. Play after dinner when everyone’s stomachs are full so no one gets hangry!
Write letters.
Thanksgiving is all about, well, giving thanks. So what better way to spend it than taking stock of all you have to be grateful for. Write a journal entry about what you're grateful for in your life if you're feeling reflective, or get out your stationery and write some thoughtful cards to your friends, family, coworkers, or even former teachers. Then put them in the mail! These small acts of kindness can go a long way.
Play charades.
No cards or board games in the living room cabinet? Charades is always a winner—you don’t need any materials to play! Plus, the simple concept makes it ideal for all ages; just make sure to choose a common theme that young kids will enjoy, like Disney movies.
See the fall foliage.
Channel your inner child by jumping in a pile of leaves in the backyard. (Bonus points if you raked them yourself!) And if you have a dog, they might want to join you. It's the ultimate fall-themed pet bonding experience.
Enjoy a Movie Marathon.
The perfect way to digest that turkey feast you just ate? Vegging out in front of the big screen. Whether you want to catch up on some quality television or get in the mood for the holiday season ahead with classic movies, this is the perfect day to do so.
Do some online shopping.
It never hurts to get a jump start on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your couch. Black Friday deals will be available earlier than ever this year at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Kohl's, Best Buy, and Dick's Sporting Good, and many are being offered online so you don't even have to leave your house! Or, you could start organizing your wishlist so it's ready for Santa early.
Take a nap.
A quick after-dinner just might be what you need to gather your strength for games or just staying awake during a movie. It'll boost your mood and productivity—there are really no drawbacks! Plus, Thanksgiving is essentially the unofficial National Napping Day.
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