After Halloween, people often see the holidays in December as the next major holiday. This puts Thanksgiving in a tricky spot, where after the Halloween decorations come down, the Christmas ones come out.
To help make your Thanksgiving holiday more enjoyable, here are some ideas to spice things up!
- Go for a nature walk: Just when the weather hasn’t gotten too cold, this time of the year is perfect for going outside and seeing the beautiful autumn colors! A few trails in the triangle area include: Neuse River Trail, Lake Johnson Park, and Black Creek Greenway Trailhead.
- Bonfire circle: Gathering around the bonfire is a great way to catch up with family or friends that you haven’t seen in awhile. At the same time, the fire provides warmth and a cozy atmosphere! Whether or not you’re roasting marshmallows over the fire, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time.
- A movie marathon: Watching movies is something you can do year round, but with the extra days off, it’s much easier finding the time to stay up late. Without worrying about when you’ll wake up the next day, you’ll surely enjoy your time more! Fun short films to watch could be the seasonal “Charlie Brown” movies, as well as “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”.
- Volunteering: You can help out the community on Thanksgiving by helping food banks, soup kitchens, or shelters. Try an organization Feeding America, a national network of food banks, aims to help people get the food and resources they need. They offer a variety of volunteering opportunities to attend to on Thanksgiving!
- Create a new family recipe: Thanksgiving meals often revolve around long-standing traditions, but introducing something new can make the holiday season more exciting! Try experimenting with new ingredients and recipes to make a special dish you love. From anything sweet to savory, like a blueberry cream pie or a chocolate pudding, and maybe a new pasta flavor!
- Gift exchange: Present giving shouldn’t just be reserved for December. A small Thanksgiving gift exchange can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the people around you. A classic candle is a simple yet personalized gift option that works for just about anyone. And with the chilly weather approaching, cozy essentials like scarfs, fuzzy socks, or gloves make a practical and heartfelt gift that helps friends and family stay warm.
