10 Ways to Have Happy Holidays—No Eating Required
By: Nancy Howard,
SparkPeople Blogger
11/21/2009 4:36 PM
: 78 comments
: 13,835 Views
Whenever you hear the word Thanksgiving, what is the first image you picture? The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Your guests sitting around the T.V. watching the football game? For many of us, it is a time for family and friends to sit around a festively dressed table with a nice roasted turkey sitting in the middle with lots of side dishes scattered around. It is a day we give thanks, but it is also a day many of us will eat a hearty meal of turkey, fixings, and lots of yummy, tasty desserts.
But what if you had a few fun-filled activities to participate in that did not involve food preparation and eating, would that help make the holiday a little less stressed about being around all that food?
Below is a list of a few fun-filled activities, both indoors and out that may inspire you and your family to get up and move, while taking the focus off of the food.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
What are some of your non-food activities you and your family participate in? Is there a special activity that you would like to do this Thanksgiving that you have never done before?
But what if you had a few fun-filled activities to participate in that did not involve food preparation and eating, would that help make the holiday a little less stressed about being around all that food?
Below is a list of a few fun-filled activities, both indoors and out that may inspire you and your family to get up and move, while taking the focus off of the food.
- Take part in your local Turkey Trot or Thanksgiving Day run- Many cities across the country host an early morning run/walk event for all fitness levels. Check Active.com or visit your local running specialty store to see if they may know of an event in your area.
- Take a walk with family and friends- If your city doesn't hold a Turkey Trot event, how about holding your own with family members? Walking is a great way to begin the day and get moving.
- Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or nursing home- With many people out of work and others living on a limited income, soup kitchens are expected to overflowing with people seeking a hot meal this Thanksgiving Day. What better way than to spend a couple hours donating your time helping others.
- Have a Wii-Fit or Dance, Dance Revolution tournament- Not only are you going to have a great time with family and friends, but you will be sneaking in some exercise while having fun, too.
- Take a family photo- For many Thanksgiving is the ideal time to take the yearly family photo. The weather in most parts of the country is still warm enough to go outside to take a photo of the family amid the beautiful fall skies.
- Hold a Thanksgiving Day scavenger hunt -Who doesn't like going on a scavenger hunt? Come up with a list of items such as acorns, oak leaves, pumpkins, pine cones, even objects you have hidden ahead of time for your guests to find. Whoever finds all the objects on their list first has a special seat at the table.
- Play a friendly game of flag football, soccer or even basketball- For many this is a family tradition that is just as important as the Thanksgiving feast itself. Not only do we get in some nice activity, it gets your guests out of the house while enjoying the crisp fall temperatures.
- Play a fun game of charades- Try choosing holiday themed answers such as pilgrims, The Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, Turkey, etc. Here is a link how to play charades for those who may not know how.
- Play board games such as Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary- Break up into teams and have a friendly competition. Just imagine the fun to be shared as new family traditions are being made.
- Share family stories- Thanksgiving is a great time to sit down and listen to stories from our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, etc. One of the biggest regrets I have is not sitting down with my Grandparents and listening to their childhood tales. This is a great way for us to connect to our past.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
What are some of your non-food activities you and your family participate in? Is there a special activity that you would like to do this Thanksgiving that you have never done before?
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Comments
This year on Thanksgiving, my tentative plan is to go to the gym and do the Turkey blast session they are having in the morning. - 11/24/2009 12:04:18 AM
I'll be starting the day with some Sparkfriends running the Flying Feather in Dublin, Ohio.
Happy Thanksgiving! - 11/23/2009 8:33:01 PM
Last year, we brought our Wii to my parents' house, but this year the Wii is on the fritz (Santa is bringing a new one for Christmas). But last year we had a great time playing tennis, bowling, and golf! My parents got a kick out of using the game, and it was a fun way for the family to hang out together. - 11/23/2009 12:50:21 PM
We like to play Cranium. It's a board game that combines trivia, acting, charades and pictionary that is played in teams. I'm going to try to keep snacks and food AWAY from the game table, because grazing while you wait your turn can be a danger. Cranium is funny and exciting, and everyone can be involved even when it's not your turn so that's a good game that'll keep everyone's mind off of food. - 11/23/2009 12:15:18 PM
So, we talk and we eat ! And then the boys go off to watch the various football games. Oh and I'll be walking around taking pictures.
- 11/23/2009 11:57:08 AM
Stepf - 11/23/2009 10:41:46 AM
I know many people who go out shopping on Black Friday as part of their holiday festivities. Probably not for the faint hearted (like me), but I'm sure it's fun and some great walking exercise if you can tolerate the crowds. - 11/23/2009 9:55:11 AM
Medical issues took me out 5 yrs ago, and haven't been able to participate since.
NOw I signed up this year, but found out a few weeks ago that my metatarsal isnt healed yet.
I am going to walk it. If I only make it a mile or 2, I will feel great, as I am back in it!! - 11/23/2009 6:28:55 AM
I plan on beginning my Thanksgiving Day as I do every day, with a walk. I am going to suggest charades at our family gathering. It seems like sooo much fun! - 11/22/2009 11:18:40 PM
I have been unable to increase my walking times, so I may be the last person. My goal is to finish! - 11/22/2009 10:20:03 PM
Last year, it was a lot like what you were saying about talking about stories of the past, my Mother got out some older pictures for everyone that was there. I had scrapbook paper, scissors, stickers, stamps and things we could use and I donated them, my sister had some scrapbook supplies she donated. We each made a scrapbook page about us. That was some fun too. it would be good to start when kids were pretty little and do that once a year and keep the books for them until they finished school.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! - 11/22/2009 1:38:55 PM
But I will be eating sweet potatoes & pumpkin pie for lunch before I go into work...will just walk it off afterwards. - 11/22/2009 1:10:04 PM
I'm not much a runner these days and am doing it with her for moral support and to see how well I can keep both us to a run/walk strategy. - 11/22/2009 12:09:20 PM
Many of these can be listed to help reduce the stress of Christmas as well.
Great ideas!
Frances - 11/22/2009 12:05:12 PM
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