Thanksgiving is almost here, and this year that day on your calendar is…totally blank. Whoa! If by some happenstance you are not entertaining for Thanksgiving—and you’re not going to someone else’s house for it—there are so many wonderful ways to fill your day. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because, unlike Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas, it has not been fully commercialized. The day is all about being grateful. Whether you’re going it solo or you’ve got a big family, here are some ideas for what to do on Thanksgiving Day.
Get Movin’
Take a simple walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the Autumn air and colors. Find a great hike—the trails won’t be crowded today! If you really want to break a sweat, do a Thanksgiving race. There are several Seattle and Eastside Turkey Trots.
Reconnect
Use this day to get in touch with family or friends you haven’t heard from in awhile. Give them a call; who doesn’t love to see their phone light up with a familiar name instead of “Scam Likely”? Write or type out letters/emails if that suits your communication style better—put the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on the telly to get you into the spirit.
You Still Gotta Eat, Right?
Just because you’re not hosting or being hosted, doesn’t mean you need to make do with leftover pizza or a microwaved meal. Enjoy the freedom of a delicious Thanksgiving feast that a great restaurant can provide. Seattle’s Child has a super list of dine-in or take-out options in the greater Seattle area for Thanksgiving. No need to run the dishwasher three times today!
Volunteer
Give back on Thanksgiving and volunteer at a local soup kitchen or meal delivery service like Meals on Wheels. Extend your gratefulness to making a difference and helping others in your community.
Family Fun Day at Home
One of our best Thanksgivings was when we spent the day at home, where the only rule was to put all our phones away (the only exception was to take photos). We cooked and baked some of our favorites together, watched movies, and played board games. We even looked at old family photos and videos! So much fun with my favorite people.
Go to the Movies
Sure, you’ve got a bunch of streaming services at home. It’s not the same as going to the movies, though. Most major movie theaters are open on Thanksgiving Day, and there are always a ton of new movies released in November. Another place that won’t be crowded on this holiday!
Whatever you do on Thanksgiving day remember that, “There is always, always something to be thankful for.”