Thanksgiving means something different to everyone. For some, spending time with family is their favorite activity, while others are just glad to have the week off of school. Despite what you like to do, here is the ultimate list of things to do on Thanksgiving day. 

1. Get Active!

Want to workout before a heavy Thanksgiving dinner or just take on a hard running course? Give the Turkey Trot in Philly a go! For $40 you can register for the Turkey Trot, a flat 5-mile course around Memorial Hall, not to mention you get a free t-shirt! If exercise fails to pique your interest, do it for the t-shirt.

2. Spend time with your family

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because my family from Virginia always comes up to Philly; we have a great time catching up, laughing, and making a delicious Thanksgiving dinner! Take this Thanksgiving to appreciate your family and make great memories.

3. Stuff yourself with food!

Thanksgiving dinner is my all time favorite meal of the year, so make sure that you stuff yourself until you can’t eat any more. Just don’t forget that there is ALWAYS room for dessert, no matter how full you think you are!

4. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Whether you watch it on TV, or are in New York over Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the best event of Thanksgiving. With music from your favorite stars, amazing bands, floats, dances, and of course, Santa Claus, this parade is something you don’t want to miss. You can watch the parade on almost any news channel.

5. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen!

Although many of us are excited for a Thanksgiving filled with magnificent food and fun with family, not everyone is that fortunate. Help out those in need by volunteering at a soup kitchen, such as Lombard Central Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen in West Philly, and you could make help provide someone with a hot and delicious Thanksgiving meal.

6. See a movie

So many great movies are out right now, and because it’s Thanksgiving, the theaters shouldn’t be that crowded, and it is the perfect way to relax before a festive dinner. Try Mockingjay, Beyond the Lights, Horrible Bosses 2, or even Big Hero 6!

7. Make a new family tradition

In my family, my grandfather always makes a quiz that we take in between dinner and dessert, and the winner gets a prize! We’ve had quizzes on state nicknames, Thanksgiving trivia, homonyms, and a bunch of other topics! Play a football game, make a quiz, create a new game!

8. Get creative!

Put your DIY skills to the test this Thanksgiving! Test your skills in the kitchen by trying a new pie or sweet potato recipe or make cute Thanksgiving crafts. Make name cards for the table, with stones or leaves and glitter paint, or make a beautiful center piece with candles, pine cones, marbles, leaves, and flowers.

9. Make a Black Friday game plan!

Make a list of where you want to shop, what sales you want to hit, and even start shopping on Thursday night! Starting between 5 and 6 pm, Macy’s, Target, JC Penny, Michael’s, and many other stores open on Thanksgiving night so you can start your shopping early!

10. Get excited for the winter holidays!

Thanksgiving is like the permission you need to start getting excited for the winter holidays! So get your Christmas tree, decorate your house for the holidays, and get into the holiday spirit because they will be coming before you know it!

 Happy Thanksgiving!