28 Amazing things to do on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is perhaps the most important date in any American’s calendar and we want to make sure you know it’s not just about the pumpkin pie and turkey. You do know that, right?

This tradition dates back to 1621 when pilgrims first gave thanks for their harvest in Plymouth Rock, New England. Back then it started with a 3 day celebration with the first settlers feasting with the natives on dried fruits, boiled pumpkin, turkey, venison and much more besides. However it wasn’t until 1789 when George Washington proclaimed it to be a national holiday on November 26th of that year. However at the time the actual date differed from state to state and Thomas Jefferson actually removed it’s holiday status. It was President Lincoln who finally set the day as a national holiday in 1863 although even then it was changed to the 3rd Thurs in November by President Roosevelt in 1939 due to the fact he wanted to created a longer Christmas Shopping period to try and stimulate the economy after the great depression. Finally in 1941 congress sanctioned the fourth Thurs in November to be retained as the nationwide holiday of Thanksgiving.



Little known fact – Sarah Josepha Hale, the writer of ‘Mary had a little lamb’ led a 17 year campaign to get Thanksgiving declared as a national holiday. Her insistent letter writing finally convinced Abraham Lincoln to declare it in 1863.

So now you know what the celebration is all about and you can ensure you get 100% in all the trivia quizzes, what else can you do with your family and friends to make it fun, special and the best day of your calendar year?

We’ve got 28 of the best things ever to ensure you have a fantastic day and make your celebrations remembered for all the right reasons. There’s something for everyone

#1 This list would not be complete without the ‘Craziest Thanksgiving Socks’ contest – this works for all ages and that means all the family and friends can partake. Let the younger ones choose the winner if you want to up your streed cred!



#2 On a similar theme, no thanksgiving can pass us by without the ‘Gaudiest Thanksgiving Sweater’ competition. Although not quite as inclusive as the socks, this appeals to the both the older generation and the very young, although it’s probably the oldies who will end up winning!

#3 Less family orientated and nore for your close knit friends is the ‘Funniest Thanksgiving Underwear contest’. This is one restricted (in the main) to evenings after you’ve filled yourself with all the food you can possible eat and had a few beers on top!

#4 ‘The Turkey Tag’ is a game for all ages and involves secretly placing a tag (in the shape of a turkey and used as a ‘hot potato’) into someones clothing.

#5 ‘Dirty Turkey’ is a version of secret santa, except that if someone gets a gift which you want, you steal it.

#6 ‘Visit a museum’ there are lots of museums offering free admission and a fun time for all the family during Thanksgiving



#7 Take your loved ones to the nearest ‘Chistmas Village’ – it’s never to early to start the Christmas festvities.

#8 Locate your nearest ‘Charity Fun Run’ and help make a difference for your chosen charity. This is something you can do on your own, or with family and friends.

#9 ‘The A to Z of Gratitude Game’ simple enough, or is it, starting with the letter A, name something you are grateful for, the next does B and so on.

#10 A great guessing game of ‘Who is the Baby’? Where you get all your guests to provide a picture of themselves as a baby and everyone tries to guess who is who!

#11 Invent the ‘Tastiest Left Over Turkey Sandwich’ - the winner gets their winning combo made by the host.



#12 Check out the ‘Discounted Thanksgiving Holiday Destinations’ - there are plenty of them around and to suit any budget.

#13 ADULTS ONLY – Perfect your ‘Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots’ possibly the best grown up pumpkin dessert shots recipes.

#14 More ADULTS ONLY – Practise and perfect your ‘Thanksgiving cocktail’ recipes - ‘Thanks Given’ for the vodka – martina lovers, or how about a ‘Butternut Squash Daiquari’? Or, an Apple Cider Mimosa to warm the insides, or a Pumpkin Spiced Cava Martini to keep things bubbly?

#15 For music fans there is nothing better than the perfect ‘Song List for Thanksgiving’. Here are a few for you to start with.

Macy’s Day Parade – Green Day

Thanksgiving Prayer – Johnny Cash

Thanksgivng Day – Ray Davies

We are Family – Sister Sledge

Thanksgiving Song – Adam Chandler

#16 ‘Keep in Touch’ with your loved ones even if you are away from them. Show them you careby calling them up.

#17 ‘Donate your time’ to a good cause – check out your local hospital and charities to see how you can volunteer and lend a hand and make someone elses life a little better.

#18 Set up your Christmas Tree, it’s a great way to make your home really festive with none of that last minute rush!



#19 Organise a Photo Album extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy and don’t forgot to take that all important family photo to add to the album!

#20 Deliver a meal (or meals) to someone in your neighborhood and make them feel special

#21 Go for an energising Walk after lunch to deal with some of those extra calories you’ve consumed. The average American will consume an average of 3000 calories on their Thanksgiving lunch alone!

#22 Start the day by watching the Macy’s thanksgiving parade, it offers one of the first glimpses of Santa Claus and a whole host of festive music.

#23 Watch the football – with 3 great NFL games scheduled, place your bets on who will win out of the Bears vs Lions, Bills vs Cowboys and Saints vs Falcons.

#24 Create your Black Friday list ready to take advantage of those amazing savings before Christmas.

#25 Use the day to come up with a list of Self Improvements that will make you a better person inside and out.



#26 Clear out your closet and take anything that doesn’t fit, doesn’t suit or you never wear to the local charity shop.

#27 Choose the Perfect Outfit for Thanksgiving.

#28 Last but by no means least, remember to GIVE THANKS :)

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving one and all.