Thank you!
It has been a busy year. A year filled with adventure and surprises. Thanksgiving is the Christmas without presents, all the gratitude none of the Christmas wrapping. Here I am, planning for a a very small Thanksgiving. I’m officially an empty nester with both kids doing their thing over in the land of sunshine…California. So here I am preparing a dinner for two and as I pop tomorrow’s dressing into the refrigerator (even small, it pays to plan ahead), I’m thinking of everyone who has helped and supported Learning Rebels. I am humbled and grateful. Thank you.
My daughter is hosting her own “Friendsgiving” – don’t you love this concept? Predictably, my text and snapchat have been ON FIRE with questions. So, putting on my trainers hat, I’ve been careful with directions and guidance.
Her: “How big a bird should I buy?” Me: “Don’t, just go to Whole Foods and buy one.”
Her: “Any idea about what to do with the cats (she has many)?” Me: “Set them a place at the table.”
Her: “Mom, can I get a serious answer?” Me: “There’s no Mom here, only Zuul” (bonus points if you catch the movie reference)
Therefore, as bit of a thank you, for this Thanksgiving, whether it’s with friends, family or both – here are 9 ways to add a bit of laughter and caring to your day. ENJOY!
- Thanksgiving Bingo! Thanksgiving is full of traditions. Turn those traditions into a competition. Football bingo, Food Bingo, Things the Crazy Uncle will Say Bingo…you choose and here is a link to help you create bingo cards.
- Table Doodles: Get some butcher paper and use it as the table cloth for your dinner table, and anywhere there is food. Place a cup of colored pencils or crayons as a center piece encourage fun and creativity. Probably best for dinners with mostly adults as we don’t want the little dudes and dudettes eating the crayons.
- Forget Easter Egg Hunt: Try a mini pumpkin hunt. Have a few that are hollowed out with prizes. For adults the prizes could be little gag gifts to take home.
- Forget coloring Easter Eggs! Paint mini pumpkins, (OMG – some of these are so freaking adorable!) or create turkey hands (remember those?)
- Create Care Packages for our military brothers and sisters overseas. Organize the family to assemble packages while watching the big game.
- Start a “drive”: Friends and family who attend your dinner must bring a coat, canned good, scarf, socks, blankets anything. Turn all those goodies over to the local homeless shelter, Goodwill, VFW hall – where ever you feel is a need.
- Volunteer: Did you buy too much? Drop extra can goods off at the food pantry in your town. Organize the family to help out. I live in a somewhat rural area only about 14,000 people. When I looked up our food bank stats, I was a bit surprised at the amount of food being given away. Never assume, give.
- Visit the Senior Center: A great many people in senior care homes do not have family. Add a bit of joy to their lives. Come prepared to read stories, sing songs, do a bit of crafting. Some places will allow you to bring your dog (call your center for permission and details).
- Movie Marathon! After the parade, no Thanksgiving is complete without a James Bond marathon, or maybe kick it off with Christmas Vacation and watch them all, or fire up Star Wars, Star Trek, Die Hard, Iron Man (and other Marvel movies).
Lastly, here are some other Thanksgiving movies to kick start your way into the holiday season:
Learning Rebels “Must See Holiday Movie” list on Pinterest. You can start now, and never double up until Christmas. If you have any holiday movie favorites, list them in the comment section below and I’ll add them to the list.
Here’s to a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Remember, calories don’t count if they are part of a holiday.
Cheers to you all, and thank you again for all your support. ~ Shannon
Looking to get a jump on to shop for yourself or your favorite trainer – head on over to the new Learning Rebels shopping page. Here I have curated recommendations on a variety of items and books every trainer should have. This is a list in progress, if you have suggestions place them in the comments below, shoot me a tweet or drop me a note on Facebook.
