Done with Thanksgiving Dinner? Get Up and Move!
Here in America, Thanksgiving is all about the meal. Sure, we spend time with family and think about the things in life we’re thankful for…but really, we’re all just waiting for supper. Every year we sit down to a table laden turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy and pumpkin pie. When it’s all done folks sprawl on the sofa softly groaning while the football game drones on in the background. This year why not start a new family tradition? In the spirit of Together Counts’ “energy balance” mantra, why not get everyone up and moving? You’ll make memories as a family while helping everyone to overcome the fearsome post-feast fatigue!
What kind of activities can you do? Here’s a list of ideas to get you started, but don’t be afraid to come up with a unique idea that fits your family!
- Get Sporty: A game of touch football in the back yard is a holiday family classic, but there are plenty of other options if that’s not your style. Half-court basketball, kickball, Frisbee…choose any sport that gets your family excited.
- Get Outside: Take the family outside for a post-meal walk around the neighborhood or organize a scavenger hunt! If you live in warmer areas, a family bike ride might be just the ticket. Farther north? Snowshoeing or sledding might be more appropriate. Just find something your family enjoys that will get you all out and moving.
- Decorate: Many families like to dress the house in its holiday finery after Thanksgiving. Lugging boxes up from the basement or down from the attic, moving furniture and hanging lights can get the whole family moving. Put on some
festive music and make it an event! - Play a Game: Nothing against Scrabble, but it isn’t going to get anyone’s blood pumping, the way a rousing game of Twister or charades might. If a gaming system is more your style pull out the active ones and start a tennis match, or have Mom challenge the kids at Dance Dance Revolution. Just make sure everyone participates and everyone moves!
What kind of active family tradition can YOU start this year?
Jenn Fowler is a blogger, speaker, social media consultant and ex-Army Officer. She lives in a quaint village in Upstate New York with her husband Yankee Bill and their two wild and creative children—Princess (10) and Buddy (8). When she isn’t blogging about living a good life on a budget at Frugal Upstate, she is gardening, reading, acting, crafting, cooking and knitting—although not necessarily in that order.