By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
November is now upon us which mean we have officially entered the season of thanks, that being Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays to spend with my family.
A day to come together with your family and friends and celebrate all that you are thankful for. With Thanksgiving comes “meals,” of fun that all ages can take part in to celebrate the season all month long, that is also budget friendly too.
1. Pie Making Contest
Calling all bakers, it’s time to put your pie making to the test. Whether you are making pumpkin, apple, pecan, lemon meringue, chocolate cream, and so on get together and have a pie making contest.
Have 3-5 people make a series of different prizes, and then select 5-10 people to taste the pies and judge on which ones are the top three. You can even have a prize for the ones that win (ex. The first-place winner does not have to wash the Thanksgiving Dinners dishes).
2. Fall Festivals and Holiday Open Houses
Fall Festivals and holiday open houses are huge right now and many surrounding towns, will be hosting gatherings that everyone will enjoy. You can check your towns local happenings pages to see what is going on in your area.
In Westport, Beautiful Things will be having their Christmas Open House November 9, 10, 11 & 12 and Lees Market will be having their Holiday Open House on November 4.
3. Thanksgiving /Hallmark/ Movie Marathon
Okay, ladies we know we like a good /Hallmark/ movie this time of year, (and gents this can be to your liking too) get a group of your closet friends together and have a Thanksgiving movie night on behalf of the /Hallmark channel/. Right now, /Hallmark/ has a wide array of seasonal movies that will be sure to fix your /Hallmark/ “craving.” Ps.
Don’t forget to watch your favorite Peanuts, Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special which can usually be found on DVD or on your local channels. You can even make a harvest chex mix to much one, which is simple and fun.
4. Late Pumpkin Picking and Apple Picking
You have to get your apples for your homemade apple pie why not turn it into a family activity and head to the apple orchard to pick your favorite apples to make moms award winning pie recipe (you know we all have one). Turn it into a day at the orchard where you can pick some pumpkins too, to be the centerpiece for your table.
5. Show an Act of Kindness
Come together and give back this season by volunteering at a nursing home, soup kitchen, orphanage, hospital or animal rescue league. There is nothing more rewarding them giving back and receiving a smile knowing that you have made a small difference in someone else’s life.
6.Remember Traditions
Watch the /Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade,/ a can’t miss event at my house. There is nothing like waking up Thanksgiving morning, the aromas of my mom’s one of a kind special homemade Thanksgiving dinner, or should I rather say feast, putting up our Christmas tree, going for a ride, helping my mom cook and watching the annual legendary /Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,”/ which is the cream on top of the pie.
7. Play a Round of Football
It is football season which means you have to take the time to toss a football around. This is also a great date idea. No money included and a great work out on a fall crisp day.
8. Fall Foliage
The leaves are starting to change into the beautiful bright hues of red, orange and yellow and there is nothing as quaint as taking a quiet walk in the park. The foliage is at its peak and so beautiful during this time of the year, so enjoy it. Before you know it, we will be digging our self a path through the New England snow.
9. Jump Start on Holiday Shopping
Sales are beginning for the gift giving season, so why not start now and save? You can find great deals at the mall and Target and check off everyone on your list and beat the hypes of Black Friday.
10. Make your own DIY Thanksgiving Center piece
There are so many ideas on /Pinterest/ and the options are endless from festive floral arrangements to leaves and pumpkins, you never know what you might come up with.
Be creative and think of everything that reminds you of Thanksgiving and fall, to make your own piece of art. People will love to see what you came up with on your Thanksgiving dinner party table.
Always remember to take time out of the hustle and bustle of day to day life to enjoy Thanksgiving and remember what it is that you are thankful for. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have fun celebrating!