You’re visiting family over Thanksgiving Weekend and spending much-needed quality time. Now that Thanksgiving dinner is over and you’ve braved your way through Black Friday sales, what else is there to do with the family?
It’s easy to get bored and run out of ideas for family activities that do not involve shopping or any type of spending. You’re probably watching your wallet and waistline at this point. But if you’re not allowed to shop and have had your fill eating, what other activities are in your backpocket?
Here are a few activities that you can do with your loved ones, that don’t involve eating a truckload of food or spending a truckload of money. How many will you try?
Put out the holiday decorations
After Thanksgiving is the best time to put up Christmas decorations. You have lots of family (and sometimes friends too) to help you decorate the tree or even the whole house. I always joke about it being “child labor” but the kids seem to love helping out in Christmas decorating.
Holiday movies marathon
There are tons of holiday-themed movies to see on any and all of your favorite streaming apps. Make a list and check it twice. See what’s suitable for kids so that they can watch with you, too. Lately, I’ve been binge-watching a show called “Nailed It”, the holiday edition. It’s not a movie but every episode is hilarious reality tv goodness and the episodes are short (very low commitment needed). You can watch for a while and get back to other family bonding activities.
Volunteerism
If you have the opportunity, please volunteer at your nearest soup kitchen. Or you can also make a fun activity out of sorting out your closet and doing a Mari Kondo. You can donate what you find to your nearest parish or goodwill.
Read a new book (or revisit an old one)
Pick up a new book or revisit an old one from your family shelf. I’m pretty sure all your old, preloved books are still at home (mine are, my mom is not a fan of e-books, nor does she even know what they are). My complete, hardbound set of Harry Potter books is still at home and in pristine condition waiting to be revisited.
Host a game night
Board games are a great way to bond with the family. You get to show your competitive side and still leave with no hard feelings. Some of our family favorites are the classic Monopoly and Catan. You can also play Uno cards, Jenga, Pass it on, or you can even create your own minute-to-win-it games.
Explore your hometown
There are probably a few new sites to see in your hometown. Maybe take recommendations from your family on where to get the best bread or where the new deli is. Ask them which new restaurant joints are worth visiting and if there are new activity centers in the area. Check out the new coffee shops for free wifi or better yet, ask where the local farmer’s market is and check out the new goods.
Do you have any other family bonding activities for after Thanksgiving? Share them with us in the comments. Stay humble and hustle hard.
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp