Thanksgiving Traditions

I am still in shock that next week is Thanksgiving. Does anyone else feel that way?

This year, we are having Thanksgiving with my side-of-the-family. And in the past 3 Thanksgivings, we have initiated some traditions that I have come to love.

Every year, the family that is present at Thanksgiving participates in a 5K race. There are thousands of people out to participate and it is a fun thing to do. I really enjoy this because the rest of the day is usually spent sitting, talking, and eating. We all feel better about doing those activities when we spent the early morning hours being active.

The first year (pictured above), it was a brisk 20 degrees with lots of wind. It was also the year that I discovered running next to Richard is not the best thing for our marriage. However, we finished and we felt good the rest of the day.

This year, I haven't prepared for the race so I am planning on a jog/walk mix, but it will still feel good.

The other tradition also began 3 years ago. My aunt/best friend, Ruth, and I get up bright and early to experience Black Friday shopping. We scour through the ads the night before and set out hours later. The first year, we had a blast! The second year, we were not in the same city, so we shopped while on the phone.

THIS year, we are going to a shopping mall that is open midnight-3am. Then, we will hit the normal stores at 4am. Crazy? Yes, but it is fun and we aren't maniacs or anything. Usually we don't stand in lines (especially if it is cold); nor do we fight over items. I am short and can maneuver through crowds and Ruth has the long reach over people's heads. It's a perfect combination.

I'm pretty excited about our traditions this year. What does your family do on Thanksgiving?