Thanksgiving is a time of blissful family gatherings and somewhat of a peaceful lull before the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Many kids and parents have a break for a few days around Thanksgiving, thus giving everyone some much needed down time. Below you will find shows, parades, events and giving back ideas to make sure this is the best Thanksgiving yet.
Best Thanksgiving Shows
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving– It seems that the Charlie Brown shows are classics around all the holidays. In true Charlie Brown fashion there are tricks, mishaps, and silly story lines surrounding their holiday gathering. The gang comes together in the end realizing that the best Thanksgiving ever is found spent with the people we love the most.
The Mouse of the Mayflower– We’ve heard the story of the Mayflower’s treacherous journey across the Atlantic, but we haven’t heard about the Mouse on board. The little Mouse, Willum, helps to save the ship and reach Plymouth Rock for the first Thanksgiving.
Winnie the Pooh: The Season of Giving– The Season of Giving is a compilation of stories of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Rabbit and his well meaning but controlling temperament tries to host the best Thanksgiving ever. However, the gang can not live up to his expectations. Watch as they learn together that Thanksgiving isn’t about what’s on the table but instead about the people with whom you share the meal.
Alvin’s Thanksgiving Celebration– These original episodes of Alvin, Theodore, and Simon cover their Thanksgivings over the years. In one episode they work together to preform a Thanksgiving play, another they help save a lost kitten, and finally they meet Dave’s fiancé and family and try to blend the family together for Thanksgiving.
Best Thanksgiving Parades
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade– New York, NY
Day and Time: Thanksgiving Morning, 9am until noon EST
Entertaining American since 1924, the Macy’s Day Parade is a tradition in many households. The parade holds almost 30 floats, a dozen marching bands, 8,000 participants, and spans 2.65 miles of New York City Streets. Experiencing this awesome parade in person would surely rank among the best Thanksgivings ever.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade– Chicago, IL
Day and Time: Thanksgiving Morning, from 8-11am CST
Thanksgiving and plump ole’ Teddy Turkey, the mascot of the McDonald’s Thanksgiving parade, go hand in hand. Balloons, parade floats, marching bands, and Santa himself make an appearance creating the perfect holiday tradition for you and your family.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade– Plymouth, MA
Day and Time: Friday, November 17 to Sunday, November 19
Celebrate all weekend long in the birth place of Thanksgiving. The celebration contains local vendors, concerts, and Pilgrim guided tours. What better way to experience history than learning as it unfolds right before your eyes.
Best Thanksgiving Restaurants
Cooking isn’t always everyone’s piece of pie, some just want to take the leg work out and have the meal ready and waiting for them. These restaurants are among the the top rated in the U.S. for the best (non-at-homemade) Thanksgiving dinners.
Georgia Brown’s– Washington, DC
Georgia Brown’s has been serving up low country Thanksgiving feast for over 20 years. Your family can enjoy a choice of 5 delicious entrees where you won’t have to lift a finger. The menu includes favorites like fried green tomatoes, roasted or fried turkey, country ham, and black-eyed pea cakes.
75 Chestnut– Boston, MA
Serving up a beautiful, deliciously plated Thanksgiving platter shouldn’t be hard for a New England restaurant. Here you will find yummy dishes like harvest pumpkin bisque, roasted turkey and walnut stuffing, and pilgrim cranberry-orange sauce. Your family will be sure to leave with full bellies and full hearts.
Akasha– Los Angeles, CA
Looking for a lighter Thanksgiving meal? Then Akasha is your place. Here they serve locally sourced organic dishes like roasted cauliflower bisque, persimmon and pomegranate salad, and herb-roasted turkey. But let’s be honest, one of our favorite attributes is the pie buffet- what more could you ask for?
Giving Back
The spirit of Thanksgiving comes from long ago when Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share in one another’s bounties. The sad truth is that many families may not have a Thanksgiving filled with a grandiose stuffed turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes and delectable pumpkin pies. That is what Thanksgiving is about- being thankful for what we have and sharing our wealth with others. Here are few ways to help others have the best Thanksgiving possible.
Collecting Food for a Food Bank
Many organizations around the country collect and support local Food Banks. Talk to your kids about how and why sharing with others is important. Take them to the store and let them buy some canned goods and as a family deliver them to a local shelter. Feeding America can help you find your local food bank.
Serving at a Soup Kitchen
If you are looking for something more hands on (and more eye opening), find a local soup kitchen. Perhaps go in the morning before the food is done and volunteer. Sharing a meal and kind smile can go a long way. Helping the Needy can help you locate a local Soup Kitchen in need.
Sponsoring a Family’s Meal
Maybe you want to do something more personal than just taking food to a food bank? Find an organization (like Save the Family) that allows you to sponsor a family’s Thanksgiving meal. You will take care of everything from the turkey to dessert and really add in a personal touch to someone’s holiday.
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Sources: CNN Travel, NYC Tourist
Photo Credit: Martha Chapa95, Ashley W
