Join the #TakeBackThanksgiving movement!

Fast forward to Thanksgiving evening. You’ve gobbled your way into oblivion and everyone is enjoying full-on digestive delirium. Anything more than lounging around is out of the question. You reach for the iPad to get a jump on Black Friday e-shopping… Screech, rewind. It’s not time to shop. It’s time for some communal entertainment!

Here’s my fifth tip for how you can take back thanksgiving this year.

Tip #5 ~ Marvelous Multimedia

Here’s a challenge: how many activities can you enjoy as a family while also not getting up from the sofa, or La-Z-Boy, or the blanket by the fire? I've come up with three...

1. Watch a movie ~ In the mood for something heartwarming that everyone will enjoy? How about the animated favorites Up or A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Or maybe something classic to keep the holiday spirit glowing, like Home Alone, Love Actually, or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Want a little chuckle once the kids go to bed? You can’t go wrong with A Christmas Story or Caddyshack. I'm sensing a Chevy Chase theme building…
2. Read or tell a story ~ Reading aloud to an intimate group of friends and loved ones is an activity that has stood the test of time. What better way to get back to our roots than good old-fashioned storytelling? People of all ages can enjoy the tales of Harry Potter, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlotte’s Web. Looking for something a little less lengthy? Perhaps The Cat in the Hat / Oh the Places You'll Go or Olivia.
3. Play a game ~ Who doesn’t love Go Fish, Old Maid, Gin Rummy or Canasta? Not a card maven? Try Taboo or Pictionary. I'm also a big fan of puzzles!

Any other ideas or favorites you’d like to add to the list? Give me a shout on Facebook or Twitter!

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During this entire week of thanks I'll be posting tips and ideas for ways you and your loved ones can Take Back Thanksgiving this year. Rather than spending money on cheap goods from deep discounters over the holiday weekend, perhaps you'd prefer spending time with the people you care about most, doing things that bring you closer together.