Activities that keep the celebration going

Sitting down with family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner is a great time to express gratitude and celebrate all we are thankful for. But the fun doesn’t have to stop when dinner is over! Plan activities after Thanksgiving dinner to continue connecting with each other and make long-lasting memories. Here are engaging activities to do after dinner or over Thanksgiving weekend. 

AFTER DINNER

1. Share memories. Go around the table and share your favorite memories from the year. Think trips, accomplishments, outings with friends, new jobs or anything that brings a smile to your face. 
   
   
2. Have a paint night. Have you seen the videos trending on social media of people painting portraits of each other? So much fun! Gather paint, brushes and tabletop canvases (available at craft stores) and get ready to create a masterpiece. Sit around a table and paint the person across from you. Set a time limit, have fun and brace yourself for hilarious results!
   
   
3. Play games. Grab your favorite games (Skyjo or Blank Slate, anyone?) or a deck of cards and play a fun game of Go Fish or Slapjack. Divide into teams for some healthy competition!
   
   
4. Head to the beach. Lucky for San Diegans, beach weather is always welcoming. Head to the water for an evening beach walk and to look for seashells or sand crabs. 
   
   
5. Learn the story behind Thanksgiving. If you don’t know the story and significance behind Thanksgiving, look up the history and learn together. Find out what foods were eaten and what activities they did on the holiday. 
   
   
6. Clean up your neighborhood. Grab trash bags and gloves and head outside to pick up trash around your neighborhood. Make it into a game—whoever collects the most trash gets to decide the next activity.
   
   Find other ways to give back to the community and volunteer in San Diego at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/donations-volunteers-and-local-fundraisers.
   
   
7. Turn up the music and have a dance party. Look up a tutorial on YouTube and learn a dance you’ve never tried before. Clear out space in the living room, grab a partner and try something old school like the hand jive, foxtrot or swing.
   
   
8. Go to the park. Get some fresh air and exercise at your neighborhood park. Take a walk, let the kids burn energy at the playground or bring a basketball or football to throw around.
   
   If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to a nearby canyon or wilderness area to explore local hiking trails together. Find a list of San Diego’s favorite hiking trails at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/favorite-hiking-trails-in-san-diego. If you plan to include dinner guests, be sure to have them bring appropriate shoes for after dinner.
   
   
9. Choose names for a Secret Santa gift exchange. Throw names into a hat to determine who will buy presents for who this year. Come up with a group theme or set a price limit to ensure everyone can participate. 

OVER THE WEEKEND

Consider these ideas to connect with loved ones while enjoying time off from work and school. 

1. Check out local Christmas lights. San Diego County is well known for epic light displays! Access San Diego Family Magazine’s famous Map of Christmas lights at www.SanDiegoFamily.com to discover which neighborhoods decorate early. Play festive music and take a drive to get into the holiday spirit. 
   
   
2. Drive to the snow. Head to the mountains to visit Julian and build a snowman, have a snowball fight or enjoy warm apple pie and cider. 
   
   
3. Host a cookie exchange. Invite friends over and ask them to bring two dozen of their favorite (or festive) cookies. Lay all the cookies out and have everyone take one or two of each kind home. 
   
   
4. Donate to furry friends. Fill a donation bag with blankets, toys, food or pet treats and head to Helen Woodward Animal Center or the San Diego Humane Society. After dropping off the donations, enjoy your outing by visiting the different animals up for adoption. 
   
   
5. Take a road trip. If you have time, drive up to Big Bear or Lake Tahoe to go sledding and stay for a night or two. Or take a day trip up the coast to Dana Point or Santa Monica Pier. 
   
   
6. Whip up festive treats. Choose holiday treats or a drink you've never made before and have fun in the kitchen. Try making your own eggnog or baking gingerbread to make a homemade gingerbread house. 

Make the most of the Thanksgiving weekend by spending quality time with friends and family. It’s fun to continue beloved traditions each year, but consider adding new ones as well. 

Amanda Cavallari is a lifestyle writer residing in San Diego. 

Check out San Diego Family's Thanksgiving Round-Up for seasonal crafts, recipes and more: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/thanksgiving-headquarters.