The Thanksgiving holiday is right around the corner! Although normal festivities may look a little different this year to comply with CDC guidelines, there are still plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving fun. Families and individuals can still participate in fun Thanksgiving traditions, even in the midst of the pandemic. See below for P.B. Bell’s ultimate guide on how to make Thanksgiving extra memorable this year. 

1. Watch The Big Game

Before Thanksgiving dinner, kick back and relax with a good game of football! Rooting on your favorite team during the holiday is one of the most common and fun Thanksgiving traditions. If extended family members are in another state (or even down the street) and can’t be there in-person, connect with them over FaceTime or Zoom to enjoy each other’s company and the game in real time. America’s Team (a.k.a the Dallas Cowboys) are playing in the afternoon against the Washington Football Team. 

2. Enjoy Beloved Thanksgiving Parades 

Another classic way to make Thanksgiving fun is to watch parades! Of course, the Macy’s Parade is a go-to, but there are other options available if the household wants to change things up. The McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade and America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade are great alternatives, and just as exciting. To comply with social distancing, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will be an only-television event occurring from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones. For more information on it, check out this article. 

3. Get Some Fresh Air 

Family members feeling cooped up in the house all day may be wondering how to make Thanksgiving memorable, and luckily Arizona has beautiful weather this time of year! Encourage family members to get some fresh air by going on a quick walk, or planning a hike. Not only is this a great way to get moving on an otherwise lazy day, but it also gives family members an excuse to step out of the kitchen. Camelback Mountain is a family-friendly hike that guarantees beautiful views and a great workout. Or, take a trip up North the day after to escape from Black Friday chaos and enjoy Sedona or Flagstaff’s trails and views. Need some ideas for less-crowded trails you can enjoy with family and friends? Check out this article for five gorgeous, less-traveled trails here in Arizona. 

4. Need An Excuse For Game Night? 

There’s no better day or night for enjoying some classic board games! Siblings with a competitive spirit will particularly enjoy this fun thanksgiving tradition. Plus, entertaining Thanksgiving guests has never been so easy, thanks to a simple (and cheap) game night! Monopoly, Scrabble, and Sorry are always household favorites sure to ignite some competitive sides. 

Although 2020 has been a turbulent year, there’s still a lot to give thanks for and so many ways to make Thanksgiving fun! Enjoy friends’ and family’s company this Thanksgiving, but be mindful of social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines when possible. Happy Thanksgiving from our P.B. Bell family to yours!