by Lydia Fuller

Created on: November 23, 2009

Everyone is stuffed and the dishes are done. What can we do to keep Grandpa from passing out on the couch and the kids getting cranky? What do you do if it is too cold for flag football and watching football doesn't sound like fun? Try one (or more) of these ideas out on your family and create priceless memories.

Allow the younger children to take turns capturing those Thanksgiving memories on film. Handing the camera or camcorder over to the children creates a different perspective than the usual holiday pictures. You will be surprised at what they find important enough to photograph. Give each child a time limit so everyone gets a turn. At some point in the evening, everyone can gather around the computer or television to see the pictures.

Give everyone a piece of paper and have them write what they are thankful for this year. Help the little ones write theirs. Mix them all up and pass them out randomly. Then read them aloud and try to guess who wrote each one. Later, these can be photocopied and bound for a keepsake.

Divide your guests up into teams. Give every team a premade list and head out into the neighborhood for a scavenger hunt. The first team to finish successfully gets some sort of prize. This one is more fun than it sounds, just make sure to do this when you can be pretty sure the neighbors have had a chance to finish their dinner. You would hate to knock on someones door in the middle of saying grace!

Drag out all of your Christmas decorations and set up the tree. You can buy clear glass balls and wooden and plaster ready-to-paint ornaments. Persuade everyone to make one and put them on your tree. You will forever have a reminder of that day and family member or friend.

Throw everyone in the cars and head to the local movie theater or bowling alley. A good movie or rousing bowling game are always a winner. Bowling is also a good way to burn off some of those Turkey Day calories. If you can't decide on the bowling or the movie, take a vote!

Hopefully you try one or more of these sure fire winners this year, and if not, maybe it sparked an idea of your own. Either way, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season.

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