Sweet potatoes and couch potatoes

Watching football is as much a Thanksgiving tradition as sweet potato casserole. But this year, why not start a new tradition and play a game of touch football with children, parents and grandparents. (The losing team has to do the dishes.)

You can take part in a "turkey trot" that many communities hold in the morning. These non-competitive races often raise funds for a charitable cause and usually include a one- or two-mile walk in addition to the run. After dinner, gather the family and walk through your neighborhood to see how your neighbors have decorated their homes.

Indoors, turn off the television and invite your guests to play card games or board games. You can create an oral history of your family's holiday traditions. Children can interview their parents about how they celebrated the holidays when they were young. See this website for 50 questions for family history interviews.

Whatever activities you choose, give thanks for your family.