By Ellen Heidenreich

Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to giving thanks.  Most people spend the holiday lounging around the house eating large quantities of food, however, make this Thanksgiving fun packed with these five things.

1. Worried about gaining weight over Thanksgiving?  Well you shouldn’t be. The Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start out a day full of feasting.  The 5K on November 24^th, starts at 8:00 a.m. and benefits people with sight and hearing disorders, diabetes, and needy families in the Naperville area. Don’t miss the chance to run a fun race and receive a free long sleeve shirt for participating.  Registration closes at 12 a.m. on November 23^rd.  The Turkey Trot Website states “Run fast, EAT LATER, No Penalty!
2. Besides final exams, the time leading up to Thanksgiving break can one of the most stressful times due to the several tests and projects that teachers cram in before the five days off.  Most often, students fall behind on their favorite TV shows.  Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to get together with friends and family to catch up your favorite TV series.
3. More than anything Thanksgiving is a time to help those less fortunate and really make an impact on someone’s life.  This Thanksgiving plan a family outing to a local food pantry to help out in the community.  Feed My Starving Children is just one of the many places that greatly appreciates volunteers.
4. Staggered throughout Thanksgiving Day are three exciting NFL football games that you don’t want to miss.  As the official NFL website states, “NFL games are as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.” Crowding around the TV with family and friends is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining parts of Thanksgiving.
5. Of course Thanksgiving would not be the same without the sales, discounts and excitement of Black Friday.  Large department stores including Macy’s offer some of the best deals on everything from kitchen appliances to winter boots.  For all of your electronic needs and wants stop into Best Buy and save big on many electronics.  Best Buy offers a Sharp 42 inch Class LCD HDTV for only $199.99.  Also Walmart and Target are the perfect places to stock up on any home goods for a low price.

Let the fun begin!