Black Friday is considered the pinnacle of American consumerism. And while it’s perfectly respectable to wake up before sunrise for a shopping spree, there’s also a lot more to do with the 24 hours that follow Turkey Day. If you don’t see yourself rushing to the mall this week, here are just a few ideas to keep you occupied.
1. Head outside
After a great Thanksgiving dinner with your relatives, rally everyone together to visit another member of the family: Mother Nature. As an added bonus, over 116 California state parks are offering free parking passes to encourage Californians to explore the great outdoors. Visit www.greenfriday.org to see if a park near you is still offering passes (if not, you can still visit — you’ll just have to pay a small fee)!
2. Clean out your closet
Raid your closet — especially for long-sleeved shirts, jackets and other warm clothing — to see what you can donate. Once the first frost of winter hits, you will be especially thankful that you donated what you could to families and peers in need — and they’ll be thankful too.
3. Get crafty
People love Black Friday because they can score great deals on holiday gifts. But you could save even more money — and add a little charm — by making presents for your loved ones instead of buying them. Spend your Friday morning scrolling through Pinterest or watching YouTube videos for DIY projects, and then get cracking on your masterpieces by the afternoon. Whether you’re making something practical or trying your hand at artsy gifts like a piece of jewelry or a painting, the recipient is sure to love it.
4. Got leftovers? Hold a cooking competition or a potluck.
As delicious as your Thanksgiving meal may be, chances are you don’t want to repeat the exact same meal the very next day. To spice things up, why not host an Iron Chef competition in your own home? Compete against your family to see who can make the most interesting (and delicious) dish using leftovers. For a less competitive alternative, invite others on your street to bring over their leftovers, and enjoy tasting your neighbors’ takes on classic dishes.
5. Make a time capsule
This one is my personal favorite! With the whole family in one place, it’s the perfect time to make a time capsule. Collect your favorite memories from the day in the form of cards, photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, buttons or more — and place everything in a box. Then, find a place to bury the box together!
Thumbnail courtesy of Kirsten Burrell.