As I walked through Faneuil Hall this past weekend I couldn’t help but notice the obvious – Santa has arrived. A line of cold parents and anxious children circled his cabin and another crowd formed in front of a giant Christmas tree that was set to be lit that night… five full days before Thanksgiving.
While some of us enjoy the present-less, over-eating traditions of Thanksgiving (me!), others see it as a pre-game to black Friday shopping and a stepping stone on the road to Christmas.
So, as visions of turkey and cranberry sauce dance in my head, I thought I would suggest a few ways to get into the Thanksgiving spirit.
- Take a trip to Plymouth, Mass. – Known as the spot where the first pilgrims landed in America, this town features the National Monument to the Forefathers, Pilgrim Hall Museum and of course, Plymouth Rock.
- Run in the 10th annual Wild Turkey 5k – On November 28th, join more than 1,300 other runners at this annual event benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and Salem Park & Recreation Youth programs.
- Watch the 103rd lighting of the Pilgrim Monument – Located in Provincetown, the Pilgrim Monument commemorates the history of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The annual lighting on November 27th celebrates the Pilgrims first landing at Provincetown in 1620.
- Visit Old Sturbridge Village – Experience an early New England Thanksgiving Day, including cooking at a hearth, demonstrations of 19th-century table manners, a Thanksgiving sermon as well as after-dinner entertainment.
- Deliver Thanksgiving meals – Join the Community Servings Thanksgiving Delivery team on Wednesday, November 27th, to help deliver Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings to individuals and families living with critical illnesses.
- Donate to the Salvation Army – Help others stay warm this Thanksgiving by donating gently used winter coats and clothing to your local Salvation Army.
