My Turkey Day Plans

For the last 6 or 7 years I’ve participated in a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Typically it’s a 5k but last year, and this year, I’m stepping it up to an 8k. It’s a great tradition and a perfect way to start off a food filled day.

The race is at 9, so Joel and I are normally out the door by 8:15 in order to get a parking spot and decent place in line. We don’t run together, but it is really nice to have someone at the end cheering me on.

Thanksgiving for my family is an all day event, so after I get ready after the run we head over to my cousin’s house in the city to start off the festivities. For most of the day, we chat, eat, catch up with one another, and drink.

Dinner is typically served between 5-6 and we take our time and go around as a group (all 20 – 40 of us, depending on the year) and say what we are thankful for. Typically by the 4th person, everyone is in tears.

After dinner and dessert, we decant a few new bottles of wine and pull out the games. Last year we played cranium and trivial pursuit, and I would imagine we’ll do the same.

I’m going to head home with my family and spend the rest of the weekend in Crystal Lake. We have lots of other family and friend gatherings, and I’m looking forward to being home with everybody. I’m planning on unplugging from the computer and really focus on relaxing and spending quality time with the family.