5 things to do on Thanksgiving (besides eating turkey)
1. Check out a football game.
Sports fans can enjoy the traditional NFL triple-header as the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Detroit Lions (Fox, 12:30 p.m.), followed by the Carolina Panthers at the Dallas Cowboys (CBS, 4:30 p.m.). Later, the Chicago Bears visit the Green Bay Packers (NBC, 8:30 p.m.). On the college side, South Florida visits Central Florida (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.), and Texas hosts Texas Tech (Fox Sports 1, 7:30 p.m.).
2. Watch a Thanksgiving Day special
There's a host of Thanksgiving Day programming that pairs well with turkey. The day kicks off with the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (CBS, NBC, 9 a.m.), which will feature Miss America 2016, Betty Cantrell of Warner Robins. After that, catch the annual National Dog Show (Noon, NBC). Fox also has dog-related programming with the "All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration" at 8 p.m.
3. Color The Telegraph's turkey
Readers and their children can show off their artistic skills by coloring our Thanksgiving Day turkey on page 9C. There are separate contests for adults and children. Winners will receive gift cards.
4. Prepare to power shop
Whether you start your Christmas shopping on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday or beyond, doing so takes planning. Make a list, check advertisements for specials and clip coupons. Many stores that open on Thanksgiving Day will do so at 5 or 6 p.m., but others start earlier.
5. Start planning your Christmas tree
If you're not in too much of a turkey coma, head up to the attic or down to the basement and start pulling the Christmas ornaments out of storage. If you want to find a nice live tree to trim, go to the Georgia Christmas Tree Association site at gacta.com. There you'll find information about tree farms across Middle Georgia and the state, including a variety of trees grown and other services offered. There are also directions.
This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 3:35 PM with the headline "5 things to do on Thanksgiving (besides eating turkey) ."