5 Alternative Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving if You’re Tired of Cooking

That’s right, you can still maintain the barebone basics but lighten up your workload by ordering in. Whether it’s one of the amazing premade Thanksgiving dinners from Whole Foods or takeout from your favorite restaurant, the stress of cooking shouldn’t be a deterrent in spending time with family and friends. And what’s more to be thankful for than no cooking cleanup?

This event isn’t just for the most athletic families you know of, it’s for everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and do something fun as a family or friend unit during the holiday. Don’t worry about athletic performance, you can always walk out the turkey trot and enjoy the crisp autumn air with your crew. And of course, if you’ve worked up quite a bit of an appetite, you can make it a day with list item one.

“Gossip Girl” nailed one thing almost every Thanksgiving, and that was the infamous Van Der Woodsen dinner at a diner. Sure, it may be a bit different swapping out roasted turkey for burgers and fries but good food and quality time sounds like a winning Thanksgiving. Plus, it’ll be a fraction of the cost and zero clean-up on your end.

This is the most monetarily steep option on the list, but an exciting one you and the kids in your family (if there are any) will never forget. Swap out those few days off at home for a few days in the mountains and eat something local instead of cooking away while away from home. A much-needed trip planned during this typically labor-intensive holiday may prove to be the best alternative for yourself and your family.

Part of showing gratitude on Thanksgiving is acknowledging all the blessings in your life, which may put you in the spirit to give back. Volunteering is a wonderful way to spend the day giving thanks and warm meals to those who may need it more. Search for local kitchen hosting events and sign up for another meaningful way to spend this holiday.