5 After 5, Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving's less than a week away!  What are some of your traditions for this time of year?  Share your favorites here at this week's edition of 5 After 5!

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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was your 5 favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.

Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!

List 5 of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions

Even though we never know what we might be up to for Thanksgiving each year, there are several things that I still consider traditions during this holiday:

1.  Camping

It won't surprise you to hear that we've camped more Thanksgivings than not.

This originally took place in our typical spot in the mountains, but then too many snows moved the celebrations a bit further south, allowing us to explore several of north Georgia's wonderful state parks.

Last year, we hit NOLA and then sauntered up the Natchez Trace to go walking in Memphis and spend time with G's brother.

Some years, we stay home and attempt to tackle projects around the house, but even then, we usually camp a night or two at a wilderness tract nearby.

2.  A big hike

There's always a big hike involved before the big meal (if we're camping) and my favorite (if we're in NC) is the Chimney Tops.

I love seeing all the men and kids trek up to the top of those humps - it's so obvious that the womenfolk have just reached their limit and kicked them all out of the house while the meal gets made.

3.  Turkey legs over the campfire

I bet you were already wondering what our Thanksgiving dinners look like while camping, weren't you?

Well, the menu is certainly different than if we were at home, but we do manage to keep the spirit of the meal alive and throw some big ol' giant turkey legs on the campfire.

4.  Games

No, I don't mean football games, although those have figured into past Thanksgivings, too.

I'm talking about games.  Since this holiday is all about the food and doesn't have present opening taking up the rest of the time, it's one of my only chances to wrangle everyone in to playing board and card games with me, which I love.

5.  Parade

I haven't watched this thing for years and years (it's a little difficult when you don't have tv...or are off in the woods camping), but it was definitely a requirement when I was growing up.

Nowadays, my favorite part of the parade is this quote:

"These gusty winds appear to be playing havoc with the giant nutcracker float. At this point, I can't even see the nuts. They must have blown away. Oh, here they are. Here come the nuts!"

Can you name that movie?



For next week:

List 5 ways you relax

I'm pretty sure most everybody spends next weekend recovering from all the Thanksgiving preparations and just trying to relax before all the Christmas madness is fully upon us.

I can't wait to read your favorites to add to my list!

And now, here's this week's link party!  Two other fabulous bloggers have teamed up with me to create lists of five each week and we hope that you'll join us, too!

That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our three blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow each of the three hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.

Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated Mama: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'

Samantha, at Motivated Days: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ 

Heather Marie at Life, Love, and Lasagna: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Bloglovin'

What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

Also, if you don't want to miss a single minute of fun around here, be sure to sign up for free updates and then look forward to having each post delivered right to your inbox!

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