It’s that time of year again. Time to be thankful, eat as much food as possible and enjoy spending time with friends and family. Here are the TOP TEN traditions that make Thanksgiving an awesome holiday:

10. Run/Walk in a Turkey Trot Race

Thanksgiving races and fun runs are common across the country.  Locally, the annual Hollidaysburg YMCA/Perry Wellington 4.5 mile Turkey Trot Race is one of the Hollidaysburg YMCA’s most popular events for locals and those visiting from out of town. The course consists of a rolling 4.5-mile run, and a flat 2 mile walk. It starts at the YMCA and runs up Brush Mountain Road and takes a scenic route through Hollidaysburg. The Start/Finish is at the old main entrance to the YMCA.

To register click this link.

9. Attend a Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is when all friends get together and have their own Thanksgiving. Many people don’t get the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families so having a Friendsgiving could brighten their Thanksgiving.

8. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Every year the streets of Manhattan fill with thousands of people lined up to watch the famous parade. If you weren’t part of that crowd you were sitting at home watching it on tv. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is known for its giant inflatable balloons that float down the streets high above the onlookers. It also features performances by marching bands, dancers, and more B-list celebrities than you can name.

7. Break the Wishbone 

The wishbone, a Y-shaped bone from the turkey, has always carried superstitions throughout the years. The wishbone is carved out of the turkey and set aside. After the meal, two people will hold each end of the wishbone, make their wishes and pull with all their might. Whoever gets the bigger piece of the wishbone is said to have their wish come true in the upcoming year.

6. Watch a Football Game

Football is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. Everyone loves to relax on the TV and watch a good football game. But there’s nothing quite like the tradition of Thanksgiving Day football. The tradition began in 1934 when Lions owner George Richards scheduled the game as a publicity stunt to boost attendance. The Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966. This year the Lions will play the Bears, and the Cowboys will face off against the Raiders.  Viewers will also get a bonus game this year as the Bills are at the Saints in the evening.

5. Go Black Friday Shopping

Stores all over the U.S have their biggest sales the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday is the one year where all stores have sales on almost every item they own. People are so eager to Black Friday shop, some camp outside the stores in lines waiting for it to open. People buy everything from Christmas gifts, items for themselves, outdoor appliances, indoor appliances, anything you can think of.

4. Tell Everyone What You’re Thankful For

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about what you’re thankful for. It lightens the mood when hearing everyone talk about their favorite moments throughout the year. Especially since the last year or two has been a struggle and big change for all of us.

3. Take a Thanksgiving Nap

After preparing food, eating, and spending time with family a Thanksgiving nap may be for you. Turkey is a well-known factor of sleepiness with high levels of amino acids. If you were eating foods with lots of sugar you may also feel tired. But it is a holiday, so everyone deserves a rest.

2. Give Back to Those in Need

Thanksgiving brings out the good in everyone and encourages many to give back. Even if you do little gestures to brighten someone’s holiday that’s all that matters. Many people and organizations hold annual food drives to help families have a Thanksgiving meal. If you want to help a family with their Thanksgiving, click this link to learn how you can help locally.

The Faith Baptist Church of Altoona sponsors a weekly food pantry every Tuesday. The pantry is open from 1 to 4 p.m. in the lower level of the church (315 40th St.) and offers fruits, vegetables, meats, and other items.

1.  Eat a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

Of course, it’s Thanksgiving, so eating has to be number one.  Everyone knows the most popular and traditional foods for Thanksgiving Day. Other than turkey, some of the most popular Thanksgiving foods are mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, yams, green bean casserole, turkey, and of course pumpkin pie.  Enjoy!