Thanksgiving is right around the corner. However, for the students and staff that would like to do something different this year, below are some non-traditional ideas:  Nadia Tyson-Razack

1. Give back to the community:  If my grandfather isn’t busy working during Thanksgiving, he goes to the soup kitchen to help those in need of a nice hot meal who don’t have a lot of money to spend on food.  Students and faculty don’t only have to go to the soup kitchen to give back to the community. VolunteerMatch.com has a whole list of volunteer opportunities for them to choose from. Just filter the jobs of preference to find one that you like.
2. Start a self journey: Write down the things that have been bothering you in journal and make a list of things that you want to try. Then put them into action as you go about your day.
3. Movie Night: Hosting a movie night with family, and friends is a nice way to spend Thanksgiving. Eating leftovers with your favorite movies, might be a good idea for those families who don’t want to cook and just want to relax.
4. Thanksgiving Potluck: For an easy clean up, have friends and family bring a dish in a disposable tin and when everyone is done, throw the disposable containers away. A theme is not required for a potluck however, you can choose on if you would like.
5. Host a Baking Challenge with Friends and Family: Invite your family and friends for a bake out to see who is the sweetest baker.  
6. Do Chores: Cleaning out the house can be very fulfilling once finished.  
7. Adopt a pet: One of my favorite memories is when I adopted my dog Sammie from the pet shelter near my house and brought him home into his new family. He got along instantly with my other dog Lovie and later my other cats, warmed up to him as well. So find a local Animal shelter and help a pet find a new family for the Holidays.
8. Decorate for Christmas/ or any holiday of your choice : It is great every year when I get to hang up ornaments with my family because I get a chance to bond and reminiscence about the happy memories from the past.  
9. Be Creative: Invent an idea that is not on this list and try something new for this Thanksgiving.