After nearly two decades of the same (and expended) Thanksgiving traditions as college students, it is expected there is a turkey or ham on the family dinner table, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and possibly cranberry sauce. The most spice a traditional Thanksgiving Day may have is the usual family drama here and there or a burnt turkey (usually the source of that family drama). Here are a few suggestions to season your Thanksgiving experience:

 1.     Frozen Turkey Bowling

Buy a few smaller frozen turkeys, oil ‘em up, buy your bowling pins, and hurl them down the supermarket isle. This is definitely one of the riskier Thanksgiving traditions, but that does not stop the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from enjoying their fun! If you get kicked out of one store, might as well hop to the next! Just remember to grab your pins before you run.

 2.     The Turducken

If you really want to meat up your Thanksgiving, here is an unorthodox idea to attempt with your family. All you will need is the following (and all deboned): a duck, a chicken, and a turkey. Step 1: Stuff the deboned chicken with the deboned duck. Step 2: Stuff the deboned turkey with the deboned chicken with the deboned duck. Meaty, but delicious.

 3.     Pie-Eating Contests

Even though this is the messiest tradition, make it a rule that if you are under eighteen or are a dad, you have to participate in the pie-eating contest. Boys, this one is for you. Even better, make it a choice. Either you participate or you get a pie thrown at you. Hint: it could be easier to use mini pies if you are that worried about messes.

 4.     Family Paranoia

Ever heard of paranoia? This is the family-friendly version. You can play it two different ways. The first involves handing out notecards for each question of a series. Ask a question, write down your answer. Put it into a bowl or jar. Go around the circle, pull out a card, and guess who’s answer it was! Otherwise, go around the table and whisper to the person next to you (for example), “Most likely to sneak a piece of pumpkin pie before dessert.” Say your answer out loud. Now, flip a coin. Heads? Tell your answer. Tails? A secret for the rest of eternity.

 5.     Make your own horrible commentary at the Thanksgiving Parade

Ever remember your parents putting on the Thanksgiving Parade in the background as they prepare dinner? Let’s make it a little interesting this year. Make your own commentary about the floats and performers at the Parade! Choose your prize of choice. The kids get a laugh and the parents get to rein free.

Whether it be messy, goofy, or downright odd, Thanksgiving is a family tradition meant to be spent together. No matter how you spend it, there will be laughs and probably tears. Spend your time wisely before you go back to your nine to five schedules. Make your memories while you all are in the same place. Make your limited time into limitless memories.