The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun, and with a full week to utilize (unless you’re traveling, which is just as cool), here is a list of what you should do over Thanksgiving Break before you decide to have a full-day Netflix marathon:

1. Spend time talking to your relatives. Whether they live in Austin or on the other side of the world, they’re all family. Thanksgiving is a time to think about all that you have and get in touch with family.Talking to your relatives is just one of many things you can do to celebrate this holiday.
2. Make some classic fall recipes. No matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, ask Mom and Dad for some help and guidance and cook up something worth putting on the Thanksgiving table. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/seasonal/make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes
3. Find a new hobby or make time to enjoy doing what you love. During Thanksgiving Break, you have a full week to relax and it’s a perfect chance to sneak in those fun activities that your school schedule doesn’t allow. From hiking to sketching, find some time to enjoy yourself.
4. Take a walk. Now that Austin has finally caught up to the right season, the air and temperature is perfect for an outside stroll. In a few weeks, the temperature is forecasted to drop again, so make sure you get a few breaths of fresh air before it’s gone.
5. Make some arts and crafts. Whether it’s for the dinner table, for a friend, or just for fun, get some inspiration and make something creative for the fall season. http://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g2063/thanksgiving-craft-ideas/
6. Go online and track down all the deals at your favorite stores. Prepare yourself for Black Friday shopping and the stuffy seas of people. Going to the stores top on your list helps you get the things you absolutely need and leaves time to hunt for the others lower down.
7. Go Black Friday shopping (on Thursday)! If you plan everything out, the only other reasonable thing to do would be to use your knowledge and shop ‘till you drop. Just remember, be courteous while doing so.

If you can’t find anything on this list that you want to do, find your own way of spending the week of Thanksgiving. There are millions of activities you can do that aren’t on this list (like watching Netflix), so go do what you love.