AP Photo/Larry Crowe

When you think 'Thanksgiving' you usually think turkey, parades on television and football. Maybe a nice long nap. But does it have to be that predictable?

This Thanksgiving, create memories and some new traditions that will make your holiday even more enjoyable for you and your spouse. Here's how:

Photo:John Mottern/Feature Photo Service for Stop & Shop

Don't just eat, go serve someone

Instead of just plopping down at the table and being served your turkey and cranberries, change it up a bit - and YOU do the serving!

The Nashville Rescue Mission has "A Great Thanksgiving Banquet" where you can brighten the holiday of many who have no where to go, and no families with whom to enjoy the day. You and your spouse can make a night of it Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, or on Thanksgiving Day.

When you come together and serve as a team, it draws the two of you closer together - and in this instance, you really will be making a difference for so many people!

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Get into the holiday spirit

A seasonal favorite, with nearly 2  million lights, the holiday light display at Gaylord Opryland is a perfect way to wrap up Thanksgiving day together. With many rooms of decorations, Poinsettia Christmas Trees, Santa Claus, carriage rides, beatiful lights inside and out, plus a gorgeous ceramic nativity, you can spend the evening enjoying the display, and talking about your favorite childhood holiday memories!

If you are in the mood for a show, you can take in ICE! This year featuring 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' - make sure you take a coat - to see Charlie, Linus, Lucy and Snoopy, all carved out of huge blocks of ice! Or, if you enjoy more traditional entertainment, Louise Mandrell’s 'Joy To The World' Christmas Dinner & Show kicks off the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Instead of the same old lazy Thanksgiving day - make this one special by creating memories together you will never forget!