Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around with family and friends, eating together, watching football, and maybe the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. But how much leisure time are you getting on Thanksgiving Day? The preparations, the cooking, the cleaning, is that what has become of Thanksgiving?

People stress so much every Thanksgiving and hope everything will go as planned. But what if you didn’t have to stress anymore? Families such as mine, go out for dinner on Thanksgiving, with little to worry about and have the whole day to ourselves.

Eating for an hour to two hours, at a nice restaurant with your family isn’t such a bad idea. Having someone bring you anything you want feels pretty nice. Going home, having nothing to clean, taking a nap, and waiting for the big Thanksgiving football game to come on.

We went to Silver Fox last year with each plate costing $47.95 per person and for kids under 12, $17.95. Its pretty pricey but worth it. There weren’t many people in the restaurant which made it feel more comfortable. We each left with a full stomach and lounged at home the rest of the day.

Going out to eat creates much more time for family bonding and leisure time. We’ve done this for the past two years, and I love it. I’m still with family and friends, but without feeling where the day went, and not feeling like i just ate all day.

It’s not your traditional Thanksgiving day, but is worth giving it a shot sometime if you and your family don’t feel like going all out. Try something new, and head out for the next holiday meal.