Maybe you don't have a large group of family members to get together with. Or perhaps no one has the culinary skills it takes to tackle the turkey. Or it could be you just don't like the taste of traditional Thanksgiving fare. Whatever the reason you're looking for alternatives, here are a few non-traditional ways to celebrate this year.

Go International

Families who don't like turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce might make international cuisine part of their annual celebration. Either choose your favorite type of food or make dishes from a different country every year.

An Italian Thanksgiving might feature several different types of pasta, garlic bread, salads and tiramisu. If your gang likes Mexican food, go for enchiladas, tamales, tacos and churros. If you're feeling more adventurous, make it a potluck and challenge each family member to bring a dish from a different country.

Get Out of Town

If large groups and small spaces are what you're trying to avoid, leave the kitchen behind and go somewhere new. Make turkey sandwiches and go to Tyler State Park and spend the day on the trails.

Drive to Dallas and visit Thanks-Giving Square, a location that affirms gratitude no matter what your religion, culture or tradition. There 6,000 gallons of water cascade down the Great Fountain and three Sierra Granite monoliths commemorate Thanksgiving traditions.

Or get far from home and take a cruise. Give thanks at sea while you head to a tropical island. Thanksgiving cruises usually feature traditional fare, but someone else handles the cooking and cleans up the mess.

Run Together

Make your celebration about fitness instead of feasting. Part of the funds raised from area turkey trots go to charity. Gather your friend or family group for the Tyler Turkey Trot or the First Methodist Hallsville Turkey Trot. Then, instead of consuming all the calories you just burned, keep your charity focus by volunteering to help serve lunch at the Salvation Army of Tyler or Longview.

Stay In and Relax

Give yourself permission to skip the crowds and stress and make your Thanksgiving about relaxation in whatever ways mean the most to you. Stay in your pajamas all day. Cook comfort food and spend the day on the couch with the people who really matter. Watch old movies. Get in touch with the people you've been meaning to talk to and tell them how thankful you are for them.

We want to know what other ways East Texans celebrate Thanksgiving. Do you go all out with the usual type of celebration or does your family have traditions of its own? Let us know in the comments.

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