Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season when families take a break from busy schedules and come together for good company and great food. Treat the day like the party it is by incorporating fun activities into the festivities. There are plenty of ways to celebrate beyond feasting, including crafts to entertain the kids, games to burn off all those extra calories, and an irresistible piñata finale.

Lay out a festive spread with crafts that lend a decorative touch. Before the party, set up a table with plenty of art supplies. Upon arrival, ask everyone to sign in on a Thanksgiving tablecloth. Then enlist the creative talents of the kids (and an older child to supervise the activities). Quick crafts--like village people, turkey napkin rings, ship-shaped favors, and corn-print place mats--are simple enough that even the littlest of hands can help set the table. Besides ensuring an abundance of beautiful table toppers, engaging kids in crafts gives parents a chance to mingle. Also, if traveling distances aren't too great, consider going potluck so that everyone, including the hostess, is free to enjoy themselves.

Add a historical element to the day with projects inspired by the first Thanksgiving. The following activities, from crafting corn husk puppets and tepee treats to creating pilgrim hats, bonnets, and Native American medallions, will help give kids a taste of their American heritage.

After the dishes are done and everyone's finished a second helping of pie, the lure of the couch is especially hard to resist. Ward off stuffing stupor and cranberry coma with some all-ages games--and serve up some wonderful post-meal memories. Play a few rounds of Pictionary-inspired Fast Draw, test everyone's familial knowledge with Family Trivia, or head outdoors for rowdy fun with touch football, Free the Fowl, and Elbow Tag.

Remember, it isn't called Turkey Day for nothing. Pay tribute to the great bird-- and cap off the celebration--with a fowl-shaped turkey piñata that's guaranteed to be a big hit.