15 Ways to Entertain Yourself With While You Wait in La Sala for Dinner This Thanksgiving

Pamela Avila - 11/16/18 - No Pos Wow
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You know how the meme goes, “getting all dressed up even though you’re just going to end up sitting in your living room.” Or something like that. Regardless, we know it’s true. On Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, you go all out with your fashion look just to walk outside of your room or go to your uncle or aunt’s house and just chill in the living room until the food’s ready.

Every holiday. You know the drill.

But this year, be sure to pack for the occasion. We know it can get a little boring (depending on how your family celebrates, of course) so we’ve rounded up the best little trinkets, board games, books and other essentials to keep you busy while you wait for dinner to be served.

1. A mobile charger 

First things first, you’re going to need that juice if you want to scroll through your social feeds before the feast is served. And this concha power bank is PERFECT.

Buy here.

2. “Useful Phrases For Immigrants” by May-lee Chai

If you’re more of an introverted book nerd and would much rather get lost in a book than make small talk with family before dinner is served, then get lost in this.

Buy here.

3. A rubix cube made for latinas by latinas.

Solving a rubix cube isn’t something we’re usually into, to be honest. But this one is just too cute to pass up on, and it might be the perfect thing to hold you over until dinner is ready.

Buy here.

4. “American Like Me” by America Ferrera 

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As a salsa dancing, ‘Saved by the Bell’ watching, tamale AND apple pie eating Honduran-American, I never saw my experience of growing up between two cultures reflected back at me. I felt like I was alone in my experience and unseen by the world around me. BUT LOOK!! Look at all the incredible artists, writers, activists, athletes & culture makers who grew up feeling the same way!! I am beyond humbled that all these amazing people contributed their stories to this book! It is a dream come true for me to put AMERICAN LIKE ME into the world so that countless young people can see more authentic reflections of their own lives in the culture around them. It comes out on September 25th! (Link in bio) #AmericanLikeMe

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In case you haven’t heard yet, America Ferrera recently published a collection of writings from celebs like Issa Rae and Diane Guerrero about the experience of growing up in between cultures and countries–and it’s the perfect read while you wait for dinner, tbh.

Buy here.

5. “Dear America” by Jose Antonio Vargas 

Another good book alert! A short, powerful, and beautiful read by Jose Antonio Vargas should be in your checkout cart like right now.

Buy here.

6. Millennial Loteria 

If you’re of the extroverted type then gather ’round your cousins and play Millennial Loteria all night long. This is the perfect twist on a classic game, and you’re bound to get some laughs out of it, too.

Buy here.

7. An adult coloring book

You’re never too old for coloring books. Remember that. So, before you go off to your tia’s house for Thanksgiving dinner or the Christmas tamaleada, make sure to pack Sasha O’Hara’s “Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Coloring Book.” Don’t forget the crayons or colored pencils!

Buy here.

8. A board game

We love the 90s, and we love board games. So this is the perfect combo of both! Test your knowledge on the 90s with your cousins, just don’t get too competitive.

Buy here.

9. Selena loteria

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????Selena Merchandise Alert!???? If you love Selena as much as we do, you better act now and get yourself some of these items inspired by La Reina Del Tex Mex! Our Selena merchandise includes a really cool loteria, stickers, totes, candles and pins. All items except the candles can be found both in-store and online. (To shop online please visit www.HorchateriaRL.com/Shop) We ❤️ you Selena! #HorchateriaRL #SelenaMerchandise #SelenaLoteria #SelenaPins #SelenaTote #SelenaStickers #SelenaCandles #SelenaCandlesNotAvailableOnline #ItemsAvailableWhileSuppliesLast #LaReinaDelTexMex #AnythingForSalinassss #SelenaLoversUnite #SpecialShoutOutToAnyoneNamedSelena #YourLoudTiaWithTheRedLipstickWantsAllOfThese #NoWeDontSellRedLipstick #BuyEverythingAndBeTheEnvyOfAllYourAmigas #AmazonPrimeDayNiQueOchoCuartos #DontGetLeftBehindWithoutYourSelenaGear #JLoApprovedMerchandise

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One can never have too many loteria sets. Especially if one of them is Selena-themed. Anything for Selenas!

Buy here.

10. “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez

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#partner The September @badpeoplebookclub box is here! ???????? . Oooo am I excited for this one. The novel follows groups of Hispanic immigrant families living in the same apartment complex. The story centers around two families- the Riverias, who are Mexican, and the Panamanian Toros. The Rivieras have come to America with the hope of finding better resources for their injured Maribel. They meet Mayor Toro, and the two families quickly become I intertwined. It's the story of family, young love, and most importantly, the story of these "forgotten Americans". . I'm loving the unique drink recipe this go 'round- it's called The Sassy Loba and was created by mixologist Jules Mavromatis. 1.5 oz mezcal joven, blueberry black tea syrup, orgeat, and lemon juice are going to make for a perfect end of summer treat ???? . As always, many thanks to @badpeoplebookclub for sending! If you'd like your own subscription, use the code TBRETC10 for 10% off. With every box, you get a beautiful book written by an #ownvoices author, discussion points, a drink recipe, and everything you need to create a signature drink to go along with the book (just add alcohol!) They also have a podcast. ????#badpeoplebookclub #thebookofunknownamericans

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More books! Get lost in this powerful novel by Cristina Henriquez about immigrants in America. 

Buy here.

11. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama 

OR learn more about our favorite First Lady of the United States with Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming.”

Buy here.

12. Guacardo plushie 

Don’t forget to bring your Guacardo Plushie to keep you company in la sala while you wait for the feast, just don’t show your younger siblings–they might want to keep this cutie.

Buy here.

13. A card game

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we’re ready ????????????????????

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“What Do You Meme?” is probably one of the funniest card games out there. I mean, everyone loves memes. Memes bring people together so you really can’t go wrong with bringing this card game around for everyone to play.

Buy here.

14. “Her Body and Other Parties” by Carmen Maria Machado

If you’re in the mood for more literature by Latina women, then Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado is the perfect book for you. A collection of stories that ranges between psychological realism and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and fabulism, Machado’s writing is flawless.

Buy here.

 

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