A cleanly picked turkey carcass rests on a cutting board, wobbling precariously on the edge of a kitchen sink plastered with potato peels as the dishwasher next to it labors to clear away all evidence of Granny Edna’s glue-like gravy.
Uncle Alan’s snoring has managed to awaken everyone in the living room except for Uncle Alan.
And as their i-devices’ batteries begin to run low, the kids are starting to get restless.
What now?
Since a friendly discussion about politics is likely out of the question, here is a list of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy, healthy and entertained once the feasting has subsided.
1. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
What: A Chattanooga holiday favorite, the garden is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It features more than a million LED lights and more than 30 holiday scenes along a trail the travels between the Arctic Kingdom, the Magic Forest, Yule Town and the North Pole Village, where Santa and Mrs. Claus await.
Where: Rock City, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain
When: 6-9 p.m., Nov. 22-Jan. 4, except Christmas Eve.
Admission: $16.95-$29.95 adults, $8.95-$15.95 children ages 3-12.
More info: seerockcity.com.
2. Ice on the Landing
What: Whether you’re more the cling-to-the-railing-for-dear-life-and-hope-for-this-moment-to-end type or a backward skating, figure-eighting, pirouetting, picture of grace on skates, you won’t find a patch of ice closer to home than Ice on the Landing on the grounds of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo gardens, 1400 Market St.
When: Through Dec. 18, Mondays-Thursdays, 2-9 p.m.; Fridays, 2-11 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sundays, 12-9 p.m., extended weekday holiday hours begin Dec. 19.
Admission: Adults $10, includes skate rental and two hours of skating. Children 12 and younger, $8.
More info: iceonthelanding.com.
3. Tennessee Valley Railroad
What: Tickets are still available for a number of this holiday weekend’s excursions on the Tennessee Valley Railroad.
Where: Tennessee Valley Railroad, 4119 Cromwell Road
When: Tickets are on sale for multiple trips on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including the Copperhill Train at 9:30 a.m.., the 75-minute North Pole Limited rides at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Nightcaps with St. Nick at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Variety of ticket prices available.
More info: tvrail.com or call 423-894-8028.
4. The Polar Express 3D
What: The Tennessee Aquarium begins its special showings of the modern holiday classic film “The Polar Express” on Friday. The 2004 animated picture tells the story of a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus as he takes a magical train ride to the North Pole.
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater, 201 Chestnut St.
When: No showings Thursday; Friday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.; Saturday, 5 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $13.95; Children, $10.95
More info: tnaqua.org/imax
5. Lighted Boat Parade
What: Chattanooga’s annual Lighted Boat Parade always signals the official start of the Christmas season downtown, and this Friday marks the 29th annual parade. About 40 boaters will parade up and down the Tennessee River, showing off their floating displays. The end of the event features a fireworks display, followed by the illumination of more than 130 downtown buildings, bridges and parks, which will remain lit through the winter season.
Where: Boaters will travel back and forth between the Walnut Street and Olgiati bridges, and there will be live holiday entertainment on the stage at Coolidge Park.
When: Parade begins at 7 p.m. Friday; fireworks at 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: chattanoogapresents.com/lighted-boat-parade.