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Thanksgiving, Macy's Parade, NFL action: 5 things to know Thursday

Editors
USA TODAY

It's Thanksgiving and it's all good

Americans around the world on Thursday will celebrate Thanksgiving, a day of spending time with friends and family, counting our blessings – and eating! The good folks at Thanksgiving.com have got you covered for sumptuous holiday recipes, be it turkey, side dishes or desserts. Not sure how you want to celebrate? Sample these Thanksgiving traditions from around the USA. For the little ones coming to dinner, here are some fun activities for the kids table. If you find yourself in front of the TV after your big meal, check out our list of the best Thanksgiving movies and TV shows. Above all, don't stress out! Here's why Thanksgiving is the best of all holidays.

Nissan Motor Co. board votes to formally dismiss chairman Carlos Ghosn

The board of Nissan Motor Co. voted unanimously to formally dismiss Carlos Ghosn as the Japanese automaker's chairman Thursday after an internal probe found he allegedly falsified reports "over many years." Ghosn was arrested Monday after the investigation – based on a whistleblower report – said he underreported his salary and committed other financial violations including the personal use of company assets, the firm and Japanese state media said. Brazilian-born Ghosn, 64, is a huge figure in the global auto industry. He was an early advocate for electric cars, autonomous and driverless vehicles, and for integrating communication capabilities with smartphone technology for the "connected car."

92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off holiday season

For all you early birds: Macy’s annual Turkey Day parade will showcase big balloons, stars and pageantry, starting at 9 a.m. ET. The lineup features 16 giant balloons; 43 novelty balloons; heritage balloons; balloonicles and trycallons (hybrid balloons and vehicles); and balloonheads (hybrid costume characters). Some of the new characters blowing hot air include Saiyan warrior Goku from “Dragon Ball Super: Brody.” You'll still be able to see some old favorites, such as Charlie Brown, The Grinch and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Look out for the new floats, including Elf Pets by The Elf on the Shelf. The TODAY Show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the three-hour broadcast on NBC. 

Here's a sneak peek of some of the new balloons.

Are you ready for some Thanksgiving football?

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than good food, good company, and of course the National Football League. Three games between division rivals will provide your friends and family with entertainment all day long, starting with the NFCNorth leading Chicago Bears vs. the Detroit Lions (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS). Next up is one of the most storied rivalries in football as backup QB Colt McCoy and the Washington Redskins take on the Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX). Last but certainly not least, the day’s action ends in New Orleans. Trying to get their season back on track, the Atlanta Falcons desperately need a win vs. the Saints (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). Before the games begin, make sure to check out the current playoff picture and our updated NFL power rankings!

For your holiday shopping needs: Store hours for Thanksgiving 

There’s extra time to shop this holiday season. While most stores are open long hours on Black Friday, many are also opening their doors on Thanksgiving day itself.  To get your shopping spree planned accordingly, here are Thanksgiving and Black Friday store hours. On the other hand, many stores are choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving, including wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club. Be sure to check which ones are open so you can make the most out of your holiday weekend. 

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