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21 unexpected ways to give back and do good on Black Friday.

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Old Navy Cozy Socks

Thanksgiving is around the corner and you know what that means ... Black Friday and all its beautiful madness is almost upon us.

[rebelmouse-image 19475618 dam="1" original_size="750x499" caption="Photo by Powhusku/Flickr." expand=1]Photo by Powhusku/Flickr.

Sure, it's crowded and intense, but those glorious sales make it worth it, right? Maybe you'll find that game system your kids have been begging for marked down 50% or a pair of earrings you could never justify buying for yourself until the price hit the floor. Regardless of why someone chooses to spend their post-Turkey Day weaving through hoards of sale-hungry folks, there's always a big payoff.


Of course, all that retail therapy can sometimes make you feel a wee bit selfish too. After all, even though you're taking advantage of massive sales, there are many people who don't have that luxury.

With that in mind, we challenge you to take some of that shopping energy you've stored up for Black Friday and give it back. There are plenty of little ways you can be generous to others while still being good to yourself and your loved ones.

Photo via iStock.

Together, with a little bit of ingenuity, we can make Black Friday a day of giving as well as a day of getting.

Here are 21 ways you can be generous on Nov. 24.

1. First things first: out with the old and in with the new.

Photo via iStock.

Since you're already planning on bringing home new stuff, why not go through your old clothes, shoes, and appliances first and see if there's anything you can give away?

If you're not sure what's accepted or where to bring your stuff, RecycleNow can help.

2. Heading out super early in the morning to Black Friday sales? Bring donuts and coffee.

[rebelmouse-image 19475621 dam="1" original_size="640x425" caption="Photo by Powhusku/Flickr." expand=1]Photo by Powhusku/Flickr.

You don't have to bring enough for everyone, but the people shivering near you in line will become your best friends.

3. On your way to the sales, why not pick up some fellow shoppers and save the environment while you save money?

Put the word out that you're going shopping on Black Friday and can offer rides to anyone else who wants to come. You'll be doing right by the planet and making shopping buddies.

4. Once you're in the stores, you can shop and give back at the same time.

While you're out braving the malls and stores, pick up some basic undershirts, socks, underwear, etc., and donate them to your local clothing bank. Often, people throw away their undergarments because they assume no one will want them used.

5. And hold the door for people while you're at it.

They may not always say "thank you," but trust me, if they're carrying a ton of bags, they'll appreciate it.

6. Be sure to pick up some cozy socks for a good cause too.

Cozy socks! Photo via Old Navy.

This is not a drill: Old Navy will be selling these super cozy socks for $1 a pair on Black Friday, and all the profits up to $1 million will go directly to Boys & Girls Clubs.

7. Do even more for Boys & Girls Clubs of America while you're at it.

For over 157 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been helping kids achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. You can donate to their cause here and volunteer at your local BGCA here.

8. Maybe also buy a gift for a friend who's been having a tough time.

Little gestures like that mean the world, especially when they're unexpected. Plus it'll give them the opportunity to talk to someone who cares.

9. And on your way home from the sales, why not swing by a homeless shelter?

Image via iStock.

With your Black Friday haul in tow, you could likely find a shelter on your route that would be eager for some help on the holiday weekend. Maybe bring them some of your Thanksgiving leftovers? Here's a handy directory to find a homeless shelter near you.

10. Or visit with a lonely senior citizen.

After all, many doorbusters are over late night Thursday/early morning Friday, so you could have the whole day to visit a nursing home or assisted living center. You have no idea what a difference a warm face and pleasant conversation can make.

11. If you're not squeamish, giving blood is always a good move too.

Photo via iStock.

I know giving blood can make some people queasy, but since you probably ate a lot the day before, there's very little chance you'll pass out from it. And, more importantly, your donation might save a life.

You can donate blood to most hospitals, but they will likely require a mini-physical first to check your vitals. Find our more here.

12. Or, if you hate needles, go play with puppies and kittens at a shelter.

Photo via iStock.

Not only will volunteering at a local animal shelter improve the lives of pets waiting for a forever home, you'll probably have a blast doing it. And who knows, you may end up falling in love with one of the critters and taking them home with you. That's certainly one fantastic way to brighten your holiday weekend.

13. You can also help incarcerated families give gifts to their loved ones.

Angel Tree allows you to give donations to incarcerated people so they can buy their families gifts for the holiday season.

14. Or you can sponsor a family in need online.

Considering you just enjoyed a gorgeous Thanksgiving meal with your family, it seems only fitting to give back by helping another family receive the same.  Family-to-family allows you to sponsor a family in need by paying for a monthly box of groceries to be sent to their house.

15. You can also start a donation page on Facebook.

Yes, you can make a much bigger contribution to your charity of choice than you realize. Here's where to start.

16. And send assistance to hurricane/natural disaster victims.

[rebelmouse-image 19475626 dam="1" original_size="700x466" caption="The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Dominica. Photo by Roosevelt Skerrit/Flickr." expand=1]The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Dominica. Photo by Roosevelt Skerrit/Flickr.

In terms of catastrophic weather and natural disasters, this year has been particularly unforgiving. There are so many families still struggling to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Maria and the wildfires in California, so anything you're able to give will no doubt be much appreciated.

17. Rather be active? Start a game of capture the flag or touch football in your neighborhood.

You can knock on doors or send an email to see if nearby kids (or adults) could use some fun, aerobic activity.  

18. Less sports and more craft-inclined? Try making a little free library.

All you need is a small cupboard that will fit several books and something to sit it on, and you've got a mini public library. Create a little sign that says something like, "take a book, but please return or replace it with one of your own."

19. Speaking of books, you can volunteer at your local library too.

Photo via iStock.

If your library is open on Black Friday, you can offer your reading skills to kids' reading hours or, if you'd rather not perform, just help organize the stacks.

20. Spend the day writing thank-you notes to all your favorite local merchants.

It's such a nice, personal way to show local business owners that their presence in the neighborhood matters to you and your family.

21. And last, but definitely not least, you can fulfill the holiday wish of a child in need.

Through donations, school drives, and crowdfunding, the incredible organization Family Giving Tree acts as Santa Claus for children in disadvantaged communities. The goal is not only to make their lives better but to inspire philanthropy and kindness in people all over the world.

You can learn more about starting your own drive for this wonderful cause here.

Whether you shop, watch sports, hang with your family, or just chill at home in your new cozy socks, there are so many ways to give back on Black Friday.

All it takes is a generous spirit and a little out-of-the-box thinking to make the day about so much more than unbelievable deals.

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10 anti-holiday recipes that prove the season can be tasty and healthy

Balance out heavy holiday eating with some lighter—but still delicious—fare.

Albertson's

Lighten your calorie load with some delicious, nutritious food between big holiday meals.

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The holiday season has arrived with its cozy vibe, joyous celebrations and inevitable indulgences. From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas cookie exchanges to Aunt Eva’s irresistible jelly donuts—not to mention leftover Halloween candy still lingering—fall and winter can feel like a non-stop gorge fest.

Total resistance is fairly futile—let’s be real—so it’s helpful to arm yourself with ways to mitigate the effects of eating-all-the-things around the holidays. Serving smaller amounts of rich, celebratory foods and focusing on slowly savoring the taste is one way. Another is to counteract those holiday calorie-bomb meals with some lighter fare in between.

Contrary to popular belief, eating “light” doesn’t have to be tasteless, boring or unsatisfying. And contrary to common practice, meals don’t have to fill an entire plate—especially when we’re trying to balance out heavy holiday eating.

It is possible to enjoy the bounties of the season while maintaining a healthy balance. Whether you prefer to eat low-carb or plant-based or gluten-free or everything under the sun, we’ve got you covered with these 10 easy, low-calorie meals from across the dietary spectrum.

Each of these recipes has less than 600 calories (most a lot less) per serving and can be made in less than 30 minutes. And Albertsons has made it easy to find O Organics® ingredients you can put right in your shopping cart to make prepping these meals even simpler.

Enjoy!

eggs and green veggies in a skillet, plate of baconNot quite green eggs and ham, but closeAlbertsons

Breakfast Skillet of Greens, Eggs & Ham

273 calories | 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (5 oz) pkg baby spinach

2 eggs

1 clove garlic

4 slices prosciutto

1/2 medium yellow onion

1 medium zucchini squash

1/8 cup butter, unsalted

1 pinch crushed red pepper

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

bow of cauliflower ham saladGet your cauliflower power on.Albertsons

Creamy Cauliflower Salad with Ham, Celery & Dill

345 calories | 20 minutes

1/2 medium head cauliflower

1 stick celery

1/4 small bunch fresh dill

8 oz. ham steak, boneless

1/2 shallot

1/4 tspblack pepper

1/4 tsp curry powder

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp garlic powder

3 Tbsp mayonnaise

1/8 tsp paprika

2 tsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

tofu on skewers on a plate with coleslawPlant-based food fan? This combo looks yums. Albertsons

Grilled Chili Tofu Skewers with Ranch Cabbage, Apple & Cucumber Slaw

568 calories | 20 minutes

1 avocado

1/2 English cucumber

1 (12 oz.) package extra firm tofu

1 Granny Smith apple

3 Tbsp (45 ml) Ranch dressing

1/2 (14 oz bag) shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix)

2 tsp chili powder

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

frittata in a cast iron skilletSometimes you just gotta frittata.Albertsons

Bell Pepper, Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata with Parmesan

513 calories | 25 minutes

6 eggs

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

2 oz Parmesan cheese

1 red bell pepper

1/2 medium red onion

8 sundried tomatoes, oil-packed

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

plate with slices of grilled chicken and a caprese saladCaprese, if you please.Albertsons

Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Classic Caprese Salad

509 calories | 25 minutes

3/4 lb chicken breasts, boneless skinless

1/2 small pkg fresh basil

1/2 (8 oz pkg) fresh mozzarella cheese

1 clove garlic

3 tomatoes

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

4 3/4 pinches black pepper

1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

3/4 tsp salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

four stuffed mushrooms on a plateThese mushrooms look positively poppable.Albertsons

Warm Goat Cheese, Parmesan & Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

187 calories | 35 minutes

1/2 lb cremini mushrooms

1 clove garlic

1/2 (4 oz) log goat cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

2 sundried tomatoes, oil-packed

1 1/4 pinches crushed red pepper

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

2 pinches salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

plate with open English muffin with goat cheese and sliced baby tomatoes on topMove over, avocado toast. English muffin pizzas have arrived.Albertsons

English Muffin Pizzas with Basil Pesto, Goat Cheese & Tomatoes

327 calories | 10 minutes

3 Tbsp (45 ml) basil pesto

2 English muffins

1/2 (4 oz) log goat cheese

1/2 pint grape tomatoes

3/4 pinch black pepper

2 pinches salt

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

pita pocket on a plate filled with veggies, meat and cheeseThis pita pocket packs a colorful punch.Albertsons

Warm Pita Pocket with Turkey, Cheddar, Roasted Red Peppers & Parsley

313 calories | 20 minutes

1/4 (8 oz) block cheddar cheese

1/2 bunch Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

4 oz oven roasted turkey breast, sliced

1/2 (12 oz) jar roasted red bell peppers

1 whole grain pita

3/4 pinch black pepper

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp mayonnaise

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

plate with toast smeared with avocado and topped with prosciuttoDid we say, "Move over, avocado toast?" What we meant was "Throw some prosciutto on it!" Albertsons

Avocado Toast with Crispy Prosciutto

283 calories | 10 minutes

1 avocado

2 slices prosciutto

2 slices whole grain bread

1 5/8 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp onion powder

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

bowl of chili with cheese and green onions on topVegetarian chili with a fall twistAlbertsons

Black Bean & Pumpkin Chili with Cheddar

444 calories | 30 minutes

2 (15 oz can) black beans

1/2 (8 oz ) block cheddar cheese

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

2 green bell peppers

1 small bunch green onions (scallions)

1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin purée

1 medium yellow onion

1/2 tsp black pepper

5 7/8 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp cumin, ground

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil

Find full instructions and shopping list here.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes, visit albertsons.com/recipes.

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