Once the turkey is gone and the stuffing is cleared off the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to do one of two things: take a nap or watch TV.

Monday, November 20, 2000

Once the turkey is gone and the stuffing is cleared off the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to do one of two things: take a nap or watch TV. If you’re the lucky one to win the battle to stretch out on the couch, there’s a lot of good stuff to check out on the TV – even if you are watching it through your eyelids.

If you rise early to pop the turkey in the oven, the usual blitz of Thanksgiving Day parades will greet you.

The 41st Annual All-American Thanksgiving Parade begins at 8 a.m. on CBS, KIMT Channel 3. Hosted by Jim Nantz and Christine Baranski in New York City, highlights of three other parades are shown throughout the telecast, including the "Aloha Floral Parade" in Hawaii, and the Opryland Aqua Parade in Nashville.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts rolling at 9 a.m. on NBC, KTTC Channel 10, and runs for three hours. "Today" show hosts Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Al Roker host the festivities, which include floats, clowns, and marching bands from around the country.

Four newcomers join the popular lineup of oversized helium balloons: Mickey Mouse, Cassie from Dragon Tales, Jeeves and Ronald McDonald.

For sports fans, the Thanksgiving tradition kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on CBS, KIMT Channel 3, when the New England Patriots visit the Detroit Lions in National Football League action. That will be followed by the Minnesota Vikings visiting Texas Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys – never an easy opponent on Turkey Day. It’s the second time in three years the Vikings have traveled to Dallas on Thanksgiving. John Madden and Pat Summeral will call the game for Fox, KXLT Channel 47, and Madden will award his famous turkey legs to the player or players of the game.

ESPN also is running a daylong marathon of its SportsCentury series shows, which showcased the top 50 athletes of the 20th century.

If sports don’t top your list, many movies are playing throughout the day, some classics, others not-so-classic.

The Christmas movie season begins at noon with the classic "It’s a Wonderful Life" on NBC.

And if you’re a country music fan, whether it be traditional country or modern, there’s something for you on Thursday night.

"FAITH-A Music Event" is the first-ever prime-time special for singer Faith Hill. It airs on CBS, KIMT Channel 3, at 7 p.m. followed by the Grand Ol’ Opry’s 75th anniversary celebration. Country legends such as George Jones and Loretta Lynn join many of country’s new stars to salute the Opry.