BY BRIDGET BALCH

SO IT'S YOUR turn to host the family's Thanksgiving get-together this year.

You've spent weeks cleaning and decorating and days slaving over the hot stove. In just a few hours, the entire clan will be full of turkey and pie.

But what now?

After the dishes are done, the leftovers are put away and the food comas have subsided, how will you keep your restless relatives from tearing apart the house--and each other?

Here are some excuses to get everyone out of the house for a few hours.

COME OUT AND PLAY

Nothing can take your mind off all the cleaning that still has to be done better than going to see a show.

The Fredericksburg Christian Youth Theater will present "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," based on the animated children's favorite, at Spotsylvania High School the weekend of Nov. 23-25.

For show times and tickets, go to cytfredericksburg.org.

Can't wait another day to start getting into the Christmas spirit? The production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Ford's Theatre's is well worth the hour drive into Washington.

This holiday staple, onstage through Dec. 30, will be performed at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23-25. For more information and to buy tickets, visit fords.org.

If a full-length play isn't quite what you're looking for, a comedy show might be just the thing to break the tension of family togetherness.

Comedy at the Courtyard will host veteran comedian Rob Maher from DC Improv and Sara Armour on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Fredericksburg.

As the flier for the show suggests, "bring the in-laws, show them what your real laugh sounds like," but find the kids a baby sitter, since this adult show is not suitable for ears under 18.

According to Rahmein Mostafavi, a local comedian and producer of Cool Cow Comedy, this show will provide "the same quality you would get in any comedy club in D.C."

Tickets for the show are $15. For information on discounts and to buy tickets, go to shop.coolcowcomedy.com. There is an option of having dinner before the show for an additional $20.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

After several hours in an overcrowded, overheated house, a bit of fresh air might be in order.