After a hectic week of new member orientation, presidential Cabinet picks and leadership elections, Thanksgiving is coming at a great time.

Congress is in recess all week.

The Senate will return next Monday, the House will return the day after, and new member orientation events start up event next Tuesday, too.

Happening this week

Tuesday: President Barack Obama will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the White House. Watch for HOH’s coverage.

Musician Carlos Vives will be honored by the Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzon. (Residence, 1520 20th St. NW, 6 p.m.)

Wednesday: Obama will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden at 2:40 p.m.

HOH weekly video

Take a look at the Capitol’s restored dome, senators settling World Series bets, an official greeting for new female senators and orientation for new House members.

ICYMI: Capitol flyover on Friday

A helicopter flew near the U.S. Capitol Complex in support of the Architect of the Capitol on Friday between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. It hovered over various locations around the Capitol area. 

Happy birthday to

Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, 77.

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, D-New York, 52.

Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Florida, 46.

What’s going on?

Have any tips, announcements or Hill happenings? Send them to AlexGangitano@cqrollcall.com.