Are you thinking ahead to Thanksgiving? Do you want to start a new tradition this year with your family and friends? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following fun Thanksgiving traditions to start this year.
- Gratitude Jar: Have each person who is attending Thanksgiving write down things they are thankful for on slips of paper. Place all the notes in a gratitude jar. Pick a person to read them aloud during Thanksgiving dinner.
- Turkey Trot: Participate in or organize a “Turkey Trot” or a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. The early morning activity is a great way to stay active before the big meal.
- Thanksgiving Crafts: Set up a crafting station. Use a corner table and place crafting supplies for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations, place cards, or handprint turkeys with the kids. Not only is this a fun activity but young children focus on the crafts while you concentrate on the meal.
- Recipe Swap: Do you have mostly adults attending your Thanksgiving meal this year? Ask each family member or friend to bring a dish from a different culture, creating a diverse Thanksgiving meal. Also, ask each family person to bring the recipe to share with others.
- Football Game: Play touch or flag football in the backyard. If the weather is too cold, watch a football game together.
- Thanksgiving Movie Marathon: Choose some classic Thanksgiving-themed movies or family favorites. Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to start watching holiday classics. A movie marathon is the best way to relax after a big meal.
- Volunteer: Give back to the community by volunteering at a local shelter or food bank to help those in need. The experience is uplifting.
- Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Create a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard with clues and riddles. Place small trinkets as treasures. Children and those young at heart love searching for goodies.
- Gratitude Tree: Create a “gratitude tree” by placing a branch in a vase. Cut out paper leaves and attach strings on the end. Ask guests to write on the paper leaves. Write things you are thankful for or what you like most about this Thanksgiving.
- Thanksgiving Parade: Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Or, if available, consider attending a local Thanksgiving parade. Being outdoors is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. Many Thanksgiving parades end with a visit from Santa Claus.
- Family Photo Session: Take lots of photos. Capture your day with candid photos. Ask for group photos too. Organize a photo booth with props for fun pictures.
- Board Games: Play board games or card games together after the meal. Even set up games at the kid’s table.
Choose the traditions that best suit your interests. Make Thanksgiving a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving!
