Thanksgiving is coming! Do you want to get the most out of the holiday? Create a Thanksgiving bucket list with your family. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following fun and meaningful Thanksgiving bucket list ideas. The list contains a mix of cozy traditions, family fun, and gratitude-centered activities you can try this season.
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Classic Thanksgiving Traditions
- Make a Meal: Cook or help cook a full Thanksgiving meal from scratch. Try turkey, potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and desserts.
- Homemade Pies: Skip the store-bought desserts. Bake a homemade pie like pumpkin, pecan, or apple.
- Table Setting: Set a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Create centerpiece, add flameless candles, and incorporate fall decorations into your overall theme.
- Thankful Jar: Start a “Thankful Jar” where everyone adds gratitude notes every day until Thanksgiving. Read the notes out loud. Save the jar notes to add to a family scrapbook.
- Parade Time: Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Game Time: Watch a football game. Or after dinner, go outdoors to toss a football around.
- Movie Time: End the day with a Thanksgiving movie like Planes, Trains & Automobiles or A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Outdoor & Seasonal Fun
- Walk or Hike: Go on a fall foliage walk or hike. Don’t forget your camera.
- Farm or Cider Mill: Visit a local farm, cider mill, or pumpkin patch before it closes for the season. If you visit a cider mill, purchase cider to serve on Thanksgiving.
- Bonfire Night: Host a backyard bonfire over the long holiday weekend. Set out blankets to keep warm. (Keep them away from the open flame.) Serve hot cocoa or hot cider. Remember, make S’mores.
- Go for a Drive: Pack snacks, beverages, and take a scenic drive to admire the last of the fall colors.
- Picnic Time: Have a “Leftovers Picnic” the day after Thanksgiving. If the weather permits, eat outdoors. Or set up a picnic style lunch in your living or family room.
Gratitude & Giving Back
- Write: Make a gratitude list. Or create a gratitude journal. Make daily entries.
- Thank You Notes: Write letters or notes of thanks to friends and family.
- Volunteer: Make a difference. Volunteer at a local food bank, soup kitchen, shelter, or animal rescue.
- Care Package: Create a Thanksgiving food donation basket for a neighbor, friend, or family member in need.
- Donate: If you do not have time to volunteer, give money to your favorite local charity. Or donate supplies to an animal shelter. Many organizations post Amazon wish lists.
Creative & Family-Friendly Activities
- Get Crafty: Make a Thanksgiving craft like handprint turkeys, leaf garlands, or gratitude trees. Or create a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
- Photo Time: Take family photos in matching fall outfits. Or use silly Thanksgiving props for a fun and memorable photo.
- Game Night: Play board games or Thanksgiving trivia. Go old school. Play charades.
- Music: Make a “Thanksgiving playlist” with cozy or nostalgic songs to play during your week’s activities.
Make memories, take photos, and enjoy your time with family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
