Thanksgiving is almost here. Do you want to start a new tradition? Engaging in a new activity for holidays is a great way to make memories. If you are searching for some fun and meaningful Thanksgiving traditions, consider the following ideas.
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Gratitude-Focused Traditions
- Thankful Tablecloth: Buy a plain fabric tablecloth or a large piece of fabric. Each year have everyone write what they’re thankful for in permanent marker. The tablecloth becomes a keepsake you add to annually.
- Gratitude Jar: Place slips of paper and pens in a jar before the meal. Everyone writes down something they are thankful for, then read notes aloud together.
- Gratitude Tree: Collect fallen branches and place them in a vase. Hang paper leaves with thankful notes written by each family member.
Food & Kitchen Traditions
- Family Recipe Showcase: Each person brings or helps make a dish tied to family history or personal favorites. Ask everyone to write or print the recipe to share with others. Over the years, you will acquire various recipes to use on different holidays.
- Pie Breakfast: Eat dessert first. Enjoy a slice of pie together on Thanksgiving morning before the cooking chaos begins.
- Cooking Together: Assign everyone a task even the little one can help. The meal becomes a team effort instead of one person’s job.
Memory-Making Traditions
- Thanksgiving Walk or Hike: Take a family walk before or after the meal to enjoy the fall air. Or hike a local trail to burn off the meal.
- Family Photo Spot: Choose a consistent backdrop (front porch, fireplace, backyard tree) for a yearly Thanksgiving photo. Or set up a photo backdrop with props for casual, fun photos.
- Story Time: Share family stories or memories around the table, especially with grandparents and kids. Pull out old photo albums to enjoy.
Fun & Games
- Turkey Trot: Join or create a mini family-friendly walk/run on Thanksgiving morning.
- Puzzle Tradition: Start (and try to finish) a new puzzle. Find a puzzle with a fall theme.
- Board Games: Play your favorite board game every year after dinner. Set out both adult and children’s games to play.
- Football: Get outdoors and toss a ball in the yard. Or cheer for your favorite team on TV. Make the activity a yearly ritual.
Giving Back
- Volunteer Together: Help serve a meal at a local shelter or deliver baked goods to neighbors.
- Food Drive Tradition: Ask all your Thanksgiving guests to bring canned goods to donate before sitting down to dinner.
If none of these traditions work for your family, start watching Christmas movies early. Enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving!