Thanksgiving is more than just the delicious meal. There are so many ways to make memories with your family by starting these 10 Thanksgiving traditions.
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Turn Thankfulness into Action
It turns out that we have a lot to be thankful for no matter our situation in life. Why not turn that thankfulness into action?
Tradition #1 :: Every year my family is thankful for the food on our table. Every year, my parents took me to Mission Arlington to sort truck loads of canned goods for people that could not afford a Thanksgiving meal. Do the same!
Tradition #2 :: Organize a food drive. There are many this time of year to help give people a Thanksgiving that wouldn’t have one otherwise. No matter how big or small, everything helps.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: A Guide to Holiday Fun in Tarrant County :: Merry Events, Santa Sightings, Holiday Lights, and More <<
Tradition #3 :: Make two Thanksgivings — one for your family and another for a person who cannot afford it.
Tradition #4 :: Thanksgiving break is a great time to clean out toy baskets and closets. Donate your gently used items to local shelters and missions just in time for Christmas. Many of these non-profits and benefit thrift stores use volunteers to sort the donations.
Get Your Kids Involved
I know that preparing for Thanksgiving is very stressful and you might not want to involve your kids, but it will make Thanksgiving more memorable if you do.
Tradition #5 :: Have your kids set the table and help prepare the Thanksgiving meal. I guarantee that your child will have more memories of helping you with the preparation than they will of the actual meal.
Tradition #6 :: Add a non-traditional food to the menu that is a family favorite. For example, muffins. My daughter is obsessed with muffins! Everyday she wants to make muffins and eat them. It is her favorite thing to do in the whole world. Muffins aren’t traditional Thanksgiving fare, but why not make it a tradition?
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Tradition #7 :: Passing down recipes from generation to generation is a Thanksgiving blessing. If the recipes come with a story attached, even better. Read “Turkey with a Side of Stories” for more ideas.
Tradition #8 :: If you have a little that can’t help make the meal, put them in charge of making placemats for the kids’ table. There are many Thanksgiving placemat printables online that you can print and have your child color and laminate.
If you want to make them super cute, do a handprint turkey. Paint your child’s palm brown and the fingers red, orange, and yellow. Stamp his or her hand on a piece of construction paper. Then let it dry. Put the face on the turkey and then laminate. It is a fun way for your child to be involved in setting up for Thanksgiving.
Share Thanksgiving
We have so much to be thankful for, including family and friends. Let’s share our family, friends, and food on Thanksgiving.
Tradition #9 :: Invite those who are alone during the holidays and do not have a place to celebrate to your Thanksgiving meal.
>> RELATED READ :: Thanksgiving Food Assistance Article <<
Tradition #10 :: Talk about gratitude. Don’t assume our kids get the gist of this holiday. Be bold and straight forward. These resources can guide you and give you creative ways to teach gratitude:
- 10 Thankfulness Activities for Kids
- Books to Be Grateful For {Seven Books on Gratitude and Thankfulness}
- Four Ways to Model Gratitude this Holiday Season
- Local Community Service Projects and Volunteer Ideas for Kids of Every Age
Thanksgiving traditions are a great way for your family to work together to help others. Whatever you are thankful for, there are ways to put it into action and serve others, and make out-of-the-ordinary memories that both kids and adults look forward to year after year.
