The last few years I have added some simple things to our Holiday list that have added much joy to my life. I am sharing them with you along with some others I am hoping to include.
Most of these will not take much time, can be fun to create and your family will enjoy.
I think Thanksgiving has gotten lost in the Holiday madness and it is one that should be celebrated more. We all have things to be thankful for, people we are grateful to spend rime with and ways to give back to others.
Thanksgiving Bowl
Have everyone write down one thing they are thankful for and place in a bowl, before dinner pass the bpwl around and have everyone choose one to read aloud.
Thanksgiving Banner
Cut out triangles from whatever paper you have in the house, construction paper is fine, write things to be thankful for on each one, tape it to a long ribbon and place it on your mantle, or anywhere in the house. This can be one you get more crafty with if you have the interest.
Thanksgiving Table Thanks
Everyone at the table can holds hands and each person will take a turn to give thanks.
Thanksgiving Book
Grab a journal while out and have it become the book you se every year on Thanksgiving, everyone that joins you for the day will write something that they are thankful for. Every year the book will come out and you will watch handwritings change, thoughts evolve and remember who was a part of your holiday each year.
Recipe Share
If you are making a favorite dish, write down the recipe on a few index cards and share it with your guests, be sure you have your name on it so they can think of you when making it
Thanksgiving Placecards
Here is another one you can be as creative as you like with, you can cut out shapes of hands, or leaves or just place cards at the table and you write one thing about each person you are thankful for before they sit down. They can read it aloud to all at the table and feel such appreciation and love from their host.
Thanksgiving Treat
Give everyone that joined you for dinner, a baggie with a cookie or other treat in it along with a note of Thanks for sharing in the day with you. When they wake up the next morning, it will be one of the first things they think of!
Get Movin’
There are lots of fun walks/ runs that are holiday themed in and around Thanksgiving for families and kids of all ages. This site offers some runningintheusa.com and be sure to check your local community too.
Volunteer Together
This is a great way to give back, feel good and teach kids a lesson to last a lifetime. Take a few hours and volunteer. There are endless opportunities in every community. Here are a few links to look into. HandsONGreaterVa
VolunteerMatch, and The Giving Heart.
Donate.
If volunteering is not something your schedule will allow this year, then donate a few items. Most every supermarket will take items right there, plus schools and churches have many ways to offer as well.
These are just a few ideas to have your family truly hold onto the meaning of Thanksgiving. I hope you find them helpful.
Are there any that you would like to add?