How to Celebrate Thanksgiving this year is a popular question.  Thanksgiving traditions in your home can create some of the best memories for years to come. We can all think back to our childhoods and remember certain foods, dishes, games, or ways to give thanks.

We grasp onto the wonderful Thanksgiving memories and may try to forget the ones involving sketchy green Jell-O with mayonnaise in it. You may continue some of those same traditions in your home, or decide they are not really your style and search for new traditions to start with your own family.  Why not start your own traditions?

Ideas to Encourage Fun in your Home

• Thanksgiving Games:

  • Host a “Turkey Trot” race indoors or outdoors.
  • Play Thanksgiving Bingo with custom family cards.
  • Try a twist on Pin the Tail with “Pin the Feather on the Turkey.”

• Crafting Fun:

  • Set up a crafting station for making decorations.
  • Decorate pumpkins with various art supplies.

• Gratitude Focus:

  • Create a gratitude wall to express thanks.
  • Share thankful stories during family time.

• Do Something Together:

  • Involve everyone in cooking tasks.
  • Create Thanksgiving-themed desserts together.
  • Find a service project to participate in on or near Thanksgiving to give back to the community
  • Open your home to those without family in the area.

• Movie Marathon:

  • Choose family-friendly Thanksgiving movies.
  • Set up a cozy movie-watching area.

• Photo Booth Fun:

  • Create a Thanksgiving-themed photo booth.
  • Capture memorable family moments.

• Outdoor Activities:

  • Organize a family football or frisbee game.
  • Take a nature walk to enjoy fall colors.

• Thanksgiving Storytime:

  • Read books aloud.
  • Encourage kids to share stories.

• Table Games:

  • Have Thanksgiving trivia at the table.
  • Enjoy card or board games.

• Karaoke or Talent Show:

  • Host a karaoke session.
  • Organize a family talent show.

• Music Playlist:

  • Create a playlist for the holiday.
  • Dance together after the meal.

• Photo Scavenger Hunt:

  • Create a photo scavenger hunt.
  • Capture items on the list.

• Pie Tasting Contest:

  • Taste-test different pies.
  • Vote for the family favorite.

• Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Gratitude Journal:

  • Provide journals for recording gratitude.
  • Share entries during a special time.

• Virtual Connection:

  • Organize a virtual gathering for distant family.
  • Include virtual activities or games.

Remember, the key is to create an atmosphere of joy and connection, so feel free to tailor these ideas to your family’s preferences and traditions!