Ways To Get Your Kids Involved in the Thanksgiving Holiday

0

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, aside from Christmas. I mean, who doesn’t love a holiday where we can eat, nap, eat, nap and watch a parade, a dog show and football all day? On top of all that, it is the day to be extra thankful for all the good things we have. We have some fun ways to get the kids involved in this holiday season.

Collect Canned Goods to Donate to a Local Food Shelter

Helping people is always a good idea, and you could do this activity any time throughout the year; but use the holiday to show how to be grateful, thankful and the importance of giving back. Have your kids collect canned goods from neighbors, sort through your own pantry, or shop the dollar store for pantry stables. There are so many organizations who could use the donations, check them out here.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Together

The Macy’s Parade just takes me back to my childhood. It is so nostalgic, so I love to carry on this tradition with my kids. The fun floats, the big character balloons, the music, the dancing. It is so much fun and the perfect way to kick off the Thanksgiving morning. This years new balloons will include Spiderman, Minnie Mouse as well as returning favorites. The parade will also feature new floats, including: Camp Snoopy, The Good Burger Mobile, “Igniting Memories, “Palace of Sweets, and The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka.

Have Your Own Game of Football in the Backyard!

Is anyone a HUGE fan of FRIENDS like I am? The Thanksgiving episodes are the best, and one of my favorites is when they have a game of football for the Gellar Cup (a troll doll ha). Get your family to huddle up, and burn off some energy and calories (you will need it after that big Thanksgiving dinner!). Make it fun, and make your own family trophy and make it an annual tradition to see who wins!

If football or being physical isn’t your thing, here is a great list of other games you can incorporate!

Tune Into the Dog Show

The Dog Show is another tradition for me. I have enjoyed watching for years with my kids. We love the see the different breeds and try to guess who will win. Coverage beings at noon on NBC and will be available to stream on Peacock.

Let the Kids Help in the Kitchen

I know it can be stressful to have too many chefs in the kitchen, especially on a day like Thanksgiving, but find a dish or dessert and let the kids get in on the action. Maybe the day before when you are prepping, or something as simple as putting the dinner rolls on a baking sheet. I know my daughter takes so much pride in helping me cook. Even when she is simply stirring something up, she tells everyone she helped mommy cook. Let the kids see the importance of preparing meals for others.

Have Them Set the Table With Their Own Decorations

Allow your kids to decorate the table with their own handmade creations. They can make placemats, name cards, or drawings for the attendees. Pinterest has loads of good ideas, and here is one of my favorites to follow.

Be Thankful

Make sure you stress the importance of the holiday by going around the dinner table and having each person list what they are thankful for. It is always fun to hear what the little kids will mention, but this will drive home the point of the day. And this is a good habit to bring to the dinner table every night. Thankfulness and gratitude can change a mood real quick!

No matter your traditions, remember not to get too caught up in the stress of creating the perfect meal or table, and have some fun with your kiddos.

Share your favorite family traditions with us!

Previous articleNashville Haunted Houses & Spooky Spots
Next articleHow to Honor and Celebrate Veterans Day with Kids
Heather Seay
I am a single mom to two beautiful girls, Madison and Ellie. I work from home for a software company based out of Austin, and also work as a Plunder Design jewelry stylist. I live in Murfreesboro, and love suburban life! I am active in my church, World Outreach, and love supporting my alma mater MTSU. You can find me in Nashville any given Sunday in the fall, cheering on my beloved Titans! I am a huge football enthusiast, and love sports in general. In my downtime, I enjoy binging on Gilmore Girls, which I have seen over a hundred times each- it's a lifestyle!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here