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on Thanksgiving Day itself. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner can be hectic, and there’s no need to add unnecessary stress. What you can do, though, is create a side dish with your kids on the night before or give them very easy-to-accomplish tasks that can be done without supervision. For a lot of children, Thanksgiving is a holiday of waiting around. Allowing them to take part in the cooking process gives them something to do, but it also adds significance to the meal. Everyone playing a role in the assembly of a communal meal is what Thanksgiving’s all about, after all. GRATITUDE GAMIFIED Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the importance of gratitude and appreciation for others. All too often, we let that opportunity pass by with little more than saying grace and going through the motions. It doesn’t have to be this way.
There are so many fun ways to make your child reflect on who and what they are thankful for. One easy method is to have children spend the morning gathering leaves — though, if you live in a city, you may need to come up with an alternative. Once they have a certain number of leaves, ask the child to distribute them to friends and family members. While doing so, the child can share something they are thankful for with each person. It requires no preparation, costs nothing, and could end up being the most meaningful activity anyone does all day. Of course, it’s also a smart idea to have a few games on hand that the kiddos can play just for fun. You can buy tablecloths that also serve as coloring books, set up a crafts table, or let the kids roam in the backyard, but whatever you do, you have to provide some outlet for them to let loose within reason. NEW TRADITIONS No matter how hard you try, there are certain aspects of Thanksgiving that appeal to adults
more than children. You may love sitting around a table exchanging stories with loved ones you haven’t seen all year, but most 10-year-olds have a different idea of fun. Remember to consider that when you plan your holiday. Attending a turkey trot, scheduling a family football game, or holding an annual three- legged race are all activities that anyone can get a kick out of. Really, you’re only limited by your imagination and the interests of your family. Choose something that will be special and enjoyable for everyone in attendance. Who knows? Future generations may look back on you as the creator of a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition. Crafting a Thanksgiving that children look forward to and can look back on fondly requires a little bit of ingenuity. Put in the effort to create an experience kids will love, and the rewards will be sweeter than even the best piece of apple pie.
EnjoyThese 6 Autumn Activities Fun for the Whole Family!
Throughout November, everyone is eagerly looking forward to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but you shouldn’t let the rest of the month slip past you! Enjoy these other fall activities with the whole family.
HOME-COOKED FOOD When autumn rolls around, pie and warm cider may be high on your list of tasty treats you’re eagerly anticipating. This fall, encourage your family to take part in making annual goodies and sharing themwith your neighbors. Nothing warms the heart more than receiving a loaf of freshly baked pumpkin bread during these increasingly cold days. KNITTED SCARVES If you’re handy with knitting needles, now is the season to put them to work. Hand-knitted scarves are great gifts to give throughout the fall and winter, and you can also make it a family activity! Take some time to teach your kids how to knit and crochet to create scarves of their very own.
HOMEMADE CARAMEL APPLES Homemade treats are no doubt far better than their store-bought counterparts. Try your hand at making your own caramel apples for the whole family to enjoy. You can also add a number of toppings to liven things up, such as nuts, white or milk chocolate, coconut, sprinkles, or pecans. BACKYARD BONFIRE During these cold months, you may be tempted to stay indoors, but heading outside for a bonfire is a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying the brisk weather. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, now is the perfect time to take advantage of it by bundling up with some hot chocolate and s’mores.
AUTUMN ARRANGEMENTS It’s time to get crafty! Creating your own fall arrangements will ensure that your home has the seasonal decorations you want. Making beautiful fall flower arrangements for your kitchen table or wreaths for your front door to greet guests will create the desired autumn vibe you’ve been searching for. MOVIE NIGHT Gather your loved ones in the living roomwith popcorn, blankets, and a great film. Make the most of your autumn evenings by cozying up and spending quality time with each other while watching some family holiday favorites, like“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”or the Thanksgiving comedy-drama“Pieces of April.”
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