Thanksgiving Traditions
Traditions. They are memorable and add meaning to our holidays. I love having traditions to do with my family. For Thanksgiving, we always have a huge lunch at home and then have dinner with my side of the family. I like to slow-cook my turkey overnight. So yummy. Our lunch at home always includes family recipes like Grandma Ros apple salad and Meme Huds cheesy corn. Then we also decorate for Christmas the day after.
Why you count down to Thanksgiving, take a look at some of these Thanksgiving tradition ideas.
Maybe you'll find one you want to start with your family!
1. Pie Competition - This could be a great way to spread the responsibility of pie baking. Some people hold a "Pie Night" the night before or after Thanksgiving so they can enjoy their pies when their stomachs aren't so full.
2. Dine Al Fresco - If you live where weather permits, take the feast outside! It will add a festive air to the celebration and make dropped food less stressful.
3. Holiday Movie - End the evening with your favorite holiday movie. Let's face it...after all that food and clean-up everyone is ready for a break on the couch.
4. Try a New Dish - Every year try a new Thanksgiving dish. Maybe you'll find new favorites! You could even start the tradition of trying a new dish from a different country.
5. Kid Made Table Decorations - Let the kids make the table decorations. Everyone will love them, and it will help the kiddos feel involved in the preparations. There are some cute ideas here.
6. Make Service a Tradition - You could volunteer at the local soup kitchen, bring items to a homeless shelter, or invite a widow or widower to your feast.
7. Christmas Ornament Exchange - Have everyone bring one ornament and then play a game to exchange them.
8. Express Gratitude Together - Have thank you cards and pre-stamped envelopes ready to hand out to each of your guests. At some point in the day invite everyone to take a card and write a note to someone they are thankful for.
9. Fill your Cornucopia with Gratitude - Have a basket or empty cornucopia. Ask your guests to bring an item to put in it that represents something they are grateful for, or something that is meaningful to them. Take a moment during your meal to let every tell about what they brought.
10. After Meal Walk - Bundle up and take a few strolls around the block. It will allow you time to connect with one another and help with digestion.
11. Video Call - Take a moment to do a group video call with loved ones that couldn't be there in person.
12. Leftover Containers - Everyone bring their own leftover containers to ease the burden of the host.
13. Coat Drive - Invite family members to bring coats, jackets, gloves, scarves, etc. that they have outgrown or do not use, and then donate them to a local shelter.
14. Family Photos - Thanksgiving is a great time to reminisce. Take a minute to look through old family photos together. You can use the time to teach family about ancestors or to remember good times you have had together.
15. Grateful Tablecloth - Cover the table with butcher paper and place crayons on the table. Invite everyone to take some time writing what they are thankful for on the paper.
I'd love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions! Comment below to share them with everyone!
