As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for fun, engaging activities that bring my family together and create lasting memories, especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start new traditions that your kids will cherish for years to come. In this post, we'll explore 10 unique and simple Thanksgiving traditions that are not only easy to implement but also loved by children of all ages. These ideas are perfect for toddlers and early elementary kids, combining the joy of the holiday with hands-on learning experiences.
1. The Thankful Tree
What you'll need: Large white paper, brown marker or crayon, colorful leaf cutouts OR washable ink pads
Start by drawing a simple tree trunk and branches on a large piece of white paper. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, gather your family around the paper each day. You can either use leaf cutouts OR have each person press their thumbprint onto the paper to create a "leaf" using colorful ink pads or paint. After making their thumbprint, each family member shares something they're thankful for. Write their response next to their thumbprint. By Thanksgiving Day, you'll have a colorful, personalized tree full of gratitude.
Learning opportunity: This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, encourages gratitude, and provides a visual representation of the family's thankfulness. It's also a great way to discuss different emotions and experiences that people are grateful for.
2. Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece Craft
What you'll need: Pine cones, acorns, or small gourds; child-safe paint; glitter (optional); a shallow bowl or basket
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, take a nature walk with your kids to collect pine cones, acorns, or small gourds. Have the children decorate these items with paint and glitter if desired. On Thanksgiving Day, arrange the decorated items in a shallow bowl or basket as a beautiful, kid-made centerpiece for your table.
Learning opportunity: This activity encourages an appreciation for nature, develops fine motor skills through crafting, and allows children to contribute meaningfully to the holiday preparations.
3. "I Am Thankful For" Place Cards
What you'll need: Cardstock, markers, stickers (optional)
Have each family member create their own place card for the Thanksgiving table. On one side, they write their name; on the other, they list three things they're thankful for. During the meal, everyone can share what they wrote.
Learning opportunity: This activity encourages gratitude, improves handwriting, and boosts self-expression.
4. Thanksgiving Time Capsule
What you'll need: A small container, paper, pens, small mementos
Each year, have family members write a short note about their favorite memory from the past year, something they're looking forward to, or a goal for the coming year. Add small mementos like photos or ticket stubs. Seal the container and open it the following Thanksgiving to read and reminisce before adding new items.
Learning opportunity: This tradition helps children understand the concept of time, improves memory recall, and encourages goal-setting.
5. Turkey Trot Family Fun Run
What you'll need: Comfortable clothes, running shoes, optional turkey headbands
Start Thanksgiving morning with a family "Turkey Trot" around your neighborhood or local park. Make it fun by wearing turkey headbands or having silly turkey-themed prizes for different categories (fastest runner, most enthusiastic, best turkey impression).
Learning opportunity: This activity promotes physical health, family bonding, and can incorporate counting or distance measurement for older kids.
6. Thanksgiving ABC Game
What you'll need: Just your imagination!
During your Thanksgiving gathering - perhaps while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking or during dessert - play the Thanksgiving ABC game. Go around the table, with each person naming something they're thankful for that starts with the next letter of the alphabet. Start with A and work your way through to Z. For younger children, you can do this as a family, working together to think of items for each letter.
Learning opportunity: This game reinforces alphabetical order, encourages gratitude, and helps expand vocabulary. It's also a great way to keep kids engaged and involved in the Thanksgiving spirit without any preparation or materials needed.
7. Gratitude Jar
What you'll need: A large jar, small pieces of paper, pens
Throughout the year, encourage family members to write down moments of gratitude on small slips of paper and place them in the jar. On Thanksgiving, read them aloud together and reflect on the year's blessings.
Learning opportunity: This ongoing activity helps children develop a habit of gratitude and improves their ability to express emotions in writing.
8. Thanksgiving Parade Scavenger Hunt
What you'll need: A pre-made checklist of items to spot during the parade
Create a simple checklist of items commonly seen in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. While watching the parade on TV, have kids check off items as they spot them. Here's a sample list to get you started:
-
A giant balloon character
-
A marching band
-
Someone waving from a float
-
A holiday-themed float
-
Cheerleaders or dancers
-
A celebrity
-
Someone dressed as a turkey
-
A Broadway performance
-
Santa Claus
-
A news reporter
You can adjust the list based on your family's interests and the age of your children. Make it a friendly competition by seeing who can check off all the items first, or work together as a family to complete the list.
Learning opportunity: This activity enhances observation skills, teaches kids about different parade elements, and can spark conversations about the various performances and traditions shown in the parade. It's also a great way to keep children engaged during the long broadcast.
9. Thanksgiving Dinner Placemats
What you'll need: Large sheets of paper or cardstock, crayons, markers, or colored pencils, stickers (optional)
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, have each family member create their own personalized placemat for the holiday dinner. Encourage everyone to decorate their placemat with drawings of their favorite Thanksgiving foods, things they're grateful for, or festive autumn designs.
For younger children, you could trace their hand to make a turkey shape they can color in. Older kids might enjoy writing short gratitude messages or Thanksgiving-themed poems on their placemats.
On Thanksgiving Day, use these homemade placemats to set the table. Not only does this add a personal touch to your decor, but it also gives each person a special place at the table.
Learning opportunity: This activity encourages creativity and self-expression. It also provides an opportunity to discuss Thanksgiving themes and what each family member is grateful for. Plus, it's a great way to keep kids engaged in the preparation for the holiday meal.
10. Thanksgiving Pie Tasting
What you'll need: Various types of pie, small plates, scoring cards
Turn dessert into a fun family activity by hosting a pie tasting contest. Offer small slices of different pies and have everyone rate them based on taste, appearance, and texture. You can even have categories like "Most Unique Flavor" or "Best Crust."
Learning opportunity: This activity introduces children to descriptive language, basic math (if you're averaging scores), and sensory evaluation. It's also a great way to discuss different fruits and ingredients used in the pies.
Create Thanksgiving Traditions Your Kids Will Always Remember
Thanksgiving is more than just a delicious meal – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories and instill important values in our children. These 10 simple yet unique traditions combine the joy of the holiday with valuable learning experiences. By incorporating gratitude, creativity, physical activity, and fun into your Thanksgiving celebrations, you're not only making the holiday more enjoyable for your kids but also helping them develop important life skills.
Remember, the key to a successful tradition is consistency and enthusiasm. Choose one or two ideas that resonate with your family and commit to them year after year. As your children grow, these traditions will evolve, becoming cherished parts of your family's Thanksgiving story.
What Thanksgiving traditions does your family love? Share your ideas in the comments below, and let's inspire each other to create magical holiday memories for our little ones!
