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Thanksgiving is a day when many people get together with family and friends, eat a lot of food, and maybe even watch some football. And while each of those is a classic Thanksgiving tradition, there are some other things that you can do that can make the day even more meaningful. Creating new traditions for Thanksgiving can be a wonderful way to make the holiday unique and special for your family and friends.
Create a gratitude jar
Have everyone write down something they’re thankful for on a small piece of paper and place it in a jar. During Thanksgiving dinner, take turns reading them aloud.
Do a recipe swap
Encourage everyone to bring a dish from their cultural background or a favorite family recipe. Share the stories behind the dishes and create a diverse and delicious feast.
Get out in nature
Organize a family-friendly outdoor activity, like a friendly touch football game, a nature hike, or a community service project. It’s a great way to bond, get some fresh air, exercise and give back.
Picture it
Set up a photo booth with props and costumes. Capture silly and memorable moments throughout the day. It’s a fun way to document your Thanksgiving celebrations over the years. My friends and I have done this for other holidays and parties. We even have this at our annual Friendsgiving and it is a great way to make some fun memories!
Create a gratitude tree
Create a “gratitude tree” using branches in a sturdy vase. Have paper leaves available for everyone to write what they’re thankful for and hang them on the tree. This can even make a nice centerpiece for the table.
Choose a theme
Choose a theme for your Thanksgiving decorations, whether it’s rustic, vintage, or even a favorite movie. Get creative with the table settings and centerpieces.
Add a unique dish or two
Try cooking a unique dish or experimenting with a different cuisine each year. It could become a fun and tasty tradition to look forward to.
Have a talent show
Encourage family members to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, or telling jokes. It adds entertainment and a personal touch to the celebration. Or you could even do some family karaoke. There are plenty of karaoke tracks on YouTube that you could sing along with for some added holiday fun.
Make it game night
Incorporate games that bring the family together, like trivia about each other, board games, or even a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt.
Give back
Dedicate some time on Thanksgiving to volunteer as a family at a local charity or soup kitchen. It’s a meaningful way to express gratitude and contribute to the community.
Remember, the most important thing is to tailor these ideas to your family’s interests and preferences. And remember to have fun! it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. And keep things simple. It’s far more important to spend time with family and friends than in trying to plan an elaborate Thanksgiving.
Want to find ways to simplify your Thanksgiving? This blog post takes a look at 13 ways to simplify your Thanksgiving.
Your family will love creating a new Thanksgiving tradition, so try one this year. Happy Thanksgiving planning!
