Home » Best Days » Thanksgiving Traditions to Treasure

Thanksgiving Traditions to Treasure

Thanksgiving is a season for tradition. Every year, families gather, eat turkey, watch a little football, and give thanks for their blessings. But have you ever considered building on these traditions with other meaningful activities? Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Thanksgiving Eve Meal
Begin the celebration the night before with a simple meal such as pizza or Chinese food. Or make a meal off everyone’s favorite appetizers.

Help the Needy
Why not ask family and friends coming over for Thanksgiving dinner to bring a bag of canned goods for a local food pantry. Or suggest your family volunteer together at a soup kitchen over the holiday weekend.

Thankful Box
Have each person write what he or she is most thankful for on a slip of paper and place it in a box. Ask the children to read these to everyone after the meal.

Invite New Friends
Reach out to those without family close by and invite them to share Thanksgiving with your family. Singles, college students, widows, and widowers will be thankful to have people to celebrate the holiday with.

Crafts for Shut-Ins
Stock up on craft supplies and let the kids make cards, pictures, and decorations to take to the local nursing home or a home-bound neighbor.

Thank Those Who Serve the Community
Deliver a basket of fruit or tray of goodies to a local hero, such as a firefighter, police officer, or military member.

Game Time
Pull out the board games or a deck of cards for family fun. Or create your own game such as “Name That Family Member.”

Draw Names for Christmas
Take the opportunity while everyone is together to draw names for Christmas. Have each person write their name and a short wish list on a slip of paper, then collect in a hat for the drawing. Then everyone will be ready when they hit the stores on Black Friday!

Deck the Halls
Go for a walk in the woods and collect greenery for wreaths and garlands for holiday decorating.