Thanksgiving is that time of year when Thanksgiving traditions come to life, bringing families together to celebrate.
If you’ve been sticking to the same old routine, it’s time to spice things up with some fresh Thanksgiving traditions family can enjoy.
There are countless traditions to start, whether you’re looking for new Thanksgiving traditions or simply want to enhance what you already do. With thoughtful Thanksgiving ideas, you can make this holiday a memorable one.
Think about the endless ways to make Thanksgiving fun and the Thanksgiving activities that will keep everyone engaged. From Thanksgiving things to do with family to traditions for kids, there’s no shortage of Thanksgiving ideas for family that will create lasting memories.
Fun & Unique Thanksgiving Traditions
1
Turkey Pancakes
Photo Credit: www.thislittlehomeofmine.com
This is such a sweet and simple idea that this kids will love –it’s so fun and creative without requiring too much time and fuss
2
Family Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Photo Credit: www.goodhousekeeping.com
As your family grows and the children get older, it’s so fun to look back and see who has attended Thanksgiving over the years.
This heirloom version is complete with permanent stitching, but you could easily create your own version with kraft paper and markers.
3
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: FREE Printable for Kids
Grab the kids and get outside for this fun fall activity. Just print out this super adorable Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for kids and have fun looking for all of the items on the checklist.
4
Gratitude Jar
Photo Credit: www.madewithhappy.com
You will adore this fun family Thanksgiving tradition.
This requires a few simple materials like a mason jar, a wooden plank, and prepping some wooden “coins” to deposit in the bank.
All of the supplies to make this project come in multiples, so you will have enough to make a second “Gratitude Jar” to give to someone as a gift.
5
Make a Thanksgiving Treat
Spending time together in the kitchen is always a fantastic way to make memories as a family.
Make a fun Thanksgiving treat like these no-bake turkey cookies to give to neighbors or to enjoy with your family.
6
Play a Thanksgiving Game
Photo Credit: www.savvymamalifestyle.com
Family games are a fun Thanksgiving tradition. Download and print this “Pin The Feather” Turkey Game and the whole family can play.
7
Thanksgiving Family Game Night
Thanksgiving is typically when we spend time with extended family and friends. In order to make sure you get to see everyone while they are in town, plan a Thanksgiving Game Night.
This is a great tradition because it can take place before or after turkey day, as a fun activity to laugh and play together.
8
Thankful Boxes
Photo Credit: www.cottageintheoaks.com
This is a great tradition to start when your children are small and continue it as they grow.
To start, each person decorates their own box. You can use an empty wipes container, shoebox, or purchase a document box – all of these would work great.
9
Make an Fun Appetizer
Photo Credit: thetopmeal.com
Create memories together in the kitchen when you let the kids contribute to the meal. Choose a fun appetizer that they can make like these cute turkey deviled eggs.
10
Play a Gratitude Game
Photo Credit: momhacks101.com
This Gratitude Dice Game for Thanksgiving is a fun way to get the whole family involved in showing Thanksgiving gratitude.
11
Pie Night Tradition
Photo Credit: www.thedatingdivas.com
Who doesn’t love pie? Make it a tradition to have a pre-Thanksgiving Pie Night with friends and family. Have everyone bring their favorite pies to share or try out some new recipes. It’s a delicious way to kick off the holiday season.
12
Make “Blessing Bags”
Photo Credit: www.realmomnutrition.com
Spend some time together as a family putting together blessing bags for the homeless. Fill the bags with toiletries, snacks, gloves, socks, and hand warmers. Keep them in your car to handout around town, or donate them to a homeless shelter.
Family Turkey Trot
Avoid the commute and crowds associated with larger Turkey Trots and instead enjoy a nice stroll with your friends and family!
Set a meeting time and designate the route using sidewalk chalk or large bows tied onto light posts. I could see this one quickly turning from a friendly stroll into an annual competition between siblings!
13
Make a Gratitude Pumpkin
Photo Credit: coffeeandcarpool.com
This is a fun November tradition to talk about, celebrate, and write down everything you’re thankful for on a Gratitude Pumpkin…which then becomes the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table decor.
14
DIY Thanksgiving Guest Banner
Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com
I originally found the inspiration for ideas when looking for ways to make Valentine’s Day special for my kiddos. When Turkey Day rolled around, it popped back into my head as an easy Thanksgiving tradition to start with my family.
Simply cover a door with butcher paper. I love the rustic look of brown kraft paper; perfect for fall!
Be sure to use painter’s tape for easy removal.
15
Thankfulness Chain: Thanksgiving Activity
Photo Credit: thejoysofboys.com
A Thankfulness Chain is an easy tradition to help us remember and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for.
Embracing Thanksgiving traditions doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s about finding what works for your Thanksgiving family and making it special.
With a few new Thanksgiving traditions to start, you can add a twist to the usual celebrations. Whether you’re diving into Thanksgiving activities or brainstorming ways to make Thanksgiving fun, these thoughtful Thanksgiving ideas will keep the spirit alive.
Don’t underestimate the power of traditions for kids; they’re the ones who’ll carry these memories forward. So, gather your crew and get ready to transform your holiday with some exciting Thanksgiving things to do with family. Trust me, you won’t regret it.