8 Intentional Things to do on Thanksgiving with the Family
Thanksgiving is usually what kicks off the beginning of a busy holiday season. Being the busiest time to travel in the year, families flock across the country to be together for an eventful weekend of stuffing themselves until they are sick and getting first dibs on major Black Friday deals.
When I think about Thanksgiving, I can’t help but feel that it has become an indulgent holiday. Big appetites, big sales and just this overall feeling of “go big or go home”. But we all know that that’s not what Thanksgiving is truly about.
Thanksgiving is celebrating with the community, it’s about generosity, it’s about setting aside time for gratitude and sharing the bounty of God’s provisions.
Over the years, as I started raising my own family, I began wrestling with the idea of what type of family traditions I wanted to create for my kids. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were at the top of my list for a few main reasons. 1) These 2 holidays in particular are ones that we always celebrate with extended family, and 2) we want to make sure our children know that these holidays are not all about them, but about Christ.
This year as our family gathers over Thanksgiving, in addition to Turkey Bowl and cooking in the kitchen, my hope is to do Thanksgiving with intentionality. I want my kids to be able to experience loving others by spending the time to nurture a delicious meal, to experience unity when we serve our community, and to feel content with what we have.
If you’re looking for ways to be more intentional with your family over Thanksgiving, I encourage you to start here.
Intentional Things to do on Thanksgiving with the Family
Write Gratitude Notes
This activity is a great way to teach kids how to use words to affirm and love others. Have stacks of cards and envelopes out for people to tell others why they are grateful for them. You can use these printables with prompts, make your own, or just get a stack of thank you cards. For kids who aren’t able to write, just have them draw pictures.
Photo by Kerilynn Snyder
Deliver a Meal
Thanksgiving is all about the feast, but we know that some people may not get to enjoy a festive dinner. You may have an elderly person in your neighborhood or a friend who’s lost a loved one this year. Pack a home cooked meal to-go and drop it off at their doorstep. Bring your kids along so they can see the importance of community and helping others.
Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash
Honor Loved Ones That Have Passed
If there is a family member that has passed, Thanksgiving can be a precious time to honor that person. As the family shares about things they are thankful for, you can add in some favorite memories of grandpa. Or perhaps you can bring out old photos and reminisce over happy memories of a loved one. You can also set up a donation to a charity in memory of a loved one to honor their legacy and give back to an organization in their name.
Photo by b_JR
Thankfulness M&M Game
This is a fun printable activity that’s great for kids to participate in that focuses on what we’re thankful for. Sometimes we need a little creative boost when it comes to thinking about things we’re thankful for, and this activity helps with that. You just need a bag of M&M’s, Skittles, or even colorful game pieces if you don’t want to use candy.
Photo by Kara Creates
Join a Turkey Trot
If you have an active family, participating in a local turkey trot is a fun family event you must try. Typically, turkey trot races happen the morning of Thanksgiving so there’s still enough time for cooking. If there isn't a turkey trot near you, just gather your neighborhood together for a walk through some local trails around town. You can make it festive and dress up as turkeys or let your kids ride their bikes or scooters.
Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
If turkey bowl (or football) is not your thing, try an outdoor scavenger hunt with your family instead. I love this activity because everyone in the family can participate, regardless of age or athleticism! Just break off into teams or pairs and offer small prizes for some fun competition. You can create a scavenger hunt right in your backyard, or make it more challenging and have it around the neighborhood. Here are some ideas for a family scavenger hunt.
Family Game Night
There’s nothing like a good old fashion game night to spark fun and intentional family time. They are also great icebreakers to help people feel more included or comfortable. Here’s a list of family board games broken down by age groups that I will definitely be checking out for my own family this year.
Photo by NCI
Take a Walk, Hike, or Bike Ride
The fall weather is a beautiful time to be outdoors. Depending on where you live, you can enjoy the gorgeous trees that are changing colors or take a nice walk with a comfortable breeze. An easy walk, hike or even bike ride around town is a relaxing activity you can do with the family that helps everyone disconnect from all the busyness and both figuratively and literally take a breath of fresh air.
Photo by SKYNESHER GETTY IMAGES
