Like many people, you probably have more than a few traditions that you share with your family during Thanksgiving. Alongside the turkey dinner and pumpkin pie for dessert, you might start new traditions this year to make the occasion extra special.
If you’re looking for one or two more traditions to add to the mix – a little like the extra ingredients you’ll add to dinner plates – here are some suggestions. Pick one or try all of them!
1. Dress for the holiday
Sure, you might insist on your family sitting down to dinner in their best outfits, but what about adding a little bit of creativity to the holiday? Dress up the baby in a sweet onesie. For the rest of the family, these cute thanksgiving shirts are a great treat for the special day.
If you really want to push the (gravy) boat out, you could all dress up in costumes too as new Thanksgiving traditions. Perhaps as a turkey or a pumpkin, although you might want to wait until after your dinner before putting on these costumes. Otherwise, all of that extra fabric might make eating the meal difficult!
2. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen
As you count your blessings during Thanksgiving, remember those people who aren’t as fortunate as you. There will be people living on the streets, for example, who don’t have a family to visit for a bounteous dinner.
So, why not do something to help as one of your Thanksgiving traditions? If there is a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter in your area, lend a hand as a family.
Many charities ask for support, and some can’t run effectively without it. When you’re handing out food to those who have very little, be sure to give a warm smile too. The power of a smile is amazing.
3. Thanksgiving traditions to try: Add a new menu item
What will you be eating this Thanksgiving holiday? Instead of eating what the rest of the country are chowing down on, why not come up with a new menu item?
From sweet corn spoonbread to cranberry ice cream, check out these delicious food ideas, and consider adding them for your dinner table. Or, simply experiment with your usual foods and add a creative twist to them. You might come up with something that can be passed down for many years to come.
4. Have a craft session
Admittedly, this might be something you do the day before Thanksgiving, as you would then have new decoration for your dinner table. However, if your children get restless when waiting for the turkey feast, you could also set up a craft table on the day itself.
This activity would be something enjoyable for the little ones to do while you’re battling with the pots and pans in the kitchen. For inspiration, check out these Thanksgiving craft ideas.
Making new Thanksgiving traditions
Those were just a few suggestions, so consider adding them to your usual Thanksgiving traditions. Let me know what you think, and if you have other ideas to add to the list, be sure to share them below!