Can you believe that Thanksgiving is next week?! I don’t know about you but I am thrilled that my kids will have the week off and I am busy planning out some fun activities for all of us to do. I thought I would share some ideas with you. Here are 10 Fun ways to make memories with your kids this Thanksgiving:
1. Create a Grateful Journal
Use a journal they already have, buy a notebook and use construction paper to decorate the cover, or make your own journal by folding several sheets of paper in half and stapling them in the middle
Use the journals every night before bed to record what you are grateful for that day.
{Source: iloveitallwithmonikawright.com via Dawn on Pinterest}
2. A Thankful Tree
Find a branch outside {boys especially will enjoy the hunt for the perfect branch}, then create tags {free printable from Jones Design Company here} or cut leaf shapes out of construction paper,have each child write {or draw} what they are thankful for on each leaf and use a string to hang it on the branch. Emily’s looks beautiful but yours doesn’t have to be perfect. The kids will have fond memories of the tradition regardless of how great it looks.
{Source: jonesdesigncompany.com via Kristin on Pinterest}
3. Decorate with Leaves
Have kids create animals, shapes, cars, or whatever they can think of with different shaped leaves you find outside. Glue them to paper and display them proudly as art.
{Source: kokokokids.ru via Kristin on Pinterest}
4. Include them in the baking & cooking and enjoy the time
Give yourself extra time when planning your cooking and baking for Thanksgiving to allow time for your kids to help out. Play some fun music, give them an apron {or towel} and let them create. Perhaps even let them pick an item to make and simply oversee their creation {this one could be the start of a happy life of your kid doing more cooking and you doing less. wink. wink.}
5. Play a Family Game of Football Outside
Again this doesn’t have to be perfect and little ones can be included. Make the rules age appropriate and just have fun getting active.
6. Light a Fire and Roast Marshmallows
You can do this indoors or out. Kids LOVE this and it is a great memory maker.
7. Make Hot Chocolate & Share Favorite Memories
Take a break from the busy days of preparation and make some hot chocolate to share with your kids. Ask them what their favorite memories of the holidays are and take note. This could be a great way to make note of traditions they love and that you want to continue in your family.
8. Head Outside for a Photo Shoot
Pile up the leaves, put on the cute scarves and clothes and snap away at your kids having fun. Take lots of pictures that aren’t posed but just of them having fun. I bet you’ll have some amazing pictures at the end of the time and you may even have them posing with perfect smiles and asking you to take pictures of them.
9. Read About Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims Together
Perhaps while sipping hot chocolate share some exciting history together by reading aloud the stories of how it all started and why we even celebrate Thanksgiving today. For older kids try the book Of Plymouth Plantation
10. Relax
Give yourself and your kids the gift of a relaxed and refreshed mom this holiday season. Purposefully schedule time in your busy schedule to relax, have fun and rest. It is an opportunity for you to be an example to your kids of the importance of taking care of themselves. Teach them that it’s important to take breaks and have fun in life. They’re watching you and will do what you do. I’m pretty sure you’ll be really glad you made time to enjoy the holidays!
Have a WONDERFUL & Happy Thanksgiving!!
