How to Include Kids in the Thanksgiving Celebration: Tips for a Fun and Memorable Celebration

West Coast PediatricsBlog, Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and togetherness, and including the children in the Thanksgiving celebration can make it even more meaningful. From helping with the preparations to creating their traditions, kids can play a significant role in making the holiday special. Here are some ideas to get kids involved and help them feel like valued members of the Thanksgiving celebration.

 

Create a Thanksgiving Craft Station

Kids love hands-on activities, and setting up a craft station is a fun way to keep them engaged. Here are a few Thanksgiving-themed ideas:

  • Thankful Leaves or Tree: Give each child a paper leaf or shape to write something they’re grateful for, then add it to a “thankful tree” or poster. This activity can serve as a visual reminder of gratitude.
  • Turkey Crafts: Provide construction paper, glue, feathers, and markers for making paper turkeys. These crafts can double as table decorations, making kids feel proud to see their creations on display.
  • Homemade Placemats: Set up coloring sheets or blank placemats for kids to decorate with Thanksgiving-themed drawings. They can use these as their placemats during the meal.

Involve Them in the Kitchen

Cooking Thanksgiving dishes is a big part of the holiday, and kids love the chance to help out in the Kitchen. Here are some ways to get them involved:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Recipes: Let them make simple dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, or assemble a veggie platter.
  • Decorate Desserts: Set up a decorating station for pumpkin or sugar cookies with frosting, sprinkles, and toppings, allowing them to add their creative touch to the dessert table.
  • Teach Them Family Recipes: If a recipe has been passed down through generations, this is an excellent opportunity to share it with them. Telling stories about the recipe’s history can add a sense of tradition and connection.

Organize a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are an exciting way to get children moving and engaged. Hide Thanksgiving-themed items around the house or yard, such as small pumpkins, fall leaves, or turkey figurines.

 

Let Them Help Set the Table

Kids often enjoy tasks that make them feel responsible, and setting the table can be a fun and straightforward way for them to contribute. Show them how to arrange plates, silverware, and napkins, or give them the job of placing name cards on each setting. You can make it extra fun by:

  • Creating Personalized Place Cards: Let the kids make or decorate place cards for each guest. This can also double as a craft activity.
  • Setting Up a Kids’ Table: If you have many children joining, set up a kids-only table with special activities or kid-friendly decorations to make them feel extra special.

Tell Thanksgiving Stories or Read Books Together

Thanksgiving is rooted in history, making it a great time to teach the children about its origins. Read age-appropriate books about Thanksgiving or Native American culture and encourage discussions. Some classic Thanksgiving books for kids include:

  • Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
  • The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Elaine Raphael and Don Bolognese
  • Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

This can also be a time for family members to share their favorite Thanksgiving memories or personal stories about gratitude.

 

Encourage Gratitude Through Simple Activities

Teaching kids about gratitude is a powerful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here are some ways to help them express what they’re thankful for:

  • Gratitude Jar: Place a jar and some slips of paper on the table for kids (and adults!) to write down things they’re grateful for. Read them out loud at the table to spread positivity.
  • Thankful Cards: Encourage kids to make “thank you” cards for family members or friends. This can be a fun activity where they draw or write why they are grateful for each person.

Plan Kid-Friendly Entertainment

After the big meal, some kids may need activities to keep them entertained. Set up games or outdoor activities so they can burn off energy while the adults relax. Here are a few ideas:

  • Thanksgiving Bingo: Create Thanksgiving Bingo cards with holiday-themed images (like turkeys, leaves, and pumpkins) and use candy as markers.
  • Movie Time: Wind down with a Thanksgiving-themed movie or cartoon. Films like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving can be a fun, calming end to the holiday.

Start a New Tradition Together

Kids love rituals, so consider creating a new tradition they can look forward to every Thanksgiving. Some ideas include:

  • Family Walk or Hike: After the meal, go for a walk to enjoy the fall scenery and get some fresh air.
  • Annual Family Photo: Take a family picture each year to mark the occasion. Over time, it’ll become a cherished tradition to look back on.

Including kids in your Thanksgiving celebration isn’t just about keeping them busy; it’s about helping them understand and appreciate the meaning of the holiday. Allowing them to participate in different activities fosters gratitude, joy, and family bonds, making the Thanksgiving celebration memorable for everyone.