15 Best Thanksgiving Traditions to Start with Your Family
Gather around the table and pass the turkey, because it’s time to start some new Thanksgiving traditions with your loved ones. As the leaves turn golden and the scent of pumpkin pie fills the air, there’s no better time to create lasting memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.
From silly games that will have everyone in stitches to heartwarming activities that celebrate gratitude, we’ve rounded up the best Thanksgiving traditions that are sure to bring joy, laughter, and a little extra magic to your holiday season.
Classic Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and tradition. While some families have unique traditions, there are a few classic Thanksgiving traditions that are beloved by many.
Here are some classic Thanksgiving traditions that you and your family can enjoy:
The Thanksgiving Feast
The Thanksgiving feast is the centerpiece of the holiday. It’s a time to gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal.
The star of the show is usually a turkey, but there are plenty of other dishes that make up the Thanksgiving menu.
Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and pie are just a few of the classic dishes that are often served.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, make sure to plan ahead and prepare as much as you can in advance.
This will help you avoid any last-minute stress and ensure that everything is ready on time. Consider delegating tasks to family members or friends to make the preparation process more manageable.
Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that has been around for almost a century.
The parade features marching bands, floats, and giant balloons that float through the streets of New York City.
It’s a fun way to kick off the day and get into the holiday spirit.
If you’re not in New York City, you can still watch the parade on TV.
Tune in to NBC on Thanksgiving morning to watch the parade from the comfort of your own home.
Make some hot cocoa and snuggle up on the couch with your family to enjoy the show.
Playing Football
Many families enjoy playing football on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a fun way to burn off some calories before or after the big meal.
You can play touch football in the backyard or head to a local park to play a full game.
If you’re not a fan of football, consider playing other outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, or tag.
The important thing is to spend time outside with your family and enjoy the fresh air.
Overall, these classic Thanksgiving traditions are a great way to spend time with your family and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal, watching the parade, or playing football, make sure to take a moment to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.
New Thanksgiving Traditions to Consider
Looking to switch things up this Thanksgiving? Here are some new traditions to consider that will make your holiday celebration even more special!
Friendsgiving
If you have a group of close friends that you spend a lot of time with, consider hosting a Friendsgiving celebration.
This is a great way to share the holiday with the people you love, even if you can’t be with your family.
You can make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish, or you can cook together and make the meal a team effort.
Either way, it’s sure to be a fun and memorable time.
Starting a Family Hike Tradition
If you’re an outdoorsy family, consider starting a new tradition of going on a family hike on Thanksgiving day.
This is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air before sitting down to your big meal.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your loved ones and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery.
Hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch
Who says Thanksgiving has to be all about dinner? Consider hosting a Thanksgiving brunch instead!
You can serve up classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and mimosas, or put a Thanksgiving twist on things with dishes like pumpkin spice waffles and cranberry mimosas.
This is a great way to switch things up and make the holiday your own.
Creating Personalized Place Cards
Add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table by creating personalized place cards for each of your guests. This is a simple and thoughtful way to show your loved ones how much you care.
You can get creative with your place cards by using fall leaves, mini pumpkins, or even photos of your guests. It’s a small detail that will make a big impact.
No matter what new traditions you decide to start this Thanksgiving, the most important thing is to spend time with the people you love and cherish the memories you make together.
Fun Thanksgiving Activities
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with your loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some fun Thanksgiving activities that you can enjoy with your family:
Organizing a Game Night
A game night is a great way to bring the family together and have some fun.
You can play board games, card games, or even video games.
Some great Thanksgiving-themed games include “Thanksgiving Bingo” and “Turkey Trivia.” Make sure to have some snacks and drinks on hand to keep everyone fueled for the fun.
Planning a Movie Marathon
If you’re looking for a more relaxed activity, why not plan a movie marathon?
There are plenty of Thanksgiving-themed movies to choose from, such as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.”
You can also watch classic family movies like “The Wizard of Oz” or “Home Alone.” Make sure to have plenty of popcorn and other snacks on hand.
Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
If you have little turkeys in the family, why not have them make some Thanksgiving crafts?
You can have them make handprint turkeys, paper plate pilgrims, or even create a Thanksgiving-themed scrapbook.
This is a great way to keep the kids entertained while also creating some fun decorations for the Thanksgiving table.
No matter what activity you choose, the most important thing is to spend time with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Giving Back on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the blessings in your life.
It is also a time to give back to your community and those in need. Here are two ways you can give back on Thanksgiving:
Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen
One of the best ways to give back on Thanksgiving is to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Soup kitchens provide meals to those who are homeless or struggling financially. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to give back to your community and help those in need.
To find a soup kitchen near you, you can search online or ask your local church or community center. When you volunteer at a soup kitchen, you may be asked to help with tasks such as preparing food, serving meals, or cleaning up. Remember to dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.
Organizing a Canned Goods Drive
Another way to give back on Thanksgiving is to organize a canned goods drive.
Canned goods are non-perishable food items that can be stored for long periods of time. They are often donated to food banks and other organizations that help those in need.
To organize a canned goods drive, you can start by reaching out to your friends, family, and neighbors.
You can ask them to donate canned goods such as vegetables, fruits, and soups. You can also set up a collection bin at your workplace or school.
Once you have collected the canned goods, you can donate them to a local food bank or organization. Remember to check the expiration dates on the canned goods before donating them.
Giving back on Thanksgiving is a great way to show gratitude for all the blessings in your life.
Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen or organize a canned goods drive, you can make a difference in your community and help those in need.
Incorporating Unique Thanksgiving Elements
Thanksgiving is a time for family and gratitude. While many families have their own special traditions, it’s always fun to incorporate some unique elements to make the holiday even more special.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Creating a Gratitude Jar
One way to incorporate gratitude into your Thanksgiving celebration is by creating a gratitude jar.
Simply find a jar or container and have each family member write down something they are thankful for on a slip of paper.
Then, place the slips of paper in the jar throughout the day.
At dinner, take turns pulling out slips of paper and reading them aloud. It’s a great way to remind everyone of the many blessings in their lives.
Starting a Wishbone Tradition
Another fun tradition to start is the wishbone tradition.
After the turkey has been carved, two people can each grab an end of the wishbone and make a wish.
Then, pull on the wishbone until it breaks. The person with the larger piece of the wishbone gets their wish. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to add some excitement to the meal.
Making Special Family Recipes
Thanksgiving is all about the food, so why not incorporate some special family recipes into the meal?
Whether it’s your grandmother’s famous stuffing or your uncle’s delicious sweet potato casserole, adding a personal touch to the meal can make it even more meaningful.
Plus, it’s a great way to pass down family traditions and recipes to the next generation.
Overall, incorporating unique Thanksgiving elements can make the holiday even more special and memorable.
Whether it’s creating a gratitude jar, starting a wishbone tradition, or making special family recipes, there are plenty of ways to make the holiday your own.
Post-Thanksgiving Traditions
After the big feast, it’s time to relax and enjoy some post-Thanksgiving traditions. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Enjoying Thanksgiving Leftovers
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Instead of throwing them away, why not make the most of them?
You can enjoy your leftover turkey in a variety of ways, such as making turkey sandwiches or turkey pot pie.
You can also use your leftover mashed potatoes to make potato pancakes or shepherd’s pie.
And don’t forget about the cranberry sauce – it makes a great addition to a turkey sandwich or as a topping for a salad.
Participating in a Turkey Trot
If you’re looking to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories, consider participating in a Turkey Trot.
This is a fun run or walk that takes place on Thanksgiving morning.
Many cities and towns have their own Turkey Trot, so check with your local running club or community center to see if there’s one in your area.
It’s a great way to get some exercise and start your day off on the right foot.
Starting Black Friday Shopping
For many people, Black Friday shopping is a tradition in itself.
If you’re one of those people, you can start your shopping early by heading out on Thanksgiving night.
Many stores now open their doors on Thanksgiving evening, so you can get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Just make sure you don’t overdo it – remember, you still have a lot of leftovers to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique Thanksgiving traditions to start with your family?
There are many unique Thanksgiving traditions that you can start with your family.
Some ideas include creating a thankful tree, where everyone writes what they are thankful for on leaves and hangs them on a tree, or having a gratitude scavenger hunt where family members search for things they are thankful for around the house.
Another idea is to create a family recipe book with everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
How can you make Thanksgiving special for a small family?
If you have a small family, there are many ways to make Thanksgiving special.
You can create a special menu with your family’s favorite dishes, decorate the table with fall-themed decor, and play games or watch movies together.
You can also take turns sharing what you are thankful for or create a gratitude jar where everyone writes down what they are thankful for throughout the year and reads them on Thanksgiving.
What are some African-American Thanksgiving traditions?
African American Thanksgiving traditions include serving traditional dishes like collard greens, sweet potato pie, and mac and cheese.
Some families also incorporate African-American history into their celebrations by sharing stories of their ancestors or watching movies about African-American history.
Another tradition is to have a soulful Thanksgiving meal with music and dancing.
What are some fun Thanksgiving traditions for couples?
For couples, you can create a romantic Thanksgiving dinner with candlelight and a special menu.
You can also take a walk together to enjoy the fall foliage or watch a Thanksgiving-themed movie.
Another idea is to create a gratitude jar where you both write down what you are thankful for and read them together on Thanksgiving.
What are some popular Thanksgiving dishes to include in your family traditions?
Some popular Thanksgiving dishes include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
However, you can also incorporate your family’s favorite dishes into your Thanksgiving traditions.
Some families also like to have a potluck-style Thanksgiving where everyone brings a dish to share.
How do you start new Thanksgiving traditions with your family?
To start new Thanksgiving traditions with your family, you can brainstorm ideas together and choose activities that everyone will enjoy.
You can also incorporate your family’s culture or heritage into your celebrations or create a new tradition based on your family’s interests.
It’s important to be open to trying new things and to make sure everyone feels included and valued.
