Thanksgiving is full of family, food, and fun. It is a time when we get to see our relatives and indulge in delicious meals. As kids get older it can become more and more apparent that they may have no idea just how lucky they are to be able to have these memories of family, food, and so much more. We as parents, may remind them how lucky they are, but it generally doesn't sink in. Here are a couple of ideas to prompt a discussion as a family about what each person is thankful for this holiday season and why. You might just be surprised at what your kids have to say.
| Thanksgiving Pumpkin Purchase a larger pumpkin of your choice. Take turns writing what you are thankful for with a Sharpie throughout the month of November. The variations are endless... daily, weekly, alternate people, everyone at the same time. Whatever you choose, make sure it is what works best for your family and can be done at a time when everyone can be a part of the discussion. Breakfast, dinner, even bedtime are all great ideas. |  |
| Thanksgiving Tree Find a tree that works for your family, size is up to you. You can find wooden versions like the picture below at craft stores or you could also use real or fake branches and place them in a pot or vase. Then, cut out leaf-shaped pieces of paper in a dish nearby. Family members can take turns writing what they are thankful for on one side of the leaf and their name on the other. You can use tape or the tacky stuff for mounting posters to walls to stick the leaves on, but leave the tree reusable. This option is great because it can be reused each year. You can also save the leaves to remember how everyone's ideas change over the years. |  |
