10 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions to Start With Your Family

Thanksgiving is a holiday that’s all about family, gratitude, and tradition. It’s a time to come together and celebrate the blessings in our lives. If you’re looking for ways to make your Thanksgiving celebration more meaningful and memorable, here are some Thanksgiving traditions to start with your family.

1. Gratitude Jar

A gratitude jar is a simple but powerful way to cultivate gratitude and appreciation in your family. Start by placing an empty jar on the table and encouraging everyone to write down something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper. At the end of the day, read the slips of paper out loud and reflect on all the blessings in your lives.

2. Family Recipe Exchange

Food is a big part of Thanksgiving, so why not make it even more special by sharing family recipes? Ask each family member to bring a recipe that’s been passed down through the generations, and share the stories behind the dishes as you enjoy them together.

3. Giving Back

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for what we have, but it’s also an opportunity to give back to those in need. Consider volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter, or donating to a charity that supports families in need.

4. Gratitude Walk

Take a family walk before or after your Thanksgiving meal and reflect on all the things you’re grateful for. This is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while also cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation.

5. Thankful Tree

A thankful tree is a beautiful way to display all the things you’re thankful for. Cut out leaf shapes from colored paper and write something you’re thankful for on each one. Then, attach the leaves to a tree branch or a paper tree on the wall. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike.

6. Volunteer Together

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and give back to those in need. Volunteering as a family is a great way to teach children the value of community service and helping others. Consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food bank, or shelter on Thanksgiving Day or the day after.

7. Thanksgiving Tablecloth

Start a tradition by having everyone write what they are thankful for on a tablecloth or a large piece of paper that can be used as a tablecloth. You can use this year after year and see how everyone’s gratitude has changed and grown over time.

8. Family Game Night

After dinner, gather the family for a game night. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and bond over a fun activity. Board games, card games, or even charades can be great options for a family game night.

9. Watch the Parade

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a classic tradition for many families. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and see some amazing floats and performances. Make some hot cocoa and gather around the TV together for this festive tradition.

10. Plan a Family Photoshoot

Thanksgiving is a great time to capture memories with your loved ones. Plan a family photoshoot either before or after dinner. You can use the photos for holiday cards, or simply to remember the special moments you shared together.

CONCLUSION

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, gratitude, and tradition. By starting new traditions with your loved ones, you can make the holiday even more special and memorable. From gratitude jars to planning a family photo shoot, there are many ways to create lasting memories and cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation.