19 Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions to Start with Family This Year
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude, family, and togetherness. Starting new traditions with loved ones can make this holiday even more meaningful and memorable.
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Here are 19 Thanksgiving traditions to consider starting with your family this year:
Thankfulness Jar
Throughout November, family members write down things they’re thankful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. On Thanksgiving Day, read each slip aloud and reflect on the blessings of the past year.
Gratitude Tree
Create a “gratitude tree” using branches and colorful paper leaves. Each family member writes what they’re thankful for on a leaf and hangs it on the tree. It’s a beautiful and visual way to display gratitude.
Thanksgiving Morning Walk or Hike
Start the day with a morning walk or hike to enjoy fresh air and beautiful fall scenery. It’s a relaxing way to kick off the holiday, and everyone can work up an appetite before the feast.
Volunteer Together
Spend part of Thanksgiving Day volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or community event. Giving back as a family can make Thanksgiving more meaningful and remind everyone of the holiday’s spirit of generosity.
Family Recipe Swap
Have each family member bring a traditional recipe from their household to share. Exchange and try different dishes, and create a family cookbook of everyone’s favorite recipes.
Turkey Trot Participation
Participate in a local turkey trot race, which is often a Thanksgiving 5K run or walk. Many turkey trots benefit local charities, so it’s a great way to give back and get some exercise.
Annual Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Use a fabric tablecloth and fabric markers for family members to write what they’re thankful for each year. Over time, this tablecloth will become a cherished family heirloom filled with memories.
Gratitude Toast
Before starting the meal, have each person share something they’re thankful for with a short toast. It’s a simple way to express gratitude and bring everyone together.
Share Family Stories
Encourage older family members to share stories from their past. It’s a great way to preserve family history and allow younger generations to connect with their heritage.
Thanksgiving Bingo
Create a bingo board with Thanksgiving-themed items (like “pumpkin pie,” “football game,” “laughter”). As the day progresses, family members mark off items they experience or see, adding a fun game element to the celebration.
Decorate Together
Set aside time to decorate the house for Thanksgiving as a family. Make your own wreaths, place cards, or centerpieces using autumn leaves, pumpkins, and candles.
Friendsgiving
Host a “Friendsgiving” the day before Thanksgiving to celebrate with friends who feel like family. It’s a wonderful way to show gratitude for friendships and enjoy an extra celebration.
Gratitude Walk After Dinner
Take a post-dinner gratitude walk. It’s a relaxing way to unwind, reflect on the day, and enjoy the evening air while discussing what everyone is grateful for.
Record Thankful Messages
Record short video messages of family members sharing what they’re thankful for. Over the years, these videos can be a beautiful archive of family memories.
Football or Backyard Games
Whether it’s a touch football game or a few rounds of corn hole, having some outdoor activities after the meal encourages everyone to be active and enjoy time together.
Create a Thankful Scrapbook
Each Thanksgiving, add a new page to a scrapbook with photos, notes, and drawings that represent the year. It’s a fun and creative way to capture memories.
Thanksgiving Movie Night
After the feast, cozy up for a family movie night with Thanksgiving-themed movies or classic family favorites. It’s a relaxing way to end the evening together.
Light a Candle for Loved Ones
Honor those who couldn’t be there or family members who have passed away by lighting a candle for them. It’s a quiet and meaningful way to remember loved ones.
Plan a “Thankful Countdown” to Thanksgiving
Create a countdown to Thanksgiving starting in November where each day, family members share something they’re grateful for. By Thanksgiving, everyone will have shared a month of gratitude.
These Thanksgiving traditions create lasting memories and add meaning to your holiday, fostering gratitude and togetherness that lasts long after the holiday is over.