Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to gather, reflect, and celebrate with loved ones. And while it can get hectic with meal prep, hosting, and visiting relatives, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to make memories with your little ones. Here are some creative and simple ways to include young children in Thanksgiving festivities so they feel part of the celebration and can start building their own traditions.
Create a Kid-Friendly “Thankful” Craft Corner
Setting up a small space where your child can express gratitude is a great way to involve them in the holiday spirit. You could place crayons, markers, colored paper, and stickers on a little table and encourage them to create drawings or write down things they’re thankful for. Some ideas:
- Thankful Tree: Have them trace their hand to make leaf shapes, cut them out, and write or draw something they’re thankful for on each one. Attach these to a small tree branch in a vase.
- Thankful Jar: Provide slips of paper for kids to write or draw their gratitude on, then add them to a jar. These can be shared with family members before dinner.
- Place Cards: Let them create or color place cards for each family member. It’s a small way for them to contribute to the Thanksgiving table setting.
Cooking with Kids: Simple Recipes They Can Help With
Including kids in the kitchen can be a fun bonding activity! Find a few simple recipes they can help with, such as:
- Mashed Potatoes: Little hands are great at mashing boiled potatoes with a safe masher.
- Mini Pies or Cookies: Pre-made dough is easy for kids to work with. Let them roll out the dough or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Turkey Veggie Platter: Set up a platter with a turkey “body” made of dip, and let them arrange veggie “feathers” around it.
Engage Them with Simple, Meaningful Games
Young children love games, and they can be a nice break between meals and family time:
- Thanksgiving Bingo: Use printable Bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed images. Hand out small prizes for winners.
- Turkey Hunt: Hide paper turkeys around the house or yard and let them go on a mini scavenger hunt.
- Story Time: Take a moment to gather the kids and read them a Thanksgiving-themed book, such as The Thankful Book by Todd Parr or Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland.
Let Them Help Set the Table
Kids feel important when they can help set the table. Assign them easy and safe tasks like placing napkins, arranging utensils, or putting out centerpieces. You can even give them a “fancy” job like handing out rolls or butter during dinner—anything that makes them feel like a host alongside you!
Teach the Tradition of Giving Thanks
While they may not fully understand gratitude yet, it’s never too early to start teaching kids the importance of being thankful. Go around the table and encourage everyone to share something they’re grateful for, in a way that’s simple for kids to join in on too. This ritual helps little ones understand that Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s a time to appreciate what we have and who we share it with.
Capture the Moment with a Photo Booth or “Family Selfie” Session
Create a mini photo booth in a well-lit corner with some Thanksgiving-themed props. Think paper turkey hats, pilgrim hats, and “thankful” signs. Kids love dressing up, and you’ll end up with precious photos that capture the fun.
Wind Down with a Family Movie or Cozy Storytime
After the meal, let the kids relax with a Thanksgiving movie or gather around for storytime. It’s a nice, calm way to end the day, allowing everyone—adults included—to enjoy a cozy moment before bed.
Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones, and including your little ones in the day’s activities can make it extra memorable. By giving them age-appropriate ways to participate, you’re not only helping them feel involved but also creating traditions they’ll look forward to every year. Here’s to a joyful, laughter-filled Thanksgiving with your family!
