Thanksgiving is a time of food, family and fun. Traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. It’s never too late to create new traditions. It doesn’t even have to be something “huge” either. Sometimes the smallest things can be the fondest memories.
Food is one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Thanksgiving. People practically obsess over the perfect meal, forgetting the reason for the holiday – being thankful for our blessings. Does one person do all the cooking and everyone just show up? Try something new by having the hostess fix only the main dish, whether turkey or ham, and maybe a dessert. Then have everyone else split up the side dishes and desserts. The entire day is less stressful for everyone, leaving more time to enjoy the meal and make more memories. Before long, you will all have your specialties, like Grandma’s homemade applesauce, that it just isn’t Thanksgiving without.
Create a family cookbook by putting together all the traditional favorites recipes. As new things are tried, and enjoyed, add them to the book. As the younger generation grows up and gets married, present a copy to the new bride and groom. This way the recipes get passed down and not forgotten.
Family is at the center of the holidays. Take the time to get to know your family when you get together. Sometimes we know our friends better than we do our own family. Have the older members of the family tell their favorite memories from their youth. Record them. With video equipment becoming more accessible all the time, it is easy to make a record of holidays past. Keep a running record of each year as you go.
Kids love to show off for the grown-ups, telling jokes, singing songs, and more. So why not have a talent show? But don’t limit it to just the kids; get the grownups into the act as well. Keeping everyone busy while the food is still cooking makes it more enjoyable for everyone. The show will provide hours of fun and years of memories.
Giving back to others can be fun, as well a blessing to others. Volunteer at a shelter or a soup kitchen. Not only will you feel good helping others, you will be doing something as a family that can turn into an annual tradition.
Make a beautiful centerpiece to give to the hostess of the meal. If a different family hosts the meal each year, make a new one for the house. Eventually, everyone will have something special to remember the meal and time spent with family and friends.
One last tradition that could be incorporated into the Thanksgiving celebration, if it isn’t already – sharing what we’re thankful for. Even the youngest child can share one thing. By reminding ourselves of our blessings, we learn to appreciate what we have.
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