Thanksgiving is about more than mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and create memories that outlast the leftovers.
These Thanksgiving family traditions are what turn a holiday into a legacy. If you’re looking to add extra meaning (and fun!) to your celebration, they are just the thing to bring everyone a little closer.
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Best Thanksgiving Family Traditions to Start This Year
1. WATCH THE MACY’S DAY THANKSGIVING PARADE
One of our favorite family traditions is to throw out a blanket on the floor and enjoy breakfast burritos while watching the parade. We’ll be trying the new Macy’s Day bingo this year too!
2. TRY A THANKFUL TREE, WALL, OR BOX
When my kids were babies, I bought a simple pack of paper leaves at Hobby Lobby and laminated them. For years, we’ve spent the days leading up to Thanksgiving writing our blessings at dinner. Just reading the leaves on the wall throughout November gives you the feeling that your life is wonderful. Trust me, you’ll have a smile as big as the sun.
You can also turn this into a Thankful Turkey Box! Set out a box or jar with blank cards. Have everyone write what they’re thankful for throughout November, then read them aloud on Thanksgiving.
3. LAUGH WITH HILARIOUS THANKSGIVING FAMILY GAMES
Whether it’s throughout November or for a Thanksgiving game marathon, don’t miss your chance to see your family laugh. Make it a tradition to try one new family-friendly game each year.
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4. SERVE FUN APPETIZERS
Put together a simple and fun Thanksgiving charcuterie board. It’s all the fun without much work!
5. TRY THE THANKFUL TURKEY TRADITION
Download and print this free Thankful Turkey printable and you’ll have an easy gratitude activity you can use every year. Keep them in a folder, and you’ll love seeing what changes over the years.
6. GET TOASTY BY THE FIREPIT
Whether it’s a night leading up to Thanksgiving or after your big meal, start a fire in your backyard. Then, sit around telling stories and building memories.
Try these Thanksgiving conversation starters to help everyone open up.
7. WATCH FUN FAMILY MOVIES OR FOOTBALL
Our kids are young, so we prefer family-friendly Thanksgiving movies for now. And there are so many choices!
Make a caramel apple bar or easy Thanksgiving snacks to go with your movie night, and you’re set for a fun November family night!
8. GET CRAFTY
On Thanksgiving morning, set out pinecones, acorns, and other things you found in the yard. Then, let kids go to town making decorations, crafts, or cards.
9. PLAY FLAG FOOTBALL
There’s nothing like an after-dinner competition to perk up your family! Not into football? Take a family walk in nature instead.
10. HOST AN ANNUAL FRIENDSGIVING
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering. So don’t forget your friends!
An annual Friendsgiving can be a beautiful way to stay in touch every year. Check out these Friendsgiving games and ideas to make sure everyone has an incredible time.
Related: Thanksgiving Minute To Win It Games
11. VOLUNTEER OR TRY A REVERSE THANKSGIVING
Cook or deliver food to someone in need in the morning before enjoying your own feast. It’s a beautiful way to teach gratitude. If that’s too much on Thanksgiving Day, set aside a day in November to give back with your family.
12. TRY THE GRATITUDE TABLECLOTH
For years, my mom has set out the same white tablecloth before Thanksgiving dinner. Using a Sharpie, everyone in the family writes what they’re thankful for and then the year. (She removes the tablecloth before dinner so it doesn’t get food stains!)
It has become a heartfelt tradition.
13. RACE IN A TURKEY TROT
Many cities host an annual Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. Use it as a reason to get in shape. Plus, if you train with a partner or friend, you’ll be strengthening that relationship too. Do it every year, and you’ll ensure that you stay fit as you age.
14. CELEBRATE ANYTHING GOES WEDNESDAY
Ok, I’m not making this up. But it’s probably our favorite family tradition!
Each year, the day before Thanksgiving has become “Anything Goes Wednesday.” Just like it seems, it means we do the most outrageous things we can think of before traditional holiday activities take over.
Last year, we made fake poop (an April Fool’s Day throwback), ate Thai food for dinner, and played Valentine’s Day Minute to Win It Games. Because, why not? Life is too serious without some spontaneity.
15. DO A LEGO KIT ACTIVITY
On Thanksgiving Day, pass the time before dinner by having the kids in the family put together a small Lego kit. At the end of the night, the kids get to decide which adult or cousin takes home the new creation.
Do this every year, and everyone in the family will have a fun memento of Thanksgivings past!
16. TAKE GRATITUDE PHOTOS
Kids and adults LOVE this Thanksgiving photo scavenger hunt. They don’t realize they’re also boosting their own well-being with a dose of gratitude.
17. BRING A MYSTERY SIDE DISH CONTEST
Do you have some cooks in your family? Try a Thanksgiving family tradition that revolves around food.
Each family member brings a surprise side dish or dessert. Then, everyone votes on the tastiest or most creative. Or try a competition every year for the best pie. You’ll get new recipes while enjoying your favorite foods!
18. MAKE A FALL BUCKET LIST
Make the most of the season by creating an annual fall activity checklist. It helps you prioritize family time and connecting with kids and grandkids.
19. VISIT A FALL FESTIVAL
Fall is FULL of local festivals and parades. So, check your calendar and take advantage of what your local community has to offer.
Then, make it one of your Thanksgiving traditions to hit one festival every fall!
20. DECORATE YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE
If you host dinner, bring the family together each year to decorate your Thanksgiving table. You kids can help put together cheap Thanksgiving tablescapes that make everyone feel warm and cozy.
21. MAKE A SCARECROW
Next, try this fun and easy Thanksgiving tradition. First, find simple materials from a thrift store or your home. Then make a scarecrow to put out in your front or backyard.
The kids will love seeing it every time you come and go! Plus, you can take a picture of it every year and document how your scarecrow evolves.
22. SEND THANK YOU CARDS
Send surprise thank you cards and treats to family who can’t be with you on Thanksgiving. Just because they can’t be there in person doesn’t mean you aren’t thinking about them. Let them know.
You can also add something you are grateful for on a name tag at your Thanksgiving table. That way, each person who sits down at your table knows how loved they are.
23. COLOR THANKSGIVING PLACEMATS
Use this free Thanksgiving placemat and have everyone decorate their spot with drawings and messages of thanks before the meal. This is an especially awesome tradition with young kids!
24. READ THE SAME BOOK EVERY YEAR
Read the same fall children’s book aloud each year before or after dinner. It’s perfect for keeping little ones engaged.
25. PICK JOBS OUT OF A HAT
Finally, why should the parents have to do all the work? Divide out the jobs for the day and have every family member pick out of a hat. Make it a team effort to get that turkey meal on the table.
To Consider With Thanksgiving Family Traditions
Do you LOVE traditions?! You’re at the right place! Check out my ebook “The Best Guide To Family Traditions” – 260+ Ideas To Build A Remarkable Family Bond. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years are ALL included!
And remember, make the holiday fun and festive for your family, but also make sure it’s fun for YOU! Anything too elaborate or only pleasing to others won’t be worth it!
What are some Thanksgiving traditions your family loves? We’d love to know!
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