If you're like many of us, there's a good chance your Thanksgiving plans have been canceled. Truthfully, it's for the best. It's been a rough year, but risking the health of family members isn't something anyone should take lightly.
Small groups may still gather, and established households will likely still sit down for a meal together. But the lack of extended family may leave parents wondering how they're going to fill the time.
That, or they may try to find positive activities to help their children lose focus on the fact that their grandparents aren't visiting this holiday. Here are seven fun family activities to try that'll get you out of the kitchen and help refresh your holiday spirit.
Start a Family Journal
It's a great idea to start a Thanksgiving journal with your family. Every year, you can pass it around and write down what you're thankful for. This activity is also great for reflecting on prior years. Many people also find writing to be soothing — so if your family is still shaken by the fact that 2020 took away a lot of once-fun holidays, writing it down may help them process the year. In the future, the journal — if continuously used — will turn into a prized family heirloom. Once family dinners become safer, it'll also be intriguing to see what guests have written down.
Take a Walk Around the Neighborhood
It seems very simple, but it can often make families feel more together. Try exploring new areas of the neighborhood you haven't seen before. See if there are any local businesses worth supporting this holiday season that you might not have known about. Sometimes, taking a wrong turn down a road will help you learn even more about your community. Not only will the exercise be refreshing, but you can build memories and discover new things while exploring together.
Plan a Day of Volunteering
Thanksgiving is all about being thankful. While many of us don't have to think twice about big, full plates at the table, there are many people out there who don't know where their next meal is coming from. By getting your family together to volunteer, you can gain some important skills while making a true difference in someone else's holiday. Because of the virus, volunteer opportunities may look a little different than they normally would. Try to find canned food drives or other ways to lend a hand while keeping safe.
Create Your Own Puppet Show
Whether it's Popsicle stick puppets or something a little more advanced, making puppets can be a lot of fun. It's also a great excuse to break out your arts and crafts supplies. Try creating characters that are related to Thanksgiving. You can make a family of Pilgrims, or even a family of turkeys. This is also a great way to teach kids about the meaning of Thanksgiving, in case you want to tie an educational lesson in with the fun.
Write Thank-You Notes to Each Other
Now's a great time to write notes to your family to tell them why you're thankful. It doesn't have to be a long list. Something like, "I'm thankful for you since you're great to talk to" is a good start. For kids, thank them for doing chores or spreading kindness. Try to find genuine qualities that they might not get recognized for all that often. This activity will boost everyone's spirits and leave them with sweet keepsakes they can treasure whenever they're feeling down.
Reminisce About Other Holidays That Have Gone Wrong
If your kids are a little older, they may appreciate a good laugh this time of year. For many children, this year has been quite scary. But by talking to them about other funny mishaps, maybe before they were even born, you'll help your kids grow to appreciate this strange change of tradition even more. It's important for kids to know that you're all in this together. If parents can reminisce and laugh about the past, that may ease some of the tension at the table. This is the year to have fun, ease up, and realize that it's OK when things don't go to plan.
Make Paper Turkeys for Decor
Paper turkeys can be a fun craft that everyone in the family can enjoy. You can make your paper turkeys a centerpiece (perhaps each family member can make their own turkey to represent themselves at the table) or just use them as a fun way to decorate the house for the fall.
