5 Tips on Getting Your Kids Involved in Thanksgiving

By Jeanne Benedict

I asked my kids, "What does Thanksgiving mean to you?" My 5-year-old said, "Love and hearts." My 10-year-old replied, "Gravy." Obviously, I had been remiss in explaining the meaning of this holiday to my children.

In an effort to get my kids more involved in Thanksgiving, I've come up with 5 Tips to help them embrace the true spirit of the holiday and make the occasion fun for them.

"Thanksgiving is about giving, Mom. Why do you think it has the word giving in it?" my 10-year-old son added after his initial response of "gravy" when asked about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Very true. Not only is Thanksgiving about being grateful for what you have, it is about actively saying "thank you" through both words and gestures.

Pass this message on to your kids through your actions. Ask them to "give thanks" to someone in the form of a card, flowers, even an email. Make sure they understand that we celebrate with family and friends on this holiday because we are thankful that they are in our lives.

Tips

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Celebrate the Harvest & Nature's Offerings

With the help of Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to plant crops and reap a bountiful harvest.

In celebration of nature's gifts, the Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to a three-day festival of games, food and fun. Many consider this gathering to be the first Thanksgiving.

With this as inspiration, take a moment at Thanksgiving to help your children appreciate nature and local harvest offerings.

The story of Native Americans helping the Pilgrims survive in a new land is one that illustrates generosity and a sense of community.

Do something nice for your community.

Paint a mural on a city wall or the fence of a local playground.

Plant trees or flowers in a park.

Make lemonade and cookies and offer them for free in your neighborhood.

Be sure to get permission from local authorities for activities that are on or involve public property.

Decorations

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Create the Thanksgiving Table

Encourage everyone to get involved in setting up the holiday spread and take pride in creating a beautiful display. Ask kids to contribute to Thanksgiving table decor.

Place folded napkins on the table and accent them with flowers or natural elements such as little pinecones, acorns or autumn leaves.

Design place cards using markers or similar materials that are used to accent napkins.

Adorn chair backs with bows.

Make the table's centerpiece using fresh flowers and an interesting container such as a decorative bowl or hollowed-out pumpkin.

Top Five Lists

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5 Tips to Get Your Kids Involved for Thanksgiving

Bring the Spirit of Thanksgiving into Your Community: The story of Native Americans helping the Pilgrims survive in a new land is one that illustrates generosity and a sense of community.
Celebrate the Harvest & Nature's Offerings: With the help of Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to plant crops and reap a bountiful harvest.
In celebration of nature's gifts, the Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to a three-day festival of games, food and fun.
Many consider this gathering to be the first Thanksgiving.
Get into the Thanksgiving Kitchen: For many, the focus of Thanksgiving is an abundant table! Pique your child's interest in Thanksgiving preparations.
Create the Thanksgiving Table: Encourage everyone to get involved in setting up the holiday spread and take pride in creating a beautiful display.
Give Thanks: Not only is Thanksgiving about being grateful for what you have, it is about actively saying “thank you” through both words and gestures.

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