MAKE YOUR THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS SPECIAL! We are all so blessed and I love taking the time to really remember that! These fun Thanksgiving traditions and activities for family are sure to help you have a very memorable Thanksgiving and create lasting memories with traditions that you and your family will cherish.
One of my favorite musicals of all times is Fiddler On The Roof. If you haven’t seen it, you have to! The reason I bring it up is because the Father, Tevye, in the musical continually brings up “tradition” and how tradition brings meaning and deep connections to his family, community, and religion. One of my favorite quotes from the “Traditions” song that Tevye sings is, ” Without traditions our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” In the spirit of “Tradition” I’m sharing ideas that will get you off that shaky roof and plant you firmly in the meaning of the season. For easy navigation, I’ve linked up each section of our fun Thanksgiving traditions and activities for:
The Whole Family Kids Only Couples
Thanksgiving Activities for Families
The best time during the holidays is the time you get to spend with those you love! Create bonds and lasting memories with your family this Thanksgiving by adding a tradition to your holiday celebrations. These Thanksgiving activities for families will bring you all closer than ever and help keep the fun going long before and after the dinner takes place.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt (The Dating Divas) -If you were to ask my kids, this would be one of the BEST Thanksgiving traditions for families out there. This fun, family game is sure to bring out your competitive side. You’ve Been Gobbled (The Dating Divas) -Share some secret treats this season as you do Thanksgiving service. Shooting Turkeys (A Girl and her Glue Gun) -This is sure to become a classic thanksgiving tradition for your family. Nerf, balloons, competition = perfection. Conversation Prompts (Yellow Bliss Road) -Not sure what to talk about around the table? This is sure to help and is your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition! Thanksgiving Day Printable Pack (The Dating Divas) -The whole day is all planned out for you with this adorable family Thanksgiving tradition printable pack. Turkey Rocket Races (Growing a Jeweled Rose) -Who will have the fastest turkey? You’ll want some turkey feathers to make your turkey look fabulous as it reaches the finish line! Thanksgiving Charades (The Dating Divas) – This will provide a great laugh and a new Thanksgiving tradition for your family. Don’t Eat Tom the Turkey (Sisters Suitcase Blog) -Watch out for Tom in this fun family game. Thanksgiving Countdown Banner (The Dating Divas) -Celebrate Thanksgiving the entire month! Tic Tac Toe Turkey (How Does She) -A fun twist on a traditional game. Make sure you have some of those mini Post-its on hand! Turkey Hunt (Prepared, Not Scared) -Will you be able to find the turkey in time for dinner? Turkey Feathers Game (The Idea Room) -Whose turkey will get all of its feathers first? Thanksgiving Madlibs (How Does She) -A laugh or two never hurt anyone!
Turkey Bowling (The Dating Divas) -If you’re looking for fun and hilarious Thanksgiving traditions for families, this is the funnest family game ever! You will LOVE it – and you can reuse the prints each year!! Thank You Bank (Tips from a Typical Mom) -Prepare for Thanksgiving all year with this cute bank. Thanksgiving Would You Rather (Classroom Freebies) -Find out the truth about your family with this fun Would You Rather game! Thanksgiving Pictionary Game (I Dig Pinterest) -This silly game is sure to bring out your inner artist. Family Random Acts of Kindness (The Dating Divas) -Help those around you by serving them! Pilgrim Hat Cookies (Oh So Savvy Mom) -One of the best Thanksgiving activities for families out there is one that involves the kitchen! This craft + treat = the perfect combination! Pluck the Turkey (Prepared, Not Scared) -Yikes! Who can pluck the turkey the best? Thanksgiving Win it in a Minute (U – Create Crafts) -Fast paced games for the whole family. A Thankful Heart (Lasso the Moon) -This is a really sweet game to play with your family to help remember who bless we all truly are. Homemade Butter (Playdough to Plato) -A little pre dinner shaking! Fall Family Photos (The Dating Divas) -What to wear? Where to take the pics? We have it all covered here! Family Handprint Pumpkins (The Melrose Family) -A tender memory from year to year as you watch those little hands grow. Gratitude Certificates (Creative Certificates) -Present those you love and are thankful for with a gratitude certificate. Spend family night filling out several of these certificates and mail or hand deliver these together
Thanksgiving Bingo and Scavenger Hunt (The Dating Divas) -Two family fun games in one place! Thankful Pumpkins (Kelly Elko) -This fun Thanksgiving craft tradition will be something you will treasure forever!Get some white pumpkins for this one! Thankful Garland (Silver Box Creative) -Create a thankful garland using this beautiful printable. Have each family member write what they are thankful for and display it around the house. Thankful Boxes (Cottage in the Oaks) -This is a great activity that your kids will enjoy doing every year. Let them decorate their own box, fill it with thankful slips, and read the slips each Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Trivia (Alpha Mom) -Who knows their Thanksgiving Day facts best? Blessing Jar (Marty’s Musings) -Set this jar out year round to remind the family of their blessings. Add blessings all throughout the year. On Thanksgiving day read the blessings one by one. Thankful Tree (Simply Vintage) -This Thankful Tree is darling and probably one of our most favorite Thanksgiving activities for families! Write notes on the first of the month and leave them up till next Thanksgiving. Turkey Ticket (Let’s Get Together) -Involve your kids in a gratitude challenge that will help them count their blessings all month through. Share Thanksgiving Treats (Paging Supermom) -Make treats together as a family and hand out to your neighbors or friends. Bread Wrappers (Whipperberry) -Bake an extra bread or two, share them with your friends or neighbors, and top with this thankful printable. Gratitude Garland (Somewhat Simple) -Another version of a gorgeous garland. Count your blessings one by one and display them for all to see. Counting Blessings as a Family (How Does She) -Spend time together as a family creating a blessings tree. Allowing everyone to take part will make this tree of blessings all that more special.
Gobble and Gab Conversation Starters (The Dating Divas) -Choose a random slip of paper and get gobbling with one of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions for families! Thanksgiving Devotional (Frugal Fun 4 Boys) -Each day of November during family dinner, read a devotional with the purpose of teaching thankfulness to your kids. The devotional has a bible verse and questions to stir discussions about gratitude. Gratitude Challenge (Inspired by Family) -We all love a challenge! These challenges will help you focus on what matters most and will create memories that you will treasure forever. Family Trivia Game (Martha Stewart) – Do you know all the little details about your family members? This game will get everyone involved, conversations started, and everyone telling their best stories. Blessing Tree (Somewhat Simple) -Add your family photos along with your many blessings to decorate this ‘Count Your Many Blessings Tree.’ This is one of those Thanksgiving traditions for families that really builds lasting relationships! Family Turkey Trot (Brooks Running) -This family thanksgiving tradition will help make some extra room for those delicious mashed potatoes
Fun Thanksgiving Traditions and Activities for Kids
Kids need some excitement on Thanksgiving while all the food cooks – this list is sure to provide that! Enjoy your Thanksgiving traditions and feast while creating lasting memories for every member of the family. These Thanksgiving fun ideas will get the creative juices flowing, keep little hands busy, and help spread the spirit of the season.
Golf Tee Turkeys (I Can Teach My Child) -Kids will love making this creative turkey! {This bag of tees + some play dough and you are good to go!} Fall Scent and Sensory Bin (Messes to Memories) -Smell and feel the season with this Fall sensory bin. Clothespin Turkey (The Simple Parent) -Bright and colorful turkey art for the win! Candy Corn Turkey (Crafty Morning) -A deliciously adorable craft. Thanksgiving Utensil Holder (Eighteen25) -Let the kids help decorate the table. Dish Brush Turkey (Crafty Morning) -Who wouldn’t love this? Mayflower Craft (First Pallet) -A fun craft to help talk about the pilgrims. Native American Headdress (Ankle Biter Art) -Let the kids dress up this holiday season. Paper Bag Turkey (No Time for Flashcards) -Simple items can make wonderful things! PaperTube Friends (Creative Me Inspired You) -Are these not the cutest!?! Paper Plate Pilgrim (All Kids Network) -A little paper, glue and a plate is all it will take! Tissue Paper Turkey (Crafty Morning) -This bright and colorful turkey craft is sure to please. Be sure to have some colorful tissue paper. Painted Paper Plate Turkey (I Heart Crafty Things) -I know that we LOVE to paint at our house! The kids will love this! These finger paints are awesome for the little guys!
Thankful Turkey Book (B Inspired Mama) -A book stuffed to the brim with gratitude! Popsicle Stick Pilgrim (Crafty Morning) -A little pilgrim out of popsicle stick! How cute! {I seriously ALWAYS have these on hand for crafts!} Pumpkin Pie Craft (A Nightowl Blog) -A craft cute enough to eat! DIY Thankful Plate (My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia) -This plate will serve as a conversation piece and is perfect for your Thanksgiving traditions. Give the kiddos their own paper plate version! Thankful Placemat (Nurture Store) -Help your kids remember what they are truly grateful for. Rolled Paper Pumpkin (One Creative Mommy) -I love this pumpkin! Pilgrim Crayon Holder (A Pumpkin and a Princess) -These would look adorable at the kids table! 🙂 Tissue Paper Turkey – By Number (Crayon Box Chronicles) -A little math and art join together to make this cute turkey possible! Handprint Turkey Hat (Crafty Morning) -Will your little turkey love this hat or what!?! Turkey Finger Puppets (Handmade Charlotte) -A mini-turkey for all of the mini-humans in your life. Thanksgiving Tablecloth (From Glitter to Gumdrops) – Set markers out on the Thanksgiving table. Invite everyone to write or draw their blessings on the tablecloth. Bring it out every year to follow and add to it again and again.
Free Thanksgiving Coloring Sheets (Lil Luna) -Simple and sweet. Printable Coloring Book (Happiness is Homemade) -This printable coloring book is perfect for the long wait for the turkey! And it may become your favorite Thanksgiving tradition + a new keepsake. Gratitude Album (Cathy Zielske) – Pass around prepared note sheets to each guest, snap a photo of each guest, and compile a book of thanks. Each year create a new booklet, add new pictures, and continue to record memories. Kids Printable Placemats (Sisters Suitcase ) -Let the kids entertain themselves with these adorable placemats. These are a great way to entertain them and collect memories on Thanksgiving day. Corn Wreath (1 Pure Heart) -This craft will give your kids something to contribute to your Thanksgiving decor. Hand Stamped Tablecloth (Over Crescent Moon) -Capture your children’s growing stages with a yearly turkey hand stamp on a tablecloth. Use it to decorate the kids table or have all the cousins stamp their hands and give as a yearly Thanksgiving gift to grandma. Project Turkey (Crafting Chicks) -Decorate some fruit with this adorable craft idea that your kids will love. Thanksgiving Bingo (Miss Information) – Your guests will enjoy a little bit of healthy competition with this fun game of bingo.
Unique Thanksgiving Traditions for Couples
Here at the Dating Divas, we put couples FIRST. And holidays get so busy we sometimes forget our priorities. Keep your spouse at the top of your “must do” list with these unique Thanksgiving traditions that are for couples only! All of these unique Thanksgiving traditions are from our site and will create memories that you will treasure your whole marriage.
Thanksgiving Photo Booth Props -Snap some FUN pictures of the family this Thanksgiving. Hurry and grab these free photo booth props. Time to make and capture some memories! No time to print and cut, get some props here to save on time. November When -Show your loved one how thankful you are for him/her on this special occasion by sharing your favorite November memory together. 27 Days of Gratitude -Help your family remember to be grateful all month long. Top 10 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For You – Use this sweet free printable to list the top 10 reasons you are thankful for your spouse and watch them smile when you give it to them. Thanksgiving for 2 -Don’t just tell your spouse that you are thankful for them, show them with a special Thanksgiving Tradition for 2. Sexy Thanksgiving After Party – This is one of our most unique Thanksgiving traditions to date! A romantic Thanksgiving idea for the Bedroom is the perfect way to end your holiday celebrations! Don’t forget to show some your gratitude for your spouse this Thanksgiving! Play Cowboy & Pilgrim Bedroom Game -Make intimacy a priority during this busy season. Spice up Thanksgiving with this bedroom game for two. Make sure to be prepped with some outfits {wink}. Thanksgiving Prep Date -Center a date night all around preparing for Thanksgiving. Also check out the additional date ideas near the bottom of the post for a few other ideas to add to your traditions.
Sexy Love Notes – Another one of our super unique Thanksgiving traditions are these themed love notes! Slip your spouse one of these sexy Thanksgiving love notes under the dinner table for some extra holiday fun! Gratitude Journal – Count your blessings all month through together with a gratitude journal. This will be a keepsake all year through. DIY His & Hers Pillowcases -A unique twist to a Thanksgiving countdown that will show your spouse just how much you care! Gratitude: On a Roll -Prepare a basket of rolls with a secret note tucked in the each and every roll. This will be a tradition that you’ll want to do year after year. Fall Love Notes -Let your honey know that you are extra grateful for them this year. Free Gratitude Printables -Hide these love notes around the house for your honey to find Service with your Spouse -Use these free printables to help remind you of all the reasons you are grateful. Each day, note a reason you are grateful for each other and display the note for your spouse to discover. Show Gratitude for Your Spouse -We’ve got your one-stop shop with OVER ONE HUNDRED ideas to show your spouse just how grateful you are for them! Give a Love Note to Your Spouse -This Thanksgiving, show your special someone just how much you love them with a FREE printable love note that tells him/her just how grateful you are to have them in your life! It is our hope that the traditions we shared with you today will hold a special place in your heart as you and your family implement them into your Thanksgiving celebrations. As you enjoy old and new traditions, may the meaning of the season swell within you and deepen the bonds with those you love. Looking for more ideas for after the big turkey nap? Lessen your leftover load by sending guests home with our DIY Thanksgiving Leftover Bags or find 101 Unique Ways to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers. Now go out there and rock this Thanksgiving like you have never rocked one before! This year is sure to be one to remember.
