Thanksgiving as an Asset-Building Holiday

“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”—W. J. Cameron, American writer and editor

On Thanksgiving, many families and friends gather together to give thanks for the good things in their lives—and also to enjoy a meal together. Make this annual holiday an asset-building holiday by honoring your family’s traditions while also creatively adding some new activities.

Try it...

For all parents

• As a family, talk about what you like and dislike about Thanksgiving. Your kids may surprise you: some really enjoy annual traditions while others get bored with them. Discuss the importance of traditions and why certain customs are important to pass down through the generations. The trick, however, is to balance meaningful traditions and new activities.
  
  
• Ask your children what they would enjoy doing with the adults after the meal. Some enjoy playing card or board games. Some like to do puzzles or art projects. Some want to get outside and play. A 15-minute game of catch or tag can invigorate a Thanksgiving. For creative Thanksgiving ideas, visit the Family Fun Web site.
  
  
• Plan an activity where each person present names something he or she is thankful for in the past year. It could be the birth of a new family member, moving to a new house, starting school, or getting well after being sick.
  
  
• Figure out ways for kids and adults of all generations to connect and talk. For example, have kids interview grandparents about what school was like when they were children. Or have grandparents ask kids about their favorite toys and activities.
  
  
• Consider taking annual photos of the people who attend your Thanksgiving. Or consider videotaping an interview with the oldest person there.
  

For parents with children ages birth to 5

• Keep your child on his or her daily routine. Holidays often become difficult because your young child becomes over stimulated by the change and you get caught up in additional activities. Naps, snacks, and other daily routines are important on holidays so that your child doesn’t get overtired or hungry.
  
  
• Pack a bag of activities for your child if you celebrate Thanksgiving away from home, or visit the library a few days before Thanksgiving to check out new picture books.
  
  
• Monitor your child’s reactions to other people at the Thanksgiving celebration. Some children become overwhelmed with too many new people, while others thrive on the attention.
  

For parents with children ages 6 - 9

• At this age, children are beginning to learn the significance of Thanksgiving. If possible, research how Thanksgiving began and talk about what interests your child.
  
  
• If your child enjoys art, consider a Thanksgiving art project where your child draws a turkey by tracing his hands. This can become an annual family keepsake.
  


• Sometimes children at this age find Thanksgiving way too sedentary, especially if your celebration mainly consists of preparing food, eating, and then watching television. Even though other adults may not wish to participate, figure out ways to get the wiggles out of your kids by planning something physical, such as a family walk, kicking around a soccer ball, or running races up the stairs.
  

For parents with children ages 10 - 15

• Depending on your child’s personality and how she is maneuvering through puberty, don’t be surprised if she balks at the Thanksgiving celebration. Talk about how it’s important for everyone to participate and eat together. Allow your child to bring a book, sketchpad, or other activity and have some alone time during the day.
  
  
• Model and teach your child how to be thankful. Even if your kids think Thanksgiving is dumb, point out all the hard work someone put into cooking and creating traditions.
  
  
• Bring your sense of humor. Kids at this age often perk up and are more willing to participate if they sense fun and humor at an event. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask everyone at the table what the worst Thanksgiving was and why (as long as you’re not bringing up old wounds) or ask individuals to reveal their most embarrassing moments.
  

For parents with children ages 16 - 18

• By this age, teenagers often sense the importance of Thanksgiving, although some would rather spend the holiday with a friend’s family. As long as they don’t do this every year, consider allowing them to do that. Or think about having your child attend your Thanksgiving celebration for a while before heading to a friend’s Thanksgiving.
  
  
• If your teenager plays an instrument well, is an artist, or enjoys writing, consider having her perform a musical selection, show others his or her art, or write letters to family members who cannot attend.
  
  
• Consider spending part of your Thanksgiving (or Thanksgiving weekend) helping others by doing a family service project. See the Everyday Parenting Ideas newsletter about family volunteering for creative ideas.