Thanksgiving Day Family Fun

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families can take advantage of this special holiday to give their children an opportunity to show gratitude for blessings of the past year. Even during hardships, tragedy, and loss, families pull together and grow stronger during these trials.
Here are a few ideas you can share as a family to express emotions of Thanksgiving.

Make a Thanksgiving Tree

• Use a sheet of construction paper, drawing paper, or even a brown paper bag to draw an outline of a tree with extended bare branches.
• Brainstorm a list of items for which the family is thankful for. Think of people, places, animals, and things that are meaningful to each family member.
• Next, cut leaf shape patterns from colored paper, wrapping paper, or plain white paper.
• Assist your child, as needed, to write a word on each lea from the list of items generated by the family.
• Glue or tape each leaf on the tree pattern.
• Hang the tree somewhere in your home that will be visible each day during the holiday season.
• Take time each day to reflect on the “Thanksgiving Tree”.
• As extra idea for using this tree would be to have family members to say “thank you for…” one item each day as you gather around the table to share a meal together. This activity will bring the family closer together and will instill a sense of gratitude in the hearts of your children.

Happy Thanksgiving and may your holiday season bring your family blessings of joy and peace.