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Holiday Traditions And Must Know Tips For Busy Moms

Roasted Turkey on White Ceramic Plate

Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart; not just for the delicious food (hello, turkey and sweet potato pie!) but for the chance to slow down and reflect on all the things we are grateful for. 

As a mom, Thanksgiving has taken on a new meaning as I’ve worked to create traditions that make the holiday meaningful and fun for my kids. Over the years, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving can be more than just a one-day feast. 

With the right traditions, it can become an experience that your whole family looks forward to year after year.

In this post, I’ll share some family-friendly Thanksgiving traditions, as well as practical tips for managing the chaos of holiday preparations while still making sure your kids feel included and excited. 

Whether you’re a Thanksgiving pro or you’re hosting your first big family gathering, these ideas will help you create a holiday that your kids will remember for years to come.

Get the Kids Involved in Thanksgiving Prep

One of the best ways to get kids excited about Thanksgiving is to let them help with the preparations. 

For years, I’ve let my two older kids (ages 10 and 7) take on small tasks in the kitchen like mixing ingredients for mac and cheese, or helping me grocery shop.

It’s not just about keeping them busy, it’s about making them feel involved in the process and proud of their contributions.

If your kids are younger, like my baby girl, they can still be part of the action. 

Give them a small task, like putting rolls in a basket or stirring the cranberry sauce. Even the littlest ones can feel included with age-appropriate tasks. 

Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about gratitude and the effort that goes into preparing a meal for loved ones.

Create a Gratitude Tree

I love the idea of the Gratitude Tree. This is a simple, yet powerful way to remind everyone of what the holiday is truly about, giving thanks.

Set up a small, bare-branched tree made of paper or sticks gathered from outside. Throughout the month of November, write something you’re thankful for on a paper leaf and attach it to the tree. 

By the time Thanksgiving arrives, the tree is full of colorful leaves that reflect all the blessings you’ve recognized as a family.

This tradition will help instill a sense of gratitude in your children, and it becomes a beautiful decoration that will add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table. 

Plus, the kids will love watching the tree fill up with all the things they’re thankful for, from big things like family and health to little things like their favorite toys or a sunny day.

Pencils in Stainless Steel Bucket

Host a Thanksgiving Craft Session

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete in our household without some hands-on crafting! A few days before the holiday, we have a dedicated craft session where the kids make Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Some ideas for DIY projects include:

Handprint Turkeys

A classic craft where the kids trace their hands, color them, and transform them into adorable turkeys.

Pinecone Place Cards

The kids collect pinecones, and turn them into personalized place cards for the Thanksgiving table.

Pumpkin Centerpieces

With some small pumpkins, paint, and glitter, the kids can create festive centerpieces for the dinner table.

Crafting helps get the kids into the holiday spirit and gives them a way to contribute to the Thanksgiving decorations. It’s also a great way to keep little hands busy while you’re working on meal prep.

Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Must-Watch Tradition

For as long as I can remember, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been part of our holiday tradition. 

There’s something magical about the giant floats, the marching bands, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus at the end. Now that I have kids of my own, watching the parade together has become a cherished part of our Thanksgiving morning routine.

We make it even more special by having a cozy breakfast in our pajamas while we watch the parade. 

Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a hot cup of cocoa make the morning feel festive and relaxing before the real chaos of cooking begins.

Plan a Family Turkey Trot

Getting some fresh air before the Thanksgiving feast is a great way to burn off some energy and create a fun family memory. 

You can head to a nearby park, bundle up, and take a brisk walk or run together as a family. The kids will  love it because it’s like a fun race, and I love it because it helps offset the indulgent meal later in the day!

If your family enjoys being active, this is a wonderful tradition to start. Even a quick family walk around the block can help everyone feel refreshed and energized before sitting down for the big meal.

Kids’ Table and Fun Activities

Let’s face it, sometimes the adult conversations at Thanksgiving dinner aren’t the most exciting for kids. 

That’s why we always set up a kids’ table with fun activities to keep them entertained. You can print out Thanksgiving coloring sheets or place small Thanksgiving-themed games like tic-tac-toe at their table.

This year, I’m thinking about planning a mini Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for my kids to complete during dinner. 

They’ll have a list of items to find around the house or outside, like a colorful leaf, a piece of pie, or a specific holiday decoration. It adds an extra layer of fun to the day and keeps them entertained while the adults enjoy some conversation.

Simplifying the Thanksgiving Meal

As moms, we all know that preparing a big Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming.

I’ve learned over the years that it’s okay to simplify things. Instead of making everything from scratch, you can opt for a mix of homemade dishes and store-bought items. 

The kids can even help pick out their favorite side dishes or desserts, which makes them feel involved.

Another great way to ease the stress is to start cooking some of the dishes the day before Thanksgiving. Prepping in advance has been a game-changer for me and it leaves me with more time on the big day to enjoy with my family rather than spending all day in the kitchen.

Reflect on Gratitude as a Family

Thanksgiving is, above all, a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for.

After dinner, consider going around the table and sharing something you’re thankful for. It’s a simple tradition, but it’s one that will help remind you of the importance of gratitude and family. 

This Thanksgiving, take the time to enjoy the little moments with your family. Whether it’s through crafting, cooking together, or starting a new tradition, the memories you create will be cherished by your kids for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

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2 Comments

  1. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I agree with you. It’s a time for the family to bond and eat a lot of food, but most importantly, reflect on things to be grateful for.

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