How to Keep Your Family Connected during Thanksgiving Break
There’s something so special about the Thanksgiving break. The air is crisp with my favorite scent of cinnamon. The smell of baked goods also fills the house, and for a few brief days, the world seems to slow down just enough for us to slow down and breathe.
But let’s be real, between meal prepping, fall sports coming to an end, and the ever-growing to-do list, it’s easy for the family to scatter in different directions (especially with screens involved).
As a mom, I’ve learned that staying connected during the Thanksgiving holiday takes a bit of intention, but the rewards are so worth it.
In our home, Thanksgiving isn’t just about food; it’s about family bonding and making memories that last far longer than the leftovers. If you’re anything like me, juggling mom life, work, and everything in between…then you know how hard it can be to press pause and truly reconnect.
That’s why I’ve put together some ways to nurture family time during the Thanksgiving break without adding more stress to your ever growing plate.
Start With a Family Meeting
I know this might sound formal, but hear me out. The day before the break starts, gather and talk about what everyone hopes to do over the holiday.
Whether it’s baking cookies, watching a movie together, or just sleeping in, giving everyone a voice will help you feel like you’re part of the same team.
Why it works:
- Builds anticipation
- Gives kids ownership
- Keeps expectations clear and simple
Consider writing your Thanksgiving break “connection goals” on a dry-erase board—things like family walk, no phones during dinner, or board game night.
Cook Together (Even the Little Ones)
I’m sure cooking Thanksgiving dinner can feel like a solo marathon. Invite the kids into the kitchen. It may not be perfect or clean but it will be fun, and it makes them feel involved.
Maybe even pick one new recipe every year and tackle it as a team. It could be a fancy pie or just creative leftovers, but the act of cooking together will always bring out laughs and endless memories.
Mom Tip
Assign age-appropriate kitchen tasks. My sons like to shred the cheese for the mac and cheese.
Schedule Screen-Free Time
Let’s face it, screens are part of life now. But if we’re not careful, Thanksgiving break turns into everyone staring at their devices instead of engaging. Consider blocking off “screen-free hours” in the afternoons, and those moments may just become your favorites.
Go outside, play charades, or just talk. Even 30 minutes of intentional unplugging can shift the energy in the house.
Try This
Create a screen-free family challenge with a prize, like choosing the holiday movie or extra dessert for whoever goes the longest without asking for a device.
Create a Thankfulness Tradition
I like the idea of starting a “Gratitude Garland.” Each person writes something they’re thankful for on a leaf-shaped cutout, and you can hang them on a string across the mantle.
By the end of the weekend, you can have a beautiful display of love, memories, and even a few funny ones (“I’m thankful for pizza Fridays!”).
Plan a Low-Key Family Outing
Sometimes staying cooped up in the house leads to more arguing than bonding. So, during the break, we plan one simple, budget-friendly outing to reset. We visit the library or drive around to look at early Christmas lights.
It’s not about the destination, it’s about being together in a new setting, away from the usual distractions.
Budget Tip
Pack snacks and make a playlist together before you go. It turns a regular outing into a family adventure.
Host a Post-Thanksgiving Game Night
After the big meal and the guests have gone, make time for one special family game night. You can pull out the board games, make popcorn, and let the kids stay up a little later than usual.
It’s low pressure, no prep and honestly it can be one of the most memorable parts of the break.
Some of popular games include:
- Uno
- Pictionary (with a Thanksgiving theme!)
- Charades
- Apples to Apples
Encourage One-on-One Time
With multiple kids, I’ve learned how meaningful it is to carve out even 10 minutes of solo time with each child during the break. Whether it’s reading a book together, playing a game, it’s important to have that one on one time together.
The same goes for your spouse. Between kids and chaos, don’t forget to reconnect with each other, even if it’s just watching your favorite show together before the kids wake up.
Include the Kids in Giving Back
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to model empathy and kindness. Last year, we chose to adopt a family from the Angel Tree and my kids loved it!
Even if you are donating food to a local pantry, making cards for a nursing home, or creating care packages for unhoused neighbors, doing something kind together brings a deeper sense of purpose to the holiday.
Keep It Real
Look, not every moment of Thanksgiving break is Instagram-perfect. We’ve had plenty of meltdowns and sibling arguments. But I’ve found that when we focus on being present instead of being perfect, that’s when the real connection happens.
It’s important to show kids that togetherness doesn’t require perfection.
Final Thoughts
As moms, we carry a lot, especially during the holidays. But we also have this beautiful power to shape how our families experience connection and tradition. Thanksgiving break is a golden opportunity to slow down, unplug, and truly enjoy the people we love most.
You don’t need a jam-packed schedule or Pinterest-worthy activities. All it takes is a little intention and a bit of creativity,
So light your favorite holiday candle, throw on your favorite sweater, and embrace the mess, the laughter, and the magic of being together. Because in the end, the memories we make, whether big or small, are what truly matter.
What are your favorite ways to stay connected as a family during Thanksgiving break? Drop them in the comments,I’d love to hear your traditions!
