Thanksgiving ideas
Thanksgiving weekend is just around the corner, and we’re all looking forward to spending time with our loved ones – and of course, eating turkey. However, we’re often left wondering what to do on Thanksgiving Day before we sit down to eat.
If you’re curious about Thanksgiving traditions and games, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re interested in Thanksgiving traditions for small families or large families, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this post we’ll look at:
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- Old Thanksgiving traditions
- Thanksgiving traditions with family
- Unique Thanksgiving traditions
Old Thanksgiving traditions
What are some of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions that are still practised today?
Giving thanks
We’re all so excited to eat our delicious food on Turkey Day that it is easy to forget the original purpose and meaning of Thanksgiving. Expressing gratitude is a great tradition to honour, and reminds us of the origins of the holiday. Not only is it a lovely gesture, but has been shown in studies to improve happiness.
Playing a football game
Football is one of America’s most popular sports today, and we love to watch our favourite teams face off on Thanksgiving Day. In modern times, most of us skip playing the sports ourselves, and settle for watching professional football on TV instead
But playing football on Thanksgiving Day is an old tradition that goes as far back as 1876, after the game was invented. This year, instead of just watching on TV, get the family outside for a game of football (just don’t make it too serious).
Splitting the wishbone
Many of us salvage the wishbone from the demolished turkey and set it aside to be broken later by two members of the party. Both participants make a wish, and whoever gets the larger piece will have their wish granted. Although many of us associate the wishbone tradition with Thanksgiving, it actually originates from the Romans.
Thanksgiving traditions with family
Some of the best ways to spend time with your family on Thanksgiving.
Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Whether you’re lining up on the streets of Manhattan or curling up on your couch watching the footage on NBC, we all love watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. People of all ages can enjoy the creativity of the giant balloons, the floats, and the marching bands.
Watch a Thanksgiving Special
What better way to keep the family entertained than watching a Thanksgiving-themed movie or TV special? You can never get bored of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Watch a football game
Football is one of America’s most popular sports today, and we love to watch our favourite teams face off on Thanksgiving Day.
Play pin the feather on the turkey
If you’re looking for a game to play with the kids, ‘pin the feather on the turkey’ can be a festive alternative to pinning the tail on the donkey. Or how about a turkey pinata?
Play charades
Is any family get together complete without a game of charades? Adults and kids alike can enjoy this game and get competitive.
Unique Thanksgiving traditions
Looking to shake things up this year? Try out a new tradition.
Turkey Trot
While many of us are content to take a nap after devouring Thanksgiving dinner, some trailblazers are hot on the Turkey Trot. These marathons take place on Thanksgiving Day and are a great way to raise money for charity. Maybe this year it’s time to break out the sneakers and join the Turkey Trot before sitting down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
Pick out your Christmas tree
If you’re already dreaming about your second round of Turkey, why not make the day doubly festive and go pick out your Christmas tree? Once the day is over, you can ring in the season by watching some of your favourite Christmas movies.
Have a family photoshoot
When everyone is together, what better time to get some great photos? These photos will be a great way to reminisce on wonderful memories for years to come.
Traditions are a great way to strengthen the family bond and create amazing memories to reflect on later. Whether you’re practising old traditions or new, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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