Traditions can make any holiday feel more special. And while Thanksgiving already comes with some beloved, widely shared rituals (enjoying pumpkin pie while watching the football game is simply the best), there’s always room to create something that’s uniquely yours. This season, try adding a new tradition—or two—that your family will look forward to year after year. Whether you’re gathering around the table or spending the day in cozy chaos, here are some simple yet meaningful ways to celebrate the holiday and make long-lasting memories together.
1. The Gratitude Garland
Grab some colorful construction paper and cut it into long strips. Have family members write down things they’re grateful for on each slip of paper. When you’re ready to create the garland, grab a strip of paper and bend it into a circle. Tape the ends together, and loop each new slip of paper through the previous one. Make sure the handwriting is facing outwards so everyone can see all that there is to be thankful for! Hang up the garland and reflect on your gratitude throughout the day.
2. Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Buy a large plain white tablecloth and lay it out on the dining table before Thanksgiving dinner. Provide fabric markers and invite anyone who joins for the meal to write down their name and the current year. Next year, pull out the same tablecloth and repeat the process. Every year, you’ll have a tapestry of names to look at and remember all the fun Thanksgiving memories from years past.
3. Give Back
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude is by giving to others. As a family, choose a local organization or cause to support together. It could be helping at a food bank, collecting warm clothes for a shelter, writing notes to seniors, or assembling care packages for families in need. The act of volunteering doesn’t have to happen on Thanksgiving Day itself, and in fact, spreading it out over the season can keep the spirit of thankfulness alive all month long. Involving kids in choosing where and how to help teaches them empathy, fosters community connection, and reminds everyone what this holiday is really about.
4. Photo Booth
Set up a simple photo corner with fall-themed props where family members can snap pictures. Compile the photos into a Thanksgiving album to look back on, and don’t forget to write the year on the back of the photos! Another way to make this one more fun is to buy a Polaroid camera to take the photos with. There’s just something about film that makes photos feel special.
No matter what traditions you choose to try out this year, the magic is in the meaning. Embrace the opportunity to be present and create the kind of memories your kids will carry with them long after the last slice of pie is gone.
