Permissino to reprint and change title. -------------- There are
three main themes for Thanksgiving: gratitude, the harvest, and
family. We can lose track of these things when we're busy
preparing for company and big meals, and Christmas shopping, and
the kids are out of school too! Here are some ways you and the
family can share some time recapturing the meaning of
Thanksgiving, or even start some new traditions.
Let each member of the family make a list of things they're
grateful for. Read the lists before the meal and save them for
memories in years to come.
Start a "thanks" journal you'll keep all year. Instead of
writing down problems and concerns, write down the things you're
grateful for.
Think harvest! Make a trip to your local Farmers Market or
Produce Row to take photos, have fun, and support the people who
feed us all!
Spend the long weekend on family projects such as making a
Family Tree. For help, visit ancestry.com, or check out the
Family Tree maker on geneology.org.
How about some family crafting for Thanksgiving? There are some
great crafts ideas hereto do with the kids, plus recipes,
songs, and learning activities, even computer worksheets for
older “kids”.
Put the family photos in order, and share some memories and
tales. Go here
to learn the basics of scrapbooking. Take the time to sort them
by date, and write on the backs who all the people are.
Make some "Corny" Table toppers. Find directions here -- Thanksgiving place cards and napkin rings.
Make some "Good Manners Napkins." This is so sweet! All you
need is cloth napkins, pieces of paper, pencil, fabric markers,
and scissors to write on napkins "Use your napkin," or "Chew
with your mouth closed." Go here for these darling reminders to "mind your manners"!
Make Color Me Thankful Posters for each guest at Thanksgiving
table. Download poster and instructions here. Did you know
Sarah Josepha Hale, an acclaimed author and editor lobbied for
23 years before she got President Lincoln to establish
Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863? Spend some evenings
reading about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. Here's
one site with
information.
Try some of these family bonding activities to share the season
and appreciate it, and one another, more.
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