These Fun Thanksgiving Activities Will Bring the Whole Family Together

Some people consider Thanksgiving Day the perfect time to begin decorating for Christmas. This may be controversial for some, but an absolute necessity to others. (It makes sense, considering it’s the next big holiday on the calendar!) If you fall into the former category, invite your family to help with the festivities.

SHOP CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

There’s at least one jokester in the family. If that person is you, then you should definitely have some Thanksgiving jokes in your back pocket for when you see everyone around the dinner table. They’ll be sure to gobble them right up.

If a picture says a thousand words, then videos must be even more! Many people love capturing special moments on camera, and that’s especially true on a holiday like Thanksgiving! Go ahead and record some of your favorite events that take place on the day, then edit them together to watch back at a later date.

Your love for traveling doesn’t have to take a break on Thanksgiving. Use the holiday to bring your loved ones on a special trip to… wherever! You can even whip up an on-the-go Thanksgiving meal to keep the momentum going.

Thanksgiving isn’t only about the food. Take a moment to remember why you’re celebrating by having everyone go around the table and give a toast, whether that be something they are grateful for, or future plans that they wish to see come to fruition.

SHOP WINE GLASSES

Puzzles are a great way to bring the group together. It’s an activity people can do throughout the day, or try to complete after dinner. Make sure you have an open space prepared and a few puzzle options ready for family members to try their hands at.

Helping those in need can be one of the most rewarding things to do on Thanksgiving (or really anytime of the year). One way to do just that is to make a care package full of goodies, then donate them to your nearest shelter or non-profit organization.

There are some people in your family that you might only see once a year—that time being Thanksgiving! So, make the most of it with a sentimental project. For example, you can preserve handprints from the young ones of your family each year, showing just how big they’ve gotten once they reach adulthood.

Not everyone enjoys cooking, and that’s totally okay. But for the next best thing, you can gather your crew and head to one of the many restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Plenty of your favorite spots even offer special holiday menus.

A craft like painting pumpkins doubles as both a fun activity and the cutest Thanksgiving décor! Plus, it’s so simple to do. Grab a few gourds and brushes, then let everyone get crafty!

SHOP PAINT

A holiday like Thanksgiving has so much history to it. That’s why you should give a little lesson to the kids of the family each year so that they’re reminded exactly why we celebrate. Just be sure to get your Thanksgiving facts ready!

Come Thanksgiving, you’ll probably be playing catch up with those relatives you don’t see as often as you’d like. So, make sure you take the time to really get up to date on their lives—there might be some fun stuff you missed!

The turkey isn’t always the star of the show! Trust us, everyone will get a kick out of hearing grandma and grandpa belt out Thanksgiving songs!

Raking the leaves doesn’t have to be a chore. Make big piles and invite the kiddos to jump in them before you bag up your work! Bonus activity: Collect a few for some for fall leaf crafts.

Apple cider, hot chocolate, buttered rum, pumpkin spice latte… you name it, you can make it! Add a few hot drinks to your Thanksgiving menu to warm your hands and your soul on the holiday.

SHOP MUGS

You’ve heard of Friendsgiving, but what about Petsgiving? Have your friends and family bring their furry family members along with several pet-friendly dishes so your cats and dogs can join the feast!

What’s better than a Thanksgiving pie? Having all the best Thanksgiving pies! If you host a pie swap, you’ll only be responsible for making one kind, but then you get to enjoy so many other flavors.

Whether you snap a few impromptu family photos or organize a more formal photoshoot, don’t forget to capture the special moments. After all, Thanksgiving is all about spending time with those you love, so it’s important to remember it always.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition shared by millions of Americans, thanks to the magic of television. Whether you just keep it on in the background while you prep food or look at every single float, it’s so easy to enjoy the festivities.

Why wait for Christmas for an ugly sweater contest? Start early with a Thanksgiving-themed contest instead! Your family and friends will gobble up the idea of starting the high jinx early.

SHOP SWEATERS