It’s Thanks giving. When we say these words we usually put them together and it becomes synonymous with “I have eaten too much”.
I hope that it also means family gatherings where you’re intentionally giving to others, and making lasting memories and family traditions. And I hope it means laughter- tons of laughter!!!
This is my favorite time of the year. I love getting together with my siblings and extended family (from both sides of our family). I’m smiling now as I type, thinking about the “traditions” and simply the fun we will have in the weeks to come. I hope these coming weeks will be filled with thanks giving for you as well.
Here are a few ideas about thanks giving gatherings. Some are mine, some are those I thought were just interesting.
Family thanks giving Ideas
“Blessing Bread” Write out a note or scripture of blessing for each person. Place note in dough and bake bread in oven. Open up your “blessings” during the meal. Some cool discussions can come from this.
“Thanksgiving tree”. Throughout the year, each member of my family writes something they are thankful for on a fall-colored construction paper leaf and puts it in a box. On Thanksgiving, we read what we wrote [as] we put the leaves on the “Thankful tree”. It has really helped to remind us all how much there is to be thankful for in our lives.”
“Memory Table cloth”– We put the table cloth out from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Anyone that comes over during this time is asked to sign and date the tablecloth with fabric markers. It’s a great way to reminisce and honor those that have passed away.”
“Go for a post-dinner walk as a family”. Like, EVERYONE, walking through the neighborhood together, with the dogs. We get so stuffed on food that we just want to walk it off and get some fresh air. Even if it’s like 30 degrees out, let it be a tradition! Just bundle up!”
“Cooking” from a loved ones recipes and teaching the kids just like you were taught.”
“Have everyone bring a “Pie” for Thanksgiving. Instead of the traditional turkey, serve turkey pot pie, a variety of quiches and other main dish “pies”. And of course don’t forget the dessert pies! Be creative with it.”
“Have an ultimate tag game” [with toy dart guns]. If you’re old enough to hold a foam blaster, you participate. There are no teams, points, or winners. We literally just blast each other all day. But no using babies as shields. (It’s a rule because it’s happened.)”
“Rent a house” on the beach and gather the crew for an entire week of family time. Bake cookies, candies, toast marshmallows, and sip on hot drinks while catching up. Plan breakfast with pumpkin pancakes, maple syrup, and make goody bags. Include plenty of family games, a family movie night and time to just be together. Talk about ways to bless others and make a plan to do something.”
“The Gift”– Our extended family chooses a family to bless for the holidays. Each family unit contributes financially and we present the family with either a VISA gift card or specific gifts based on the family’s need.”
Our best times as a family are when we’re together and we are focused on doing something for someone else or learning how to love someone else by hearing their stories.
Keep Living Out Loud
in HIM, terry