Over the years, we have had some pretty cute traditions with the boys around Thanksgiving.
While you have small kiddos there is only so much you can do to capture their attention or even help them comprehend the certain holiday or its meaning.
Nevertheless, I still try to do fun things that they will hopefully look back on and remember and look forward to each year.
In years past we have done thankful leaves, where I ask the boys what they are thankful for, I write it down (and now they can write themselves) on a leaf cut out on construction paper and I display it. When we are all done, you step back and see how many things you are thankful for and its so cool. You can add to it and add new things daily, or when you are reminded just keep adding to your leaves. Display them in fun ways, in a big mason jar attached to twigs and hole punched and either tied with twine or slipped onto the branches. Tape them to the wall, make garland out of all of the leaves, there are endless possibilities.
I wanted to reinvent this tradition this year, and I came across EXACTLY what I was envisioning in my head from a Pier1 post on Pinterest- totally meant to be. I have a vase that is basically EXACTLY like their picture too- winning!!
I want to SAVE the leaves, and use the centerpiece year after year, and then look at the leaves from years past. Seeing what we all said we were thankful for that year, recognizing the kiddos handwriting as it improves and it will totally warm my heart. So I’m going to cut out this printable and I will bring back the leaf tradition in a more design friendly way each year. So fun!
The other fun thing we did was cut out these cute turkeys from pinterest.
I let the boys cut the printable out and use glue sticks and attach all the pieces. I saved these for years (and still have them) and put them on their doors as thanksgiving approached.
We have made Turkey hats out of construction paper.
I have used from of course, Target, a coloring table cloth for them to draw on.
Its really all about getting them excited for the holiday and lets face it, OCCUPYING them while you are in the kitchen. Don’t make it complicated, seriously just go through the Dollar Spot at Target and grab something fun, these little simple moments are what make it fun. You will look back and laugh at the fun things you did in the midst of basting your turkey and throwing dishes in the oven.
Hopefully this gives you some ideas for Thanksgiving this week and you make some special memories together. If you missed the Thanksgiving recipes post, and need some ideas you can see that here.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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