10 Thanksgiving Traditions to Try with Your Family
Fun Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday where family, friends, and food come together to create beautiful memories. Whether you’re celebrating your first Thanksgiving together or continuing a legacy of festive gatherings, you might be looking to add something fresh to the day. Creating new Thanksgiving traditions is a great way to make the holiday even more special and bring everyone closer. With a blend of activities, gratitude, and a few surprises, these traditions will give your family something wonderful to look forward to every year. Here are ten of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions to try and make this season unforgettable.
1. Wake up early and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a Thanksgiving staple since 1924, and for many, it signals the start of the holiday season. Starting the day with cozy blankets, warm drinks, and the excitement of the parade is a fantastic way to kick off Thanksgiving morning. Even if you can’t catch the whole event, gather around for an hour to enjoy the dazzling floats, huge balloons, and performances. Kids and adults alike are often fascinated by the larger-than-life characters and the festive displays that transform New York City into a world of wonder. This simple tradition creates a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit that carries through the day.
2. Start the day with an equally delicious breakfast
Thanksgiving is typically centered around one grand meal, but that doesn’t mean breakfast can’t be a part of the festivities! For those who prefer not to skip breakfast, starting the day with a simple, delicious spread can add warmth to the morning. Try making something light, such as a pastry platter, fresh fruit, and maybe a cozy seasonal latte. And if you want to make breakfast a post-Thanksgiving event, consider turning it into a “leftovers breakfast” tradition the next day. Imagine warm turkey sandwiches, cranberry jam on toast, and a new twist on mashed potatoes—breakfast could become another highlight of the Thanksgiving weekend.
3. Try out a new side dish
Thanksgiving menus are often filled with family favorites, but why not experiment a little? Each year, introduce a new side dish to add variety and excitement to the table. You could try recipes like maple-glazed carrots, cornbread stuffing, or a refreshing autumn salad. Invite the family to get involved by suggesting recipes or even voting on next year’s dish. This tradition keeps your Thanksgiving menu fresh and creates a sense of anticipation each year as everyone wonders what new dish will make it to the table.
4. Serve food at a homeless shelter or donate to a canned food drive
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and give back to the community. Many people in your area may not have a home or enough food this season, and there are plenty of ways to help. Volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen is a rewarding experience, teaching the importance of empathy and generosity. If you can’t volunteer, consider organizing a family food drive to donate to a local pantry. The small act of sharing time and resources with those in need is a meaningful way to give thanks and make a positive impact on your community.
5. Cheer on your favorite football team
Thanksgiving and football are a classic American pairing! Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a casual viewer, watching the game together can be an exciting part of your Thanksgiving celebration. Take it up a notch by turning your Thanksgiving decor into a mini tailgate setup. Encourage guests to wear their favorite team’s gear and fill the room with team colors. Create friendly wagers, like “losing team serves dessert,” or add a halftime turkey trot race outside to get everyone moving before dinner. This tradition combines the thrill of the game with the warmth of family time, making it a fun part of the day for sports fans and non-fans alike.
6. Write down what you are thankful for
Gratitude is at the heart of Thanksgiving. By writing down what you’re thankful for, you make the holiday more meaningful and personal. Try decorating your table with a large sheet of butcher paper where everyone can jot down what they’re grateful for throughout the day. Or, make it interactive by cutting out paper leaves, having everyone write their gratitude on them, and attaching them to a paper tree for display. Alternatively, each person could write down their thoughts anonymously on slips of paper, and then take turns reading them aloud. This tradition fosters appreciation and reflection, reminding everyone of the many blessings they have.
7. Play an after-dinner board game
As dinner winds down and dessert beckons, a family game can add laughter and excitement to the evening. Choose a classic board game, a card game, or even a group puzzle to keep everyone engaged while digesting that delicious meal. Make it a family tradition by designating a game champion each year, or create a family rule that each year’s winner picks next year’s game. This little tradition offers a break from screens, encourages bonding, and provides a lighthearted ending to a day of gratitude.
8. Choose a go-to movie
The “post-turkey nap” is a real Thanksgiving tradition for many, but why not make it a cozy movie hour? Choose a Thanksgiving classic, like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or another family favorite, and put it on as everyone winds down. Make it your go-to movie every year, creating a sense of familiarity that everyone can look forward to. Whether everyone watches or just snoozes through it, having a designated Thanksgiving movie adds a relaxing, comforting rhythm to the day.
9. Put the kids in charge of dessert
Letting kids help with dessert is a great way to keep them involved and give them a sense of pride. Assign them simple tasks like taking orders for pie, adding whipped cream, or serving coffee. With adult guidance, kids can help make the dessert course feel like its own special event. This tradition gives everyone a breather before dessert and creates a memorable, hands-on experience for younger family members who will look forward to it year after year.
10. Make a wish on the wishbone
The wishbone tradition is a classic that’s simple, sweet, and always a little magical. Once the meal is over and everyone’s settling down, bring out the wishbone and choose two lucky participants to make a wish. The person who ends up with the bigger piece can make their wish, adding a playful and nostalgic end to the day. This small but fun ritual is easy to include and leaves everyone smiling as the holiday winds down.
Which Traditions Will You Try?
Each of these traditions offers a unique way to make Thanksgiving more meaningful. Maybe you’ll start with just one or two this year, or perhaps these ideas have inspired you to create your own. Whatever you choose, remember that the real joy of Thanksgiving is in spending time with those you love, creating memories, and sharing gratitude. From our family to yours, we hope you have a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished traditions. Happy Thanksgiving!
