Top 11 Thanksgiving  Traditions

Embrace New & Old Traditions This Thanksgiving 

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, you’ve surely embraced some traditions that have created a foundation for the holiday: pumpkin pie, football games, a turkey trot 5K and more. If you’re looking for some fresh ways to celebrate with family and friends, here are a few ideas to consider. 

1- Anonymous Thankful Cards

This is a great one!

Have all of your guests write down what they are thankful for on a card and keep it anonymous. Place every card in a hat. After your meal, have each of your guests draw out of the hat and read each card. Sometimes it’s obvious who wrote what gratitude card and sometimes not. Either way, it sure to inspire laughter, joy and more gratitude. Save them each year, so that you can look back on past years in the future. 

2- Give A Charitable Donation to NARA

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives and anyone in need.

https://www.naranorthwest.org/home-2/about-us/

3- Connect With Family & Friends Far Away

By now, nearly everyone is familiar with the ways of Zoom. Why not set up Zoom dates with family and friends who are absent from your celebration. It’s a great way to feel connected and spread more joy! 

4- Collect Canned Goods

A great way to express gratitude can be to recognize and support those who may be struggling. Ask every guest to bring canned goods for a donation box. After the holiday, you can take the donation to a local shelter or food bank. 

5- Host Thanksgiving Potluck-Style

If you dread spending days in the kitchen preparing a huge feist, suggest a potluck. Organize the menu with your guests and have everyone pick a dish to contribute. This lightens the load for the host and allows everyone to enjoy the day even more. 

6- Enjoy A Walk or Hike

I imagine we’ve all over indulged at one Thanksgiving or another. A post-dinner walk is a great way to feel active and lighter while getting you outside. 

7 - Host A Game Night

A good ol'-fashioned game night is an excellent way to keep your family together after the meal. Whether it's cards, board games, puzzles, or dominoes, kids and adults can get in on the action.

8 - Host A Pie Competition

Allow guests to bring their favorite pie and have your guests vote on the best. You can even change this up to a stuffing or mashed potato competition. It’s a fun way to have people contribute to the meal and involve everyone. 

9 - Light Remembrance Candles For Loved Ones Who Have Passed

The holidays can bring up memories of family and friends who we miss. Lighting candles can be a great way to honor them and warm your space with the memory of their presence. 

10 - Share A Plate

Whether by choice or circumstance, we may know people having a solo thanksgiving. Create a plate of all of your dishes and bring it over to them. They’ll enjoy your company and/or thoughtfulness as much as the food.

11 - Plan An Alternative Thanksgiving

Some years, it’s nice to change things up. Consider having dinner catered and bypass all cooking. Go out to dinner for a traditional meal or a non-traditional meal. Take a vacation and enjoy a fresh perspective. Whether you choose a cozy cabin, a stormy coast, or a tropical beach, don’t be afraid to break free from your normal traditions. 

However you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving or not celebrate, we hope that you find a moment to feel gratitude and share time with family and friends.