Have some festive fun with the whole family!
![These Fun Thanksgiving Traditions Will Make Your Holiday Special (1) These Fun Thanksgiving Traditions Will Make Your Holiday Special (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/happy-multi-generation-family-toasting-while-having-royalty-free-image-1689274863.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.117xw,0&resize=640:*)
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Thanksgiving is all about togetherness and being able to spend time with the ones you love. While the day usually centers around a hearty Thanksgiving meal, there are countless other Thanksgiving activities that people partake in as annual traditions with family and friends. For starters, many people like to watch the Thanksgiving NFL football game year after year, but there are plenty of other Thanksgiving traditions that are worth exploring, too!
One of the best things about traditions is that it's never too late to start a new one. If you're looking to shake up your Turkey Day agenda this year, check out these fun Thanksgiving traditions that the whole family will enjoy. For her part, Ree likes to celebrate by playing group Thanksgiving games like Pictionary or charades or watching a marathon of Thanksgiving movies. In keeping with the true meaning of the holiday, you could also try a tradition that incorporates the idea of gratitude: Write thank-you notes to loved ones near and far, start a gratitude jar, or give back to your community by volunteering at a soup kitchen. Of course, there are also many activities surrounding the big feast itself. Whether it's making traditional Thanksgiving desserts, hosting a pie swap, or splitting the wishbone, it's no surprise that food tends to be the focal point of the day (and beyond—hello, Thanksgiving leftover recipes! 🤤).
At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with any of these Thanksgiving traditions. Each one will help you make new memories with your loved ones that you'll cherish for years to come.
1
Start a Thanksgiving Karaoke
The best Thanksgiving songs are the ones you sing together! Gather your whole crew for some holiday performances that you won't soon forget.
2
Set Up a Kids Craft Station
Want to keep the kids entertained while you focus on cooking? Set up a holiday craft station to get everyone's creative juices flowing. We've got plenty of Thanksgiving-themed crafts to inspire you!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
3
Take a Group Photo
With everyone dressed in their cute Thanksgiving outfits on the big day, it's the perfect time to take a family photo. You might even capture one that would be just perfect for your Christmas card!
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4
Set Up a Bonfire
A backyard bonfire is a great way to relax and unwind after Thanksgiving dinner. Invite everyone to pull up a chair and get cozy by the fire.
5
Deck Out the Sideboard
Spread some cheer by decking out your sideboard or buffet table for the holiday. You can even DIY your own Thanksgiving decorations to make it more special.
6
Share Family Stories
Family stories are just as much fun to hear as they are to tell–no matter how many times they've been shared! This year, consider recording them so they can be passed down through generations.
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7
Make Mulled Cider
Nothing says fall like a nice, cozy pot of mulled cider. Try making your own from Ree's recipe and you can be sure everyone will come back for seconds!
Get Ree's Mulled Cider recipe.
8
Make DIY Place Cards
Make your guests feel special by setting your holiday dinner table with festive place cards. You can write their name and a simple note (like "Happy Thanksgiving"), or take the time to personalize each card with a message of gratitude.
9
Go for a Fall Foliage Drive
Fall foliage is in its prime around Thanksgiving time. Take a walk (or drive) through your neighborhood and bask in the beauty before everyone sits down for dinner.
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10
Set Gratitude Intentions
Thanksgiving shouldn't be the only time of year you reflect on all that you're grateful for in life. Create a list of gratitude intentions for the coming year to bring the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday to every day of the year.
11
Watch the NFL's Thanksgiving Tripleheader
These games are a longstanding tradition hosted by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. This year's lineup has the Green Bay Packers playing the Detroit Lions, the Washington Commanders playing the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Francisco 49ers playing the Seattle Seahawks. You can find out more here.
12
Watch the Thanksgiving National Dog Show
Not a football fan? Perhaps you'd rather tune in to watch the annual National Dog Show, which famously airs on Thanksgiving Day. Be prepared to give your favorite pups a big round of "a-paws!"
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13
Collect Canned Food
You have a lot to be grateful for, and one way you can give thanks is by giving back. Start a canned food drive among your family and friends and together you can make a meaningful donation to a local food pantry.
14
Make a Thanksgiving Advent Calendar
You've heard of an advent calendar for Christmas, but if you ask us, Thanksgiving deserves its own special countdown, too! Learn how to DIY your own calendar and fill it with little Turkey Day-inspired treats.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
15
Untangle the Christmas Lights
After Thanksgiving has come and gone, it's totally fair game to start putting up your Christmas decorations. Get a head start for the holidays by asking your kids to help untangle the Christmas lights on Turkey Day. (It's also a great way to keep them out of the kitchen so you can stay focused on cooking!)
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16
Say a Toast
There's no better way to celebrate the togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving than with a toast. You can ask one person to take the lead or go around the table and have everyone share what they're thankful for.
17
Dine Al Fresco
Switch up the scenery by moving your Thanksgiving meal outside. This idea is perfect for those of you who live in an area with mild fall weather. Create a cozy atmosphere that everyone will love using string lights and a festive table setup.
18
Enjoy Turkey Leftovers
One thing we're always grateful for is Thanksgiving leftovers! This year, instead of reheating the same turkey dinner all week, transform it into several delicious new meals, like a leftover turkey pot pie.
Get Ree's Thanksgiving Leftover Pot Pies recipe.
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19
Craft a Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Create festive décor in the form of a Thanksgiving centerpiece that's almost good enough to steal the show. It's hard to top the turkey—but with a beautiful arrangement, you can try! Guests will love dining in style on the big holiday.
20
Write Thank You Cards
Channel the true meaning of Thanksgiving by joining together with loved ones to write "thank you" cards. It's the perfect way to show gratitude.
Erin Cavoto
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.