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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, enjoy a bountiful meal, and spend quality time with family and friends. While the holiday is steeped in tradition, there’s always room for new rituals that can make the day even more meaningful. If you’re looking to add a little extra warmth, joy, and togetherness to your celebration, why not start a few new Thanksgiving traditions this year?
Whether you’re gathering with family at home or hosting friends, these 7 Thanksgiving traditions are simple to begin and can quickly become beloved annual customs for years to come.
1. Gratitude Jar or Gratitude Tree
One of the best ways to focus on the spirit of Thanksgiving is by expressing gratitude. A Gratitude Jar or Gratitude Tree is a fun and interactive way to bring everyone together and get them thinking about the things they’re thankful for.
How to Start It:
- Gratitude Jar: Set up a jar with slips of paper and pens. Have everyone write down something they’re grateful for on a piece of paper, fold it up, and place it in the jar throughout the day. After dinner, gather the family together and read some of the notes aloud.
- Gratitude Tree: Create a small tree (real or artificial) and place it in a central spot. Cut out small paper leaves or tags and encourage guests to write something they’re thankful for on them. Hang the leaves on the tree as the day progresses, and then admire the “thankful tree” during dinner.
Why It’s Special: It’s a great way to get everyone reflecting on the good things in their lives, and it makes for a meaningful keepsake to look back on in years to come.
2. Thanksgiving Morning Walk
Kick off your Thanksgiving day with a family walk. Whether it’s a short stroll around the block or a longer hike in nature, starting the day with fresh air and movement can help everyone feel refreshed and connected.
How to Start It:
Invite everyone to get outside for a walk, run, or even a family hike. You can make it a tradition to walk together before you start cooking or eat breakfast. If you want to take it a step further, consider creating a “Turkey Trot” race and challenge family members to participate.
Why It’s Special: This tradition is a great way to burn off energy, bond as a family, and give thanks for the beauty of nature. It also helps set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
3. Cultural or Heritage Dish
Incorporate a dish that reflects your family’s cultural heritage or something special from your own personal traditions. It could be an old family recipe passed down through generations, a dish from your ancestors’ country, or even something you’ve always loved that reminds you of past Thanksgivings.
How to Start It:
Ask family members ahead of time to share a dish from their cultural background or a recipe they feel connected to. If you’re not sure where to start, explore family cookbooks, or take a culinary journey to a country or region you’d like to honor.
Why It’s Special: Adding a unique dish to your Thanksgiving spread brings diversity to the table and sparks conversation. It can be an educational moment, as guests learn about the history behind the food or share stories related to the dish.
4. Volunteer Together
One of the most rewarding ways to celebrate Thanksgiving is by giving back to the community. Volunteering as a family can be a powerful way to show gratitude and make the day more meaningful. Whether you’re helping serve a meal at a local shelter or organizing a food drive, giving back will remind everyone of the bigger picture of Thanksgiving.
How to Start It:
Research local opportunities to volunteer at shelters, soup kitchens, or community organizations. Many places have volunteer shifts on Thanksgiving Day to help with meals or food donations. Alternatively, you could also organize a small event at home, like putting together care packages for neighbors in need.
Why It’s Special: Volunteering allows you to instill values of compassion and kindness in your family, creating a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection to the holiday.
5. Family Game or Movie Marathon
A Thanksgiving Day game or movie marathon is a great way to keep everyone entertained and engaged while waiting for dinner to be ready. Whether you prefer competitive board games, card games, or cozy movie marathons, it’s a fun way to spend quality time together after your Thanksgiving walk or meal prep.
How to Start It:
Before Thanksgiving, gather a list of family-friendly games or movies. For games, think classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Pictionary, or try something new like a trivia game about Thanksgiving. If movies are more your style, pick a few holiday-themed films, like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, or Home Alone.
Why It’s Special: This is a low-key but memorable way to bond with family members of all ages. Whether you’re laughing over a silly game or cozying up to a holiday classic, it’s an easy tradition that brings joy to everyone.
6. Personalized Place Cards
Make your Thanksgiving meal extra special by creating personalized place cards for each guest. Not only do they add a festive touch to the table, but they can also make people feel recognized and appreciated.
How to Start It:
Design simple place cards with guests’ names, or write a small note about why you’re grateful for them (this works especially well for family members you don’t see often). If you’re feeling crafty, you can use natural materials like pinecones, small pumpkins, or dried leaves as a base for the place cards.
Why It’s Special: This thoughtful gesture will make your guests feel special, and it’s a fun way to add personality and warmth to your Thanksgiving dinner table.
7. Thanksgiving Toast or Prayer
Before digging into the feast, gather everyone together and raise a glass in a Thanksgiving toast or prayer. This can be a special moment where everyone shares what they are grateful for, or you can ask a family member to lead a prayer or blessing.
How to Start It:
Before serving dinner, ask everyone to gather and take a moment to reflect. You can either go around the table, asking each person to share one thing they’re thankful for, or invite a guest to offer a prayer. Some families may have traditional toasts or prayers that are passed down through generations, while others can make it a more spontaneous moment.
Why It’s Special: This simple, yet meaningful tradition fosters gratitude, helps focus the group on the blessings of the day, and sets a warm, positive tone for the meal ahead.
Final Thoughts: Create a Thanksgiving to Remember
Starting a Thanksgiving tradition is a beautiful way to bring your loved ones closer and make the holiday more meaningful. Whether it’s focusing on gratitude with a Gratitude Jar, creating new memories with a family game marathon, or giving back through volunteering, these traditions will leave a lasting impression and help you connect more deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving.
No matter which traditions you choose, the most important thing is that you take the time to savor the moments and appreciate the people around you. Start a new tradition today, and it could become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving celebration for years to come.
