As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions – football games, Black Friday shopping and the quest for the perfect meal. Instead, make the day about giving thanks for what we have, sharing with and serving others, and celebrating with those we love.
Practice Gratitude
One way to remember your blessings is to acknowledge them. Go around the dinner table and have each person name something they are thankful for. This could be done each night in November or the week leading up to Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day, ask your guests to do the same. For a more lasting idea, have everyone write down or draw a picture of what they’re thankful for. After everyone shares their paper, save them in a binder. Each year, add to the binder and reflect on blessings of the past. “We do a ‘thankful tree’ in November,” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “I draw a tree and tape it to the pantry door and the kids cut out leaves from construction paper. Each night we all write one thing we’re thankful for on a leaf and tape it to the tree. Kids can be grateful for anything from Elsa to butterflies. We look forward to this tradition every year.”
Donate to Charity
Have kids help clean their closets and toy boxes, setting aside items they no longer need. Donate gently used toys and clothing to a local charity. This process will help reduce clutter and, more importantly, will teach kids to be generous to those who are less fortunate. Talk with your kids about how some people may not have coats, hats and gloves to keep warm during the winter months. Collect these items to donate to a homeless shelter. Go to the store and have kids pick out items they would like to give to another child their age. The Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs has an Adopt-a-Family program during the holidays. Through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, families can choose a child and purchase gifts based on a wish list. Clark’s Christmas Kids Gift Drive is a partnership between Clark Howard and the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services, providing gifts for local foster kids. Families can shop for a child of their choice at participating Walmart stores.
Take a Break
Have each family member take a break from a luxury they enjoy. This could be dessert, manicures, coffee, soda or a favorite video game or TV show. This exercise reminds us to be grateful for the luxuries that are often taken for granted.
Do a Service Project
Set aside time for a service project as a family. Ideas may include cleaning up trash in a local park, raking a neighbor’s leaves, working at a food pantry, purchasing items for a Thanksgiving meal and delivering them to a food bank or organizing a book drive. When you volunteer as a family, kids see you helping others and are more likely to continue serving as an adult. Serving in an area that your children are already interested in helps create excitement for the project. If your child loves singing, go caroling at a senior center. If your child loves to play at the park, plant flowers or pick up litter. Families can find more service opportunities through Pebble Tossers, an Atlanta based non-profit that helps connect youth with age-appropriate volunteer activities. Their goal is to encourage young people to lead through service.
Gather Together
Encourage kids to think of friends and neighbors who may not have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving and invite them to come for dinner. Discuss the importance of hospitality and welcoming others into your home.
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