Kids & Company Blog

9 Simple Ways to Make Thanksgiving Special and Meaningful for Young Children

Thanksgiving is a special time of year, filled with delicious food, family traditions, and moments of reflection. For young children, it can also be an opportunity to foster gratitude, generosity, and connection to the world around them. At Kids & Company, we believe in making everyday moments meaningful, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable and impactful Thanksgiving for your little ones:

 1. Teach Gratitude Through Simple Activities

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to introduce the concept of gratitude to young children. Giving thanks is what Thanksgiving is all about. You can start by creating a "Thankful Tree" together. Cut out paper leaves and ask your child what they’re thankful for—family, friends, toys, or nature! Write down their responses and hang them on a tree made of branches or construction paper. This visual reminder encourages reflection and can become a family tradition. Consider saving these paper leaves for your children to look at in future years.

2. Create a Child-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal

Getting kids involved in meal preparation makes them feel included and teaches them about teamwork and responsibility. Choose simple tasks they can do, like mashing potatoes, mixing ingredients, or decorating the table. Talk to them about the different foods on the Thanksgiving table and where they come from, which can lead to a fun conversation about harvest and farming. If your child has more selective taste, try letting them choose one dish to be included in the dinner to help build excitement. Whether that be sweet potatoes with marshmallows or their favourite dessert, let them personalize their dishes with fun, creative touches!

3. Introduce Stories of Kindness and Giving

Thanksgiving is not just about giving thanks, but also about giving to others. Read age-appropriate stories that focus on kindness, community, and helping those in need. 

For some inspiration, books like “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson or “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr can spark discussions about what it means to care for others. Alternatively, tell cherished family stories around kindness and giving your family or relatives have participated in. This can be an opportunity to connect with your family while showing your child the little things we all do in our everyday lives to express kindness and gratitude.

4. Family Traditions That Involve Giving Back

Teach your children the importance of helping others during the holiday season. Whether it's donating food to a local shelter, creating care packages for those in need, or baking treats for your neighbours, these acts of kindness will help your child understand the value of community. You could even involve your child in choosing which charities to support or allowing them to deliver items to a donation center, showing them the direct impact of their generosity.

5. Create a Calm and Reflective Space

While Thanksgiving can be a busy day with family and friends, it’s important to create a moment of calm where your child can reflect. After the meal, or between dinner and dessert gather your family for a quiet activity like colouring, reading, or a nature walk. Quiet activities between meals can act as a nice break for your child to avoid overstimulation and fatigue. Talk about what each family member is thankful for and allow children to share their feelings and experiences in their own way.

6. Make Time for Outdoor Fun

If weather permits, take advantage of outdoor play to burn off some energy before dinner and enjoy the beauty of fall. Plan a family nature walk, play a game of catch, or jump in leaf piles together! These simple outdoor moments create lasting memories and help children feel connected to the season. You can also use this as an opportunity for a Thanksgiving activity! Encourage your child to collect their favourite, most colourful fallen leaves to use to decorate the dinner table for the meal. This allows them to feel included in preparations, and add their own creative touch.

7. Encourage Family Conversations

Even young children can benefit from family discussions around the table. Create opportunities for them to share their thoughts by asking open-ended questions like “What’s your favourite part of Thanksgiving?” or “What makes you feel happy today?” Including them in these conversations shows that their ideas and feelings matter and fosters their communication skills.

8. Celebrate Diversity in Traditions

Not every family celebrates Thanksgiving the same way, and that’s something to embrace! Each family brings its own unique blend of traditions, customs, and flavours to the table, which can provide rich opportunities for learning and connection, especially for children. If your family incorporates different cultural traditions or meals into your celebration, share that with your child. Explain the meaning behind those traditions and let them participate in the cultural elements that make your Thanksgiving unique.

9. End the Day with Gratitude

As the day winds down, take a few moments before bed to reflect on all the things your family is thankful for. This can be a special quiet time with your child, where you reinforce the idea that Thanksgiving is about more than food and festivities—it’s about appreciating the people and moments that bring us joy every day.

By focusing on gratitude, kindness, and family connection, Thanksgiving can become a meaningful holiday that teaches young children values that will last a lifetime. At Kids & Company, we’re thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s journey, and we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and cherished memories.

Posted on: Monday October 7th, 2024

Posted by: Kids & Company