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Having different traditions at the holidays is one way to create fond memories each year. Many people have long-standing Christmas traditions, but you can make almost anything a tradition for any holiday or special event. With Thanksgiving coming up, I’ve been thinking about new traditions we could do as a family, and I’ve come up with 10 simple Thanksgiving traditions that are perfect for a few people or many people to do together.
10 Simple Thanksgiving Traditions
Eat a special breakfast
It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something you make each year on Thanksgiving morning. We usually eat our Thanksgiving meal later in the afternoon, so we don’t plan to eat lunch. A big breakfast can keep everybody full until it’s time to eat the big Thanksgiving meal!
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
There’s a reason this is a common tradition! It’s the only day of the year that you can watch it, and it’s a perfect activity for Thanksgiving Day morning.
Make a handprint tablecloth
This handprint tablecloth is adorable and can be pulled out year after year. For the cheapest nice cloth tablecloth head to TJ Maxx.
Prepare the same special side dish or dessert each year
Maybe it’s something your grandma always used to make, or maybe you try out a new recipe that becomes a family favorite. We always have a few set favorites that without them it wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving.
Play a board game
See our list of the 20 Best Family Board Games. After or before the meal, gather everyone around and play a few games. Growing up Scrabble was our Thanksgiving Day game. I have fun memories of playing with all my extended family!
Play tic tac toe with pumpkins
For young kids who aren’t quite ready for board games, these tic tac toe pumpkins will make a super fun activity!
Watch a movie
Once everyone is full after your meal, there’s nothing better than curling up in a comfy spot to watch a movie. Assuming there is a free TV that isn’t watching football, you could watch a Christmas movie. Check out our list of 30 Favorite Christmas movies.
Make a Thanksgiving chain
This Thanksgiving chain can serve as a decoration and also help cultivate thankfulness in your home!
Play Thanksgiving Pictionary
All you need is something to write on, something to write with, and a hat full of Thanksgiving/fall related items for people to draw. Think pumpkins, turkeys, etc.
Make pumpkin turkeys
These adorable pumpkin turkeys would make cute table settings or decorations for your Thanksgiving table!
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions? Let us know in the comments!