Fun Ways to Celebrate Gratitude on Thanksgiving
The holiday season is upon us and with traditions looking a bit different this year, what better way to celebrate than by taking time to appreciate what we can and creating NEW traditions that can be continued for years to come!
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones and express gratitude for those around us that make each day worth living.
Family time is something that the pandemic has gifted us in spades, but Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be just another meal! For those of us that are choosing to keep things small this season, Thanksgiving can be a family dinner that turns into a magical feast!
Here we’ve compiled 3 family projects that are fun for all ages and add beautiful homemade decor to your Turkey Day table! Sometimes the best way to express gratitude is by making something together that’s simple and from the heart.
Build a Gratitude Chain
Who else remembers making paper chain decorations as a kid?! All you need is construction paper, scissors, and glue to make these fun and retro holiday garlands. Help younger ones cut the construction paper into strips and use markers to have everyone write what they are grateful for on each strip. Loop together strips and glue each one, creating a garland of gratitude.
Acrostic “THANKS” Poem
This one is perfect to answer together at the table over delicious pumpkin pie! Start at the top of the word and fill out something you are grateful for that begins with that letter. Hang these on the refrigerator, pin them to a corkboard or keep them near the calendar to remind everyone all season long! We have created a FREE printable for you to use. CLICK the link below.
Create a Thankful Tree
On your next family walk in the woods or an adventure in the backyard, collect sticks large enough to fit in a tall vase. Parents cut out leaf shapes from card stock or construction paper and have everyone in the house write down on the leaves what they are grateful for. Use a hole punch for each leaf and attach a ribbon to tie to individual sticks. Place sticks into a vase and places it as the centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table for all to admire.
These are just a few simple ways to make your Thanksgiving table a little brighter and add a few extra fun activities to complete with your kiddos. The holidays will most definitely be different this season, but the love and gratitude they bring for our loved ones will remain the same.
We are so thankful for each and every family at APA!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram during the week of Thanksgiving to see our 3 Days of Gratitude post from our APA Staff!
P.S. Thinking of Christmas gifts already? Give the gift of dance by purchasing a spot in APA’s Frozen Friends Camp on Saturday, January 2nd. Students receive an APA Frozen gift box to open on Christmas with an invitation inside to spend time with Anna & Elsa at APA!
***Hurry & register as our event sold out in 3 days last year! Plus, this year it will have limited spots to ensure social distancing.
