thanksgiving dinner Archives

Put the Halloween decorations away – it’s turkey time! Here is a Thanksgiving dinner this-or-that printable PDF!

The history we share about Thanksgiving has changed over time – and rightfully so. It’s about time we start telling the real story and honor those who were here before us.

Despite the change in tone and message of the holiday, one this has stayed the same: the FOOD!

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most recognizable and celebrated meals in America. The mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the turkey…it’s America’s specialty.

Although not as contentious as the conversation around Native Americans and Columbus, Thanksgiving dinner has it’s own slew of controversies.

My family had a mini-Thanksgiving feast to celebrate the first day of autumn, and I am remorseful to share that my daughter’s first experience with cranberry sauce came from a can. I’m a homemade cranberry sauce girl while my husband prefers the classic, sliced Ocean Spray stuff.

It brought up a lively debate over other Thanksgiving foods. Should the stuffing be homemade or store-bought? What part of the turkey is best? We don’t agree on any of it. Opposites attract, right? Thank goodness we’re not in charge of making Thanksgiving dinner, we’re just in charge of eating it.

Here is a Thanksgiving dinner this-or-that printable PDF that you can share on Thanksgiving day. You can read it with your kids on the way to Grandma’s or print one out for everyone at your table.

Thanksgiving Dinner This-or-That Download

Do you also share strong opinions about Thanksgiving dinner? Is there something you just won’t serve at your table?

Let me know below!

Take a family walk

Taking a family walk together every Thanksgiving can be a great memory to make! Whether it’s before or after the big feast, it’s a great way to make room for some extra pumpkin pie! Have your kids pick up leaves, pinecones, and acorns along the way.

Bake the dessert together

It might be too much to have little ones help with the chaotic prep of Thanksgiving dinner, so let them help with a dessert! Bake a pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or whatever your sweet tooth is yearning for. Kids love to help and feel needed, so this is a wonderful way to include them in the festivities.

Give to those less fortunate

I love this one! Create a family culture of giving. There are countless families in America that will not be enjoying a delicious, hot meal in a cozy house this year. Donating a turkey, a few jars of gravy, your time at a food bank – any of it helps. Teach your children the spirit of giving young, and it will stay with them a lifetime. Check out more from Feeding America.

Create a family gratitude list

Sitting down and creating a family gratitude list also re-instills w

hat the holidays are all about: taking a moment to count your blessings around family and friends. Gratitude lists are another fantastic way to teach your children that they probably have more than they could ever want and need. Another way to do this is to go around the table at dinner and have everyone say one thing they are grateful for – a practice that can be incorporated into every dinnertime conversation!

Decorate Thanksgiving cards

Decorating Thanksgiving cards together can be so much fun! Using materials like feathers, rhinestones, and stickers can add to the creative spirit. Make cards for each other, veterans, family, or neighbors.

Create a Thanksgiving feast

This one is for younger kids, but create a Thanksgiving feast for the stuffed animals or dolls! Cut out paper turkey legs and mashed potatoes and let your children prepare their own “meal” for their toys. It’ll get them out of your hair for a little while and inspire their creativity!

Check out my other Thanksgiving posts, 10 Thanksgiving Decorations Under $10 , The Best Thanksgiving Books for Infants and Toddlers, and Thanksgiving Gifts for Babies!

What are your family Thanksgiving traditions? Do you do any on this list?