Thanksgiving week is a time for most families to try their best to be together, share a meal and see one another. However, with so many things going on before the holiday and with a weekend incredibly short, it can seem like there almost isn’t enough time to do anything outside of cooking, eating and cleaning the big meal. But Thanksgiving provides one of the first of many opportunities to be present and slow down before diving into Christmas and the other winter holidays. We rounded up some family-friendly Thanksgiving activities ideas for the holiday.
What to read
“Race to the Truth: Colonization And The Wampanoag Story” by Linda Coombs, author, and historian from the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah is about the experiences of the Wampanoag Tribe and their initial thoughts on what America was at the time and how it came to be. It is a true story and comes from those known as New England Indigenous Nation. “Race to the Truth” paints the picture for what many who arrived from countries like England first encountered upon their arrival. This book is an invitation to not only acknowledge the complexities behind Thanksgiving with a different perspective and still be able to celebrate it, but also to take a moment to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month all in one. Recommended for ages 10-13.
Another read that may be fitting for those with little ones this Thanksgiving is “THE HELPING SWEATER” by Rachel Más Davidson. The story follows a young girl as her sweater begins to fall apart but with the help of those around her learns the power of community and the support community brings. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
What to watch
Watch “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” on Netflix, debuting on the streaming platform on Nov. 20. This documentary is the perfect thing to watch either before or after your family meal and then to discuss it after viewing it. It is a chance to understand how shopping days like Black Friday have become so big and what it means for the American consumer, the American family and their relationships with shopping– especially with fashion, the environment and financially.
Watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” as a way to start the holiday off on the right foot, with a feeling of nostalgia. The 1973 classic is a light, fun, and enlightening way to tap into your inner childhood and make a childhood memory with the children in your life by following Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they prepare for the holiday. The special no longer airs on television, but can be found on Apple TV+ or purchased singularly or as part of the greater Peanuts holiday classic set on sites like Amazon.com.
Create a list of every Thanksgiving movie ever made and decide which ones to watch every year. As a family or movie enthusiast create an original list of movies that feel appropriate for the holiday that reflect family, and Thanksgiving in some way, and decide how many to watch each year. Here is what one website has come up with to help get you and your family started. One unknown movie is called Pieces of April (2003) starring Katie Holmes. Please note that not all movies may be suitable for children, but you may find there are quite a few.
Where to trot or run
Turkey Trot L.A. is one of the latest activities created with the focus of doing good by raising money for those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. Participants can enter into a 5k/10k by either walking or running– plus there is a 1-mile dog run for those who rather hang with their furry friends. This event takes place on Thanksgiving Day, starting at City Hall in DTLA. What a way to help others while helping yourself to a chance to bond, do something different, and get in a little exercise a perfect excuse to unapologetically have multiple helpings of food on Thanksgiving Day. Prices to register range from $25-$75. Fun fact, there is also a festival happening on Thanksgiving Eve.
If you’d like to have something to do on the day of Thanksgiving and can’t make it to DTLA, here is another opportunity to burn up a sweat before eating with the family. Similar to Turkey Trot L.A., Rose Bowl Turkey Trot takes place at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The price of admission is $43. Click here to find out more.
Thanksgiving tunes: Make your own soundtrack
It may not seem like it but there is a soundtrack for Thanksgiving just like Christmas. Unlike Christmas with numerous songs, albums, and musical stars for the holiday, Thanksgiving is a little unique. It’s not a specific sound as distinctive as Halloween or Christmas but here is where this can become a family activity. Create your fall harvest celebration music list for the holiday. For example, look through the many jazz and smooth jazz songs, older and new ones alike. Just based on the names of songs alone you can find many titles dedicated to fall and add to the warmth way before thoughts of Christmas and winter enter the picture. For instance, “Autumn Serendae” by Bobby Shew and Carl Fontana off the album “Heavyweights”(1996) is a perfect seasonal tune.
If jazz is not your speed find the genre that makes you feel warm and hopeful, but if you’re willing to give jazz a try you won’t be disappointed with the list you come up with. Perfect to flood your living space with as you entertain or as you cook up your menu and enjoy the weather.
Not interested in going outside before or after you’ve eaten? Well, it may be time to pull out your favorite tunes and simply dance. Have a dance party with all those around you and cut a rug while smiles come across your face and the energy of positivity remains high.
Eat plenty, listen more
While eating generously is certainly welcomed on the holiday it’s not always easy to do when you’re trying to connect with family or friends that you haven’t seen in a while. So take this opportunity to truly listen to those that you are in the presence of. It may be best to make it a game with yourself to see how much you can learn from those around you because you’re choosing to feast on their words and actions as much as on the food itself. Active listening is key here. Listen to learn, not to respond. The holiday is equally about those around you as the food in front of you.
Bakeoffs and cooking contests
It’s time to remember that the real pumpkin season is now and not September 1st before Halloween. Take whatever additional pumpkins you have, and even apples and apple cider you may have, and bring the season of fall and the spirit of Thanksgiving cooking to new heights by creating an original family cooking challenge of new and staple creations out of pumpkins and apples. No food should go to waste with a challenge like this. Have someone who knows a thing or two about cooking or baking be the judge for these games.
Expressing gratitude & generosity
Are you looking for more Thanksgiving-themed ideas? Now may be the time to figure out where you can give in some capacity. Invite friends and family to figure out where and how they can give more– whether donating money, volunteering or doing something kind for someone else.
While it is important to share the day with family if your friends are your chosen family, include them in the celebration. It’s important to show the children in your life the importance of friendship by expressing your own gratitude for your friends. Sit down for a meal, go on a hike and create memories in the process.
Encourage yourself and all those around you to do an activity based on gratitude. You may need to make a small purchase of some writing pads and pens, but the point of the exercise is to include all in attendance to take a moment to be grateful by reflecting on what they’re most grateful for. Invite them to write it down. Maybe one thing can be shared either before or after dinner and the other is simply for them to know for themselves. Observe the difference in behavior and decide if it’s a new tradition.
