Hi everyone! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s important to start planning for what you’ll eat, what you’ll do, and every other aspect of planning for one of the biggest holidays in the U.S.
But Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a chance to build meaningful traditions that can be cherished and passed down through generations. Establishing family traditions around this special time encourages bonding, gratitude, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to create lasting memories, here are ten Thanksgiving traditions to consider starting with your family this year.
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Capture the moment with an annual family photo. Coordinate your outfits or choose a theme each year for a fun twist. Over the years, these photos will tell a beautiful story of family growth and change—and they’re sure to bring smiles as you look back on each one.
Get everyone involved in crafting a seasonal wreath for your front door. Gather materials like pinecones, autumn leaves, or even repurposed decor items. Each person can add their own creative touch, making it a unique and personal decoration to welcome guests.
Set up a plain cloth or paper tablecloth and have everyone write down what they’re grateful for each Thanksgiving. Feel free to add doodles to the tablecloth as well. Year after year, this “Thankful Tablecloth” will serve as a treasured keepsake, showcasing heartfelt messages and evolving handwriting from both young and old family members.
Spend some time outdoors planting bulbs or a tree in honor of your family’s growth and gratitude. This tradition not only contributes to the environment but also creates a beautiful space you can visit every year to watch your gratitude literally bloom.
Start a family recipe book filled with everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Over time, it will become a treasure trove of family recipes and memories, giving each generation the joy of recreating their favorite holiday flavors.
Need some recipe inspiration? Check out our Fall Cookbook, with specially curated recipes for every meal.
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Craft a simple ornament with your family each Thanksgiving to mark the start of the holiday season. Choose materials that reflect the year’s memories or include a date on each ornament. These decorations will add a personal touch to your holiday decor, bringing back fond memories each December.
Engage the youngest family members by reading Thanksgiving stories together. From tales of gratitude to historical stories, these books offer a cozy way to pass down the spirit of Thanksgiving and share family bonding time.
Spread Thanksgiving cheer beyond your home by writing notes of gratitude to friends, neighbors, or anyone you’d like to thank. This small act of kindness teaches kids the power of appreciation and builds a sense of community.
As you gather for Thanksgiving dinner, light a special “Gratitude Candle.” Take turns around the table, letting each person share something they’re thankful for before blowing out the candle. This tradition sets a warm, calm, and reflective tone for the evening and brings everyone together in a meaningful way.
Consider hosting a “Friendsgiving” before or after Thanksgiving Day to celebrate with friends who hold a special place in your life. (Or if you’re not close with your family, do it the day of!) This gathering is a fun, relaxed way to appreciate the family you choose, and it’s a beautiful way to build new traditions with friends year after year.
Starting Thanksgiving traditions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just try introducing one or two new ideas this year and build on them over time. Each small ritual will become a meaningful piece of your family’s Thanksgiving experience, something everyone can look forward to and hold close. With these traditions, Thanksgiving will be more than just a holiday; it’ll become a cherished family legacy.
Thanks for reading!
Looking for some decoration inspiration? Check out our Fall Decor Guide, and maybe do some Fall traveling at the Top 25 Places to Visit for Fall Foliage!
