Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks for everything we have in our lives, especially our friends and family. At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It’s a chance to acknowledge the people, experiences, and comforts that bring joy and meaning to our lives. Practicing gratitude has been shown to have many benefits, from improving mental well-being to strengthening relationships. By focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack, we cultivate a positive mindset that can transform our perspective on life. As grandparents, we have the opportunity to model this mindset and teach our grandchildren ways that they can practice being grateful.
While many Thanksgiving traditions are passed down through generations, it’s also a great opportunity to create your own customs. Food is traditionally a huge part of Thanksgiving, and continuing to prepare favorite family recipes, as well as setting a decorated fall table on which to enjoy the feast, will keep your Thanksgiving meal a special and memorable occasion. The grandkids love to help set the table and arrange table decorations. This keeps them very excited and involved in the celebration. Our Thanksgiving tradition always includes a turkey with stuffing, sweet and mashed potatoes, gravy and multiple vegetable side dishes. The grandkids love to help make the cranberry sauce and assisting in the making of the pumpkin pies. If you prepare a large amount of food, you can pack a meal to deliver to a family member who is not celebrating with you or take a meal or dessert to a neighbor or friend who is alone for the holiday.
To make the Thanksgiving meal extra special, we always light candles (battery ones if you have small little ones), and have everyone stay in their seats until all have finished their dinner! We say grace and serve the items family style around the table. After the turkey is carved, remember to save the wishbone! When completely dried (usually the next day), two can pull apart the bone for the larger half in hopes their wish comes true!
Another part of our family tradition includes making Indian feather headbands and Pilgrim hats out of construction paper for the kids to wear. These are worn throughout the day and we explain the story of the first Thanksgiving. We also decorate our house with turkeys made by tracing your hand on a piece of paper. These can be colored and cut out to hang on walls or used as table place cards.
Teaching little kids to be thankful can be a rewarding experience, and there are many fun and interactive ways to help them understand gratitude. Here are some ideas that might be helpful and fun!
If the weather is walk-worthy, take a Gratitude Walk. Walk with your grandkids, collecting natural items like leaves, acorns, or pinecones. Talk about things you’re thankful for as you walk, and use the collected items to make a nature-inspired centerpiece when you return. While walking, talk about all the things you see that make you feel grateful. It could be the trees, the sunshine, or even a friendly neighbor. This helps kids learn to appreciate the small things in nature and their surroundings.
Another idea is to make a thankful pumpkin. On the top by the stem, write in a circular motion with a permanent marker, “I am thankful for…” Then, continuing in a spiral motion down the pumpkin, write their thankful ideas to fill the entire surface. This makes a great table centerpiece!
Reading to your grandkids is a special time to teach them about the holiday and being thankful. Here are a few great library books for little children and early readers that focus on Thanksgiving and the concept of thankfulness:
- “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr – A bright and colorful book that helps kids think about all the different things they can be thankful for in their lives.
- “Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano – A humorous story about a turkey who tries to disguise himself to avoid being eaten on Thanksgiving. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the holiday.
- “The Thank You Book” by Mo Willems – Part of the Elephant & Piggie series, this book is a fun way to teach kids about expressing gratitude. It’s full of humor, making it enjoyable for both kids and parents. If they’re old enough, involve your grandkids in giving back to the community and volunteer together, such as helping at a food drive or making care packages. It’s a meaningful way to teach them about gratitude and kindness.
After dinner, our traditions include playing games at the table, such as Bingo, cards or board games that will include all ages. And, let’s not forget the tradition of watching football. The NFL will be broadcasting games all afternoon and evening-nothing better than a little nap on the couch watching football!
Being thankful doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving Day—it’s a habit that can be nurtured all year long. Writing in a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to loved ones, or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on the good things can lead to a more fulfilling life. Whatever you decide to do to celebrate this year’s holiday, enjoy it with your own special traditions and have a very Blessed Thanksgiving!
