Thanksgiving has historically evoked mixed emotions for the average American. Some of the stressors include cooking, cleaning, traveling, the usual family drama — which causes 71% of Americans to dread this holiday.
But recent research has shown that giving thanks can help quell the anxiety and animosity. “When we give and receive [gratitude], our brain is automatically redirected to pay attention to what we have,” psychiatric counselor Madhuleena Roy Chowdhury wrote for PositivePsychology.com.
So in the midst of the prepping and the tension and the lulls in conversation, choose to practice thankfulness and give some of these Thanksgiving crafts and activities a try. They might feel cheesy, but sometimes a little cheese is necessary to make things stick back together again.
“Remembering, giving thanks, is what puts us back together again in this hurried, broken, fragmented world.” ~ Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts
Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers
Outdoor Thanksgiving activities for family bonding time
These activities are a way to slow down as a family and provide some much-needed time to check in with one another, share highs and lows, and just enjoy one another’s company.
7. Autumn wreaths
Take your family on a nature walk to collect materials such as colorful leaves, pine branches, berries, acorns, and small pine cones. Arrange on a donut-shaped paper plate, and let kids attach with Tacky Glue. Visit crafting blog Little Birdie Secrets for inspiration.
8. Pumpkin volcano
All families will experience eruptions at times, but they come out more bonded because of them … and this eruption is no different! Take your family outside, gut that old Halloween pumpkin you didn’t get a chance to carve, and fill it with baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. Then watch it erupt with bubbles! Go to GreenKidCrafts.com for instructions.
9. Apple picking
Go on a family outing to your local apple picking farm. Enjoy apple cider donuts, fall foliage, and of course your kids will love getting to eat the apples they’ve picked themselves! Don’t forget your cute fall sweaters, because you’re sure to come across some beautiful family photo-ops. Once you have your apples, create more Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers by making apple pie, apple chips, or another sweet treat.
