When you think back to Thanksgiving as a child, what are your favorite memories? When I look back, I remember my mom: up early enough that the first scent that crossed my nose as I woke up that morning was the aroma of the turkey in the oven.
My siblings and I would have to find ways to pass the time before we were able to use the ‘fancy’ dishes. We would watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade but even IF it managed to hold or attention, it still wasn’t long enough to keep us occupied until dinner. One year I remember making paper hats and headdresses for a play we wanted to do of the first Thanksgiving. We rehearsed until we had it perfect then stood in the crowded kitchen to deliver a flawless performance to our parents, grandma, and probably the older siblings – who were way too cool for a role. Once the applause died down, the predinner goodies made their way to the table. I can still hear my brother letting out his biggest “roar” as he chased my sister around the table with black olives stuck to the tips of every finger. I remember the laughter, the togetherness, and the unity as we all played our roles in transforming that Thursday afternoon into a joyful Thanksgiving Day.
I often think of how different it could have been had my parents not encouraged creativity and fostered a sense of unity as we prepared for the holiday. How different would it have been if we’d have been too enamored with the game on our phone to make a play or help with dinner. Too busy scrolling social media to put olives on our fingers.
It truly does lie on us, as parents, to ‘set the table’ for quality time with our families. What’s on the table at my house? Here is my hope: just enough boredom to get creative, big slice of conversation, a heaping spoonful of laughter, a string of helpfulness, all seasoned with love and belonging. That is what I want to linger with my children long after the meal is over and they’ve wandered far from the table.
Here are just a few things you can do for quality time with your family:
- Play games together: cards, board games, trivia, Minute to Win It, charades. If video games are your thing, find one that allows for everyone to play it together.
- Puzzles: you’d be amazed at the conversation that can happen while you’re working on a puzzle.
- Go for walks.
- Do a craft: now’s a great time to make Christmas tree decorations.
- Pull out the Legos and get creative!
- Nerf wars: kids of all ages can enjoy this!
- Bake together
There are so many ways to spend time with family that doesn’t include a screen. Taking the time to make these memories increases the sense of well-being and belonging in BOTH children and parents. We could all use more of that this holiday.
So – what’s on your table this Thanksgiving?
