I have noticed so many of you are onto your Christmas traditions already, and I have lots of those as well, but I wanted to
finish up with a few more Thanksgiving ideas if you haven’t decided on something meaningful to implement next week. Browse this month’s
archives if you need some inspiration.
Apron of Thanks
Every Thanksgiving, we gather at my mother’s. To show our appreciation, we surprised her with a special “apron of thanks.” We cut all six grand kids’ hand prints from different autumnal fabrics, sewed them on, and used puffy paint to make them look like turkeys. We also used the paints to add small leaves. Then we embroidered “We’re thankful for Grandma” at the top. The kids each said why they were grateful for Grandma when they presented it to her. As you might imagine, it was a tearful moment for us all.
–Julie G., Three Rivers, California
Excerpt taken from my OUAF traditions newsletter
There are many similar ideas that can be done with a slightly different theme.
Some families have each guest sign their table runner every Thanksgiving. How meaningful is
that to look back at all the different guests, and fondly remember the various meals together. You could even bullet point one blessing next to the signature and date, or take it another step further by pinning the menu to the runner. How neat to reminisce every time you unpack for the fall. ( I have heard the same tradition done for Christmas using either the table runner or the Christmas tree skirt. With the tree skirt, the children can do a hand print each year with rubber stamping dye ink or acrylic paints.)
Some wonderful crafts, which include the 5 Kernels of Corn poem to be read before your Thanksgiving feast, are located here.
Free Thanksgiving Turkey Paper Model in Color | |
Free Thanksgiving Turkey BW Color Me Paper Model Coloring Version |
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Instructions for Paper Model Thanksgiving Turkey |
Thanks for the ideas, Jen! Fabulous!
Cute ideas! Thanks for sharing!
awww, thats a great thoghtful idea jen!!! And this craft idea is awesome, Im going to get some craft stuff now, thanks girl!!! 😉 LA
Yes, but while I usually DO have hand prints on my boobs, they are not usually intended to be there….
These are really cute ideas!! Oh, I would love to have you join our Divas!! Just anytime, snap and come let me know!! I’ll show you off to Blogland!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
I’m coming over from Leah’s blog and these are some great ideas! I love the hand print turkey idea!! I need to try that!
What cute ideas! I’m sure Grandma loved her apron :)!!
I love this little turkey building activity…maybe next year I can try that when my daughter is a bit older. She would love it! Have a great weekend!
Carrie
Great ideas! They are all so meaningful.
Thanks for stopping by over at my blog. The snow was beautiful this morning, wasn’t it? Unfortunately it’s already gone here. You have a great blog and post a lot of interesting ideas. If it’s ok, I will add you to my list….
~Liz
Hi Jen, It’s fun to think of all the traditions being observed around the country as families get ready to gather for Thanksgiving and then Christmas.
The snow was beautiful this morning, all the more so because it was a complete surprise to me!
I love the cute turkey project! And all of those ideas for Thanksgiving, too. Wonderful ideas! 🙂
I hope you have a fantastic weekend! 🙂
Thanks for the craft links. I’ll definitely be using those and counting them as school next week!
Great ideas! Thanks for the link to the other Thanksgiving ideas, too. 🙂
Great ideas and tips!
I just awarded you with the Kreativ Blogger Award! (Check my blog for details) 🙂