Thanksgiving is an ideal time to gather with family and friends. Unfortunately, giving thanks often gets lost between the planning, cooking and socializing.
To help encourage family traditions, Texas Children’s offers these tips:
- Before the meal begins, go around the table and ask everyone to say what they are thankful for – whether it’s good health or passing a big exam.
- Place everyone’s name in a bowl and make sure each person selects a name before dinner. Do not reveal names. Tell participants they will be asked to divulge at the end of the meal the name of the person and why they are thankful to know him or her.
- While gathered around the dinner table, allow each person to reflect on a situation from the past year and how a family member or friend provided support or encouragement.
- Start a Thanksgiving scrapbook with family and friends. Go through pictures, school papers and awards, and trip mementos of the past year. Place agreed-upon items in a book along with everyone’s thoughts and comments. Add to the scrapbook each year.
