Holiday traditions are one of my favorite ways to make memories and create excitement and joy. I try to have a few traditions for each holiday that my kids look forward to, but without overcommitting myself.
A tradition that I have found to be among the most exciting and meaningful is a Thankful Turkey. This guy requires minimal supplies and a bit of prep time but has been so impactful in encouraging thankfulness and gratitude in our home.
Supplies:
- Brown construction paper or brown paper bag
- Small pieces (or scraps) of white, black, yellow, and red paper
- Scissors
- Painter’s or masking tape
- Variety of colored and patterned construction or scrapbooking paper
Thankful Turkey Directions:
- Using brown construction paper or a paper bag, cut out an ovalish turkey-looking shape. You can find a template online or wing it!
- Cut out eyes, a beak, and a little snood (the thing that sits atop a turkey’s beak). Glue these pieces in place.
- Use painters or masking tape to place your turkey on a door or wall in a common area of your home. We use the pantry door in our kitchen, so we see our turkey daily!
- Cut out feathers from construction paper or scrapbook paper. You will need enough feathers to add one for each child every day from November 1st until Thanksgiving.
- Ask your child or children daily what they are thankful for and write it on a feather. Place a piece of tape on the back of the feather, and tuck it behind your turkey.
- Continue to add one new feather for each child every day. We do this during breakfast. I also set a daily reminder on my phone so we don’t skip any days!
- Read the feathers throughout the month to help remind children of what they are grateful for.
- On Thanksgiving day, read each feather and talk about gratitude and thankfulness.
What are others ways you and your family practice gratitude? Comment below and share your ideas with us!
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Looking for some other family favorites around the Mid-Michigan area?
Check out our guides here!
