You have all your groceries ready, and know exactly how you will time your day. We all love mealtime but getting there can be stressful. Throw kids in the mix and it can be a situation that has everyone breaking down before the pumpkin pie is cut. Our kids are eager to help or are easily bored and they make sure we know. Whether you are the host, or headed to a friend or family member’s home, we have some suggestions to help not only entertain those little ones but also to get them involved in the big day.
Arts & Crafts
Leaf Cut Outs: Cut some leaf shapes on Wednesday evening out of construction paper (perfect time for a glass of wine and a Christmas movie, may we suggest something from Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas?) Get some festive stickers and crayons and put them in a basket and you are ready to entertain all ages. Your kiddos can make name cards for each place setting or just general decor to liven up the table.
Table Cloth Design: We took a page out of Carrabba’s book and think using paper tablecloths for the kids table is a great idea and boredom killer. Get the adults involved and have everyone write what they are thankful for at each place setting. You can also use cardstock at each place setting if you want to use your nicer tablecloth.
Thanksgiving Activity Bags: Whenever we have a big holiday dinner my mom makes sure each child has at least three items in a small box to entertain them. She runs to the Dollar Tree and grabs crayons, cars, bubbles, stickers, dolls, play dough etc. and puts them in little crayon boxes so they are easy to take home. The kids have ample entertainment for the evening and the adults can enjoy their meal.
Games
Thanksgiving Bingo: Everyone gets into this game as they wait for the bird to cook! It is also an easy way to use up some of the extra Halloween candy you have lying around. Check out this easy printable piece by Fun Squared.
Turkey Tag!: Lets Get Together has a great game idea for kids and adults to get into. Get some of the little ones energy out before you sit down, or work off some of the extra pie post meal! You can make extra turkey pins for your little ones to play with if they are too little to run around.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: This one helps get the kids thinking about what they are grateful for. They will be able to spend time finding each thing on the list and you can have a time of sharing at the dinner table.
In the Kitchen
Roll Placement: Let your kiddo help place the crescent rolls on the baking pan before it goes in the oven.
Green Bean Snapping: Teach the kids how to help pop the ends off of your green beans for the casserole and help put it together.
Basting Assistant: Let your older kids be in charge of keeping track of the basting schedule. They can help set the timer and let you know when it is time to baste the turkey!
Fruit Skewers: Get an assortment of fruit like strawberries, grapes, and pineapple and have your kids place them on skewers to make a fruit kabob appetizer.
Cheese and Cracker Platter: Pre-cut some cheese slices and let the kids arrange them on a platter with some crackers. They can even be in charge of making sure each guest has some.
We love the chance to be with friends and family, but the easier we can make it on ourselves and the kids, the better! Have a great week and a Happy Holiday! Do you have fun ideas or traditions that you do with your kids? Tell us in the comments or tag us on Instagram, we’d love to see all your creative ideas!
