Thanksgiving Family Tradition: Giving Thanks
with
Anne-Marie Barton
Thanksgiving isn't just about home cooking and a hearty meal with your family - it's also about giving thanks. Make the holiday more meaningful by giving back to the community with your children.
Transcript: Thanksgiving Family Tradition: Giving Thanks
Hi I'm Anne-Marie Barton.If you ask your children their favorite holidays, they're sure to answer Halloween, Christmas or maybe even Easter. You almost never hear Thanksgiving. Of course it's likely because they're no pillow cases full of candy or fancy gifts to unwrap.
Find a Thanksgiving Tradition
With turkey, my mom's famous cream potatoes and my grandmother's banana cake, our Thanksgiving is pretty outstanding! But, it seems we need to look for more traditions in order to make this holiday unforgettable.Giving as a Thanksgiving Tradition
Just as the word says, Thanksgiving is about giving and showing gratitude. So why not take this time to focus your family on serving others. There is a more unique, fulfilling joy when giving than when receiving. It's important that your children know the difference!Create a Thanksgiving Collection
Even with the range of ages amongst my children, as Thanksgiving approaches they begin to gather up their money in preparation of the night we'll all go and buy turkeys for the poor. Try setting a jar out in the kitchen labeled "Thanksgiving Turkeys." It will help the children remember what's coming and how to spend their money, adding dollars and change until you have enough.Donate as a Family
Bundle up the children, go as a family to the store and let them load up the cart! Followed by a drive to the local food shelter, unloading the turkey's ready to go out to the poor. You've created a memory and you've let them feel the real power in giving.I'm Anne-Marie Barton, About Home.