Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming times of the year for parents and kids alike, but I want to provide a few simple, practical ideas to make the most of the time we have, especially when we are preparing food, eating, and sitting around the table for our big meals.
1. Prepare your kids ahead of time - communicate expectations for how you would like your kids to be involved with the process (setting table, help bake, etc.) Explain who is coming over or what the day's schedule will be like.
2. Be present - explain the value of staying with the family and enjoying face-to-face time with holiday guests. Some kids (I was one of them) would prefer to eat and run off to their rooms, but it's important to explain the value of spending quality time with company and family during these occasions. Create an agreement for cell phones and tablets usage beforehand so children know what is expected of them and try to keep children engaged in conversation by including them.
3. Invite kids to play a role - offer kids a choice with how they can help with things like cooking, cleaning, etc. Create a teaching tradition by intentionally picking one item and allow them to help, such as setting the table, preparing the turkey, baking pies, carving the turkey, etc. These are skills parents can pass on as a legacy in their families.
4. Celebrate how God is working in each person's life - Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to talk openly about God and give Him the credit for specific blessings. This goes beyond the pre-meal prayer but sets an attitude of thankfulness for the whole day.
5. Practice kindness and grace - teens especially can be a target for relatives to drill with questions during holidays. Try and keep conversations focused on the positive things your kids have been doing; this is the perfect opportunity to publicly affirm children as well.
Fun Idea! Purchase a light-colored tablecloth and sharpies. Ask everyone to write something they are thankful for on the tablecloth, and then reuse the tablecloth each year and watch it fill with thanks and memories!
