Here are some fun ideas to bring the family together this Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy!
1. Do a 5 Minute Family Devotion.
Here is a link to our FREE Thanksgiving devotion. Challenge yourself to find the time to gather the family this weekend to discuss God’s Word on being thankful.
2. Video chat with those who can’t be there. Grandparents will love to connect even though they may not be with you. (This is the only use of “screens” allowed!)
3. Play.
If you want to get out of the house, go bowling or rock climbing, take a walk, go ice skating, play touch football. Inside ideas: Pull out those board games you used to play…Play cards. Play team charades!
4. Pray.
At thanksgiving dinner this year, instead of one person praying and saying “grace”, ask everyone to simply pray a one word thank you to God: “God, thank you for _________.” If it is a huge crowd, have everyone shout out their thanks at the same time! That will leave a lasting impression on the young ones.
5. Look at photos.
Remember those photos somewhere in the digital realm that you never look at? This is probably one of the most fun things you can do as a family as you remember and laugh and maybe even cry. Don’t spend hours preparing, just find a way so all can see them, click ‘slideshow’ and let them go…
6. Help someone else.
What a great opportunity to bless someone! Maybe there is an elderly person who needs their leaves raked, or snow shoveled…If you are baking some goodies, bake some for a neighbor…Invite someone over for Thanksgiving!
7. Family-Do-List
Tackle the Honey-Do-List as a family. Do a project together around the house that you can accomplish in a day and that you can do together!
8. Start Meaningful conversations…
We can always count on my wife to say at our Thanksgiving dinner, “Everyone say something they are thankful for about each person.” Everyone goes around saying something they really like about one person and then on to the next person. It’s always uncomfortable, but is always a great time to build one another up.
Would you rather? Would you rather be able to fly whenever you want or be invisible? Check out this website for more great questions http://www.buzzle.com/articles/would-you-rather-questions.html
What is your most fun memory?
Your most embarrassing moment?
Favorite movie?
Favorite scripture verse?
Favorite story from the Bible?
9. Crafts.
Get a few craft materials so they can make these festive creations, or just print some holiday coloring pages to keep them entertained during final meal preparations.
10. Turn off the screens….iPads, computers, TVs. Unplug them!
The most important thing you can do is invite God into this weekend’s activities, so your children will be aware of His presence at home and not just at church. They will experience God in the fun family times, activities, and aromas of Thanksgiving.
Written by Jonathan
Rev. Jonathan Cronkhite has been serving youth and families in full time
ministry for the last 23 years. With the heart of a pastor, he encourages and equips families to have Homes Devoted, through conferences, workshops, coaching and writing. Married to Carrie for 22 years, they have 5 children, run a home school co-op, drama club and invite 50 people over once a month for airsoft battles.
