Thanksgiving is just 3 short days away! Families gathering, loved ones celebrating each other, and of course, food galore. But when it comes to keeping Little Ones occupied, especially with everything else going on, it can be a bit of a challenge. Until now! Consider this your day-of kit. Your go-to resource to keep things flowing smoothly while being enjoyable for everyone.
Now, this works much better when everything is prepared ahead of time. And of course, it becomes effortless when you have support in the form of family or loved ones to help entertain/watch the Littles. But even if you’re playing all the roles on Thanksgiving, this will still help the day go by easier and more memorable! So let’s get to it, shall we?
Activity #1
Activities are how Little Ones stay occupied during big events. And one way to really get Little Ones to understand the concept behind Thanksgiving is with thankful activities! If you’re short on ideas, I’ve got 2 really great ones for Littles of all ages. Plus, they can keep them engaged for a decent while if you plan it right. *These thankful activities are better geared for Littles aged 2 and up, but simple sensory and development toys work for Littles younger than that.
One idea is a thankful turkey. It’s the more simplistic style of the 2 activities, so if you’ve got younger Little Ones or Littles with shorter attention spans, this is a great one! Start by either drawing your own turkey or downloading and printing a template from offline. Simply type in ‘printable thankful turkey’ online and many variations will pop up. Try to keep the template as simple as possible and even considering printing it in B&W so Littles can take extra time to color it in.
In case it’s not obvious what the activity is already, you’re going to be having your Littles write something that they are thankful for on each turkey feather. (The more the merrier!) If you’ve got a Little that doesn’t know how to write quite yet, that’s okay! It’ll just take a little extra prep work on your part. Ask them ahead of time to tell you things that they’re thankful for and print their answers on the feathers beforehand. This way they can practice their writing skills by tracing over the words listed!
The time this activity takes will vary and depend on your Little One. Try to keep them engaged for as long as possible, and scroll down to see some great snack ideas to keep them even more occupied in the meantime!
Activity #2
This activity is another thankful activity – I’m sure you understand why. And it’s great for older Littles or any Little with a longer attention span! You can get as creative as you like on this one, but make sure it’s fun and not frustrating for your Little. Either draw your own or download and print a template from online. A simple tree on paper with cutout glue-on leaves. A more sophisticated cutout tree with cutout glue-on leaves. Or a grand old paper mache tree or real bark tree complete with strings or clips to attach leaves. It’s completely up to you and your Little!
Image credit Rhythms of Play 
Credit Frog Prince Paperie 
Image credit Good Housekeeping
It’s the same concept as the thankful turkey, but more intricate and detailed. As you can see from the images above, the answers can be as simple as jokes and games or as thought out as Momma’s hugs and friendship. Either way, let them stay engaged and their minds flow. There’s nothing too big or too small to be grateful for! Make sure your Littles know that too! And of course, the time this activity takes will vary and depend on your Little One. But scroll down to see some great snack ideas to keep them even more occupied in the meantime!
Related: Feeling Overwhelmed? Check out this blog.
Snack #1
Since there’s already going to be food galore, it’s probably best to keep the snacking light. One of the easiest (and healthiest!) snacks is perfectly themed and super quick to prepare! Simply peel some cuties, place them on a serving dish, and poke celery or cucumber slices into the top. Voila – healthy pumpkin snacks!
Snack #2
Another somewhat healthy snack – charcuterie boards have become all the rage this year. From fancy flowers and intricate designs to more simplistic variations, there’s no end to this trend I don’t think. Obviously with a whole meal being prepped all day long, this isn’t something anyone wants to go to crazy on. But it’s something to keep the Littles occupied while they work on their activities and adults complaint-free until mealtime! A turkey charcuterie board! Be as creative as you want on this one and remember to have as much fun making it as your loved ones will have eating it!
Image credit The Baker Mama on Pinterest 
Credit Mary At Home Is Where The Boat Is on Pinterest
Snack #3
Popcorn on the cob, anyone? Yes please! The last healthy option on my idea list is just as easy as it’s liked by everyone! Simply pick your favorite type of popcorn – I see you butter lovers out there, and you all-natural sea salt lovers – pop it up, separate bunches into baggies, and wrap with green tissue paper and ties. Voila – a healthy and fun snack for Littles of all ages! This should definitely help to keep Littles occupied.
Snack #4
I figured since it’s a holiday, we get to treat ourselves a little. And if we do, why shouldn’t our Little Ones? *This part is completely up to you! If you don’t want your Littles having sugary snacks, then by all means, stick to the first 3 snacks. That’s plenty until mealtime! But if you’re okay with a little indulging, this first idea is super easy and quick. Simply make a batch of Rice Krispies mixed with a smidge of orange food coloring. Then scoop out spoonfuls and roll into a pumpkin shape and place on parchment paper. Place a green Mike & Ike, sour straw, or any other candy you like in the top, and voila! A treat that matches the theme.
Snack #5
Another fun snack that can occupy everyone (and one they can enjoy!) is pretzel turkey feathers! Simply melt some chocolate, dip pretzel sticks into the melt, add some yellow, orange, and red sprinkles to liking, and let dry. Then fill a bowl with nuts (or more chocolates) and insert the pretzel sticks into the top of the bowl. And there you have it – a fun alternative turkey with edible feathers!
Attitude Of Gratitude (And Love)
Whatever your plans are this Thanksgiving, remember this: I’m thankful for you. I’m thankful for the support, encouragement, and love I receive and feel on a daily basis. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance, feedback, and acceptance from so many of my loved ones. So thank you. Thank you for everything and for being you.
If you have any fun Thanksgiving activity or snack ideas (or any other ideas for that matter), please share them! You just never know the impact you might have on someone else’s life until you make it. And until next time, Happy Thanksgiving and hopefully I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be!(:
With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma
