Most people look forward to Thanksgiving because they anticipate devouring heaping plates of roasted turkey, mac and cheese and collard greens, playing Spades with relatives and kicking back on the couch – stuffed – to watch the football game.

Thanksgiving is more than a foodie’s dream holiday. It’s a wonderful time to spend quality moments with loved ones and reflect on our blessings. It’s also the perfect opportunity to start fun family traditions to teach children the meaning of gratitude. The following are five heartwarming ideas to make Thanksgiving memorable for your family.

1. Create a “Thankful Tree”
   You’re never too young to count your blessings. Studies show that when kids are taught gratitude, it improves their mental and physical health, helps them build stronger relationships, and increases their resilience.

A Thankful Tree is the perfect visual reminder of the things that bring us joy. Use green, red, orange and yellow construction paper to cut out colorful paper leaves. Have each family member write something they’re thankful for on a leaf each day leading up to Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on Thursday, November 27 this year. Attach these paper leaves to a small branch or poster board. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, you’ll have a beautiful memento of your family’s blessings!

2. Cook Together
   Kids can start helping in the kitchen as early as age two. Put those little hands to work this Thanksgiving. They can perform simple tasks, such as washing vegetables, mashing potatoes, or adding pre-measured ingredients to a bowl. Involving your children in meal prep makes them feel proud and teaches them the importance of teamwork!
3. Make a Family Gratitude Jar
   Before you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, pass out small strips of paper or note cards and have your loved ones write down happy memories, funny moments, or things they’re grateful for. The littlest family members can use a crayon to draw the things that make them smile. Place the paper strips or note cards in a jar. After the meal, gather everyone around, open the jar, and have everyone read aloud from a paper strip or note card.
4. Give Back as a Family
   This Thanksgiving seems more challenging than previous holidays with SNAP benefits being cut and rising food prices. You can model gratitude for your children through giving. Donate canned goods, make cards for local nursing homes, or bake treats for neighbors. Kids learn powerful lessons when they see kindness in action.

The City of Philadelphia has compiled a list of resources that provide free food for families in need and accept donations.

5. Enjoy a Post-Dinner Tradition
   After a heavy meal, most people are tempted to conk out on the couch! For your new Thanksgiving tradition, take a walk together as a family, play a board game, create a new song with each member contributing a lyric, or gather around the TV for a fun, kid-friendly movie night. The goal of this tradition is to slow down, reflect on the good things in life and enjoy spending time together.

Thanksgiving traditions don’t need to be time-consuming—just meaningful. By creating fun family customs to express gratitude and encourage connection, your loved ones will make memories that last long after the leftovers are gone.