There are many reasons to love Thanksgiving. Spending quality time with loved ones, the traditions, and the delicious food – and of course, giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in preparing for the holidays that we lose sight of the important things about Thanksgiving. That does not have to be the case this year – there is enough time to be intentional and focus on what makes Thanksgiving so special.
Any time you get to spend quality time with your family is valuable, but Thanksgiving is an extra special time for us all because it’s a time to focus on everything good in our lives. With a little extra effort, you can make this holiday season one that you won’t forget.
Five Ways to Make This Thanksgiving Extra Special
While there are many great Thanksgiving traditions, sometimes we all need something to make the holiday a little more special. Adding a little seasoning to your traditions can make it a holiday that you remember for years to come.
- Decorate for Thanksgiving with your household. We put so much work into decorating for Christmas (of course!), but decorating for Thanksgiving is a lot of fun. From cornucopias to colorful squashes, Thanksgiving decorations are not only beautiful but create a very cozy, relaxing atmosphere in your home.
- Make a Thanksgiving list. This is the antithesis of a Christmas list, but it is just as fun – and far more beneficial. The concept is simple: take some time each morning to think of one or two (or a few) things you’re thankful for in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, and then reflect on the list on Thanksgiving. You can use a quality piece of paper on the fridge or a stylish chalkboard – whatever fits your family’s style.
- Prepare new games to play with the family. We’ve all been there; the meal is over, everyone is full of good food, and then everyone tries to come up with something to do other than nap the day away. Prepare some fun new games or old favorites that will bring an element of fun to your Thanksgiving gathering – you might inspire laughter and a whole lot of fun for the whole family.
- Take an afternoon walk. Shake the sleepiness off Thanksgiving afternoon and take a walk with your family members after the meal (and maybe after a nap as well). In Austin, we are fortunate enough to have weather that allows us to take long walks in November. Those in Michigan or Montana don’t get that luxury, and we should enjoy the outdoors-friendly weather with those we love.
- Make a fun holiday treat together. This is especially nice if your family makes it an entire day and does Thanksgiving-lunch-and-dinner with the relatives. Search online or in a holiday cookbook for a festive treat to make as a family – it could be turkey-themed cookies or even an early Christmas treat. Not only is it a fun bonding experience with your loved ones, you will also have an extra special treat with dinner. Be sure to take a picture of everyone with their tasty creations.
Bonus: Color the tablecloth! Yes, we said it. Go ahead and color on the tablecloth. Buy a white tablecloth and some fabric markers and make a keepsake with your loved ones on Thanksgiving. If you have kids in the house, this is a great activity to do with your youngsters and it is a great way to make memories during the drowsy holiday afternoon.
Celebrating Your Austin Thanksgiving With Your Loved Ones
With the ups and downs this year has brought, you deserve to have a joyful Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday, one that celebrates all the good things in your life. Don’t let this holiday season pass you by without making the most of it. Whether it’s counting your blessings with everyone, making holiday treats with your kids or playing games with your parents, or all of the above, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for everything good in our lives and celebrating that is important.
Find your own favorite ways to make your holiday special – and enjoy this holiday season to the fullest. Here at Patterson Insurance, we encourage you to enjoy every moment you spend with your loved ones this Thanksgiving in Austin, Texas.