Thanksgiving Activities: Top 10 Ways to Make 2023 Memorable

Whether you're hosting your first big family Thanksgiving or just a small celebration at home, there are many ways to enjoy this special day and create connections with family.

One of the best Thanksgiving Activities about traditions is that you can start them at any time. If you want to change the program, consider these traditions. You can play group games like Pictionary, charades, or watch Thanksgiving movies. To add meaning to the holidays, you can also write thank you notes to loved ones, start a gratitude jar, or volunteer in community service. In the end, no tradition is wrong. Each idea will help you create new memories with the people you love, and that's something you'll cherish for years to come.

Thanksgiving day, like many other holidays, isn't just about a hearty meal but also about togetherness and time spent with those for whom we are most grateful. If you're looking for ways to make Thanksgiving more special this year, here are 10 things to do Thanksgiving Day to create unforgettable memories.

1. Share family stories together

On Thanksgiving Day, share family stories and create cherished memories together

There are many meaningful Thanksgiving activities and this will be the one that brings everyone together. Each of us holds special family stories close to our hearts that we want to share, no matter how many times we have heard them! Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion for people to retell those stories, especially when people are thinking about preparing for the holiday season.

In the solemn atmosphere of Thanksgiving, we have the opportunity to reflect on the past year with family and friends. Whether it's during a meal together or relaxing moments at the end of the day, feel free to move around the room and share special things that each person is grateful for. It's wonderful to hear people talk about their favorite moments and experiences throughout the year.

2. Watch the Macy's Parade

The warm atmosphere of Thanksgiving not only lies in happy moments with family but is also opened by Macy's Parade. This is one of the fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day so you can admire the big balloons flying high in the sky, while also seeing the amazing beauty of the Radio City Rockettes artist group.

Watching Macy's Parade is a Thanksgiving tradition, with colorful floats and energetic performers delighting spectators

The Macy's Parade is not only a traditional event but also an important part of American Thanksgiving culture. This place always brings the audience surprises and interesting performances, from the hottest Broadway musicals to unique performances that you can only enjoy every Thanksgiving season.

3. Eat a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

No Thanksgiving Day is complete without a signature traditional meal. This party is not only an opportunity for us to enjoy delicious dishes but also an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the cozy atmosphere of family and friendship.

Indispensable dishes in the Thanksgiving meal include roasted turkey, accompanied by attractive cranberry sauce, rich stuffing, delicious mashed potatoes and delicious gravy. Besides, we cann't forget sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, traditional dishes with rich autumn flavors.

Feasting on a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with loved ones gathered, is a cherished tradition

A popular dish, especially in the Midwest, is green bean stew, a delicate dish that brings out the typical flavors of the region. And to end the meal, there's no shortage of sweet pumpkin pie, a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. This is truly indispensable in Thanksgiving activities.

4. Start with a gratitude Jar that captures wonderful memories

Appreciation jars are one of those Thanksgiving day ideas that your family is sure to love and that will be a great new Thanksgiving tradition. The special thing is that it can last throughout November, making the family atmosphere warm and full of gratitude.

Starting with a gratitude jar, capturing wonderful memories, sets the tone for a heartfelt Thanksgiving

First, label the jar, then keep a pen and paper near the jar so everyone in the family can write things they are grateful for throughout the month. Every day, from small things to big experiences, each member has the opportunity to show their gratitude.

At Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy the special moment when everyone takes the paper out of the jar and reads it together. This not only creates a cozy atmosphere but is also an opportunity for the whole family to share joy and reflect on the precious things experienced throughout November.

5. Volunteer with Family

Some families see Thanksgiving not only as an occasion to express gratitude, but also as an opportunity to incorporate volunteerism into their celebrations. By volunteering with your family, you not only help those in need but also create an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity. Enjoy quality time together serving the community, and at the same time learn the important values of gratitude and sharing. This will be one of the memorable and truly meaningful Thanksgiving activities for everyone, both the giver and the receiver.

Volunteering as a family brings us closer, making a positive impact on Thanksgiving and beyond

6. Send Thanksgiving Cards

Sending Thanksgiving cards is a popular way to convey love and affection to those who cannot attend the big meal. For many families, this has become a new favorite Thanksgiving tradition. Or if you're hosting a large gathering, write a separate note to each dinner attendee and leave it at their seat, waiting to be read before the meal begins.

Thanksgiving cards are not only a symbol of gratitude but also a great way to share your thoughts, wishes and feelings this holiday. Write sweet, heartfelt lines to express your gratitude and care for the people you love. These cards are not only small gifts but also the best way to create meaningful memories during every Thanksgiving activities holiday.

Sending Thanksgiving cards expresses gratitude and brings warm wishes to loved ones

7. Collarbone Traction

Since the time of the Etruscan civilization in ancient Italy, the tradition of pulling the clavicle has existed. People often separate bones from turkeys, chickens, or other poultry to make a wish. This tradition was carried by the Romans when they conquered Britain, and the British then brought it to America. Whether you're preparing a whole turkey this year or not, or you want everyone to join in on the fun, you can still participate in this Thanksgiving activity: Find an artificial wishbone and invite everyone to join in the fun.

The turkey wishbone pull is a traditional post-Thanksgiving game, where players tug on the bone and hope for a victory

Collarbone pulling is not only a fun tradition, but it's also a great way to create a happy and relaxing atmosphere at your Thanksgiving feast. Everyone can together make their wishes come true, creating memorable and enjoyable memories in the sincere and cozy atmosphere of this important holiday.

8. Collect canned foods to donate

Many families often volunteer by donating food to food banks around Thanksgiving. However, shelter providers often need food assistance not only during this period but throughout the holiday season. To incorporate tradition, when you order side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast, encourage each family member to buy double the amount of canned food when they go grocery shopping. Next, organize a gathering of excess canned food and donate it to a local organization. This will be one of the meaningful and simple Thanksgiving activities you can try.

Collecting canned goods for donation is a meaningful way to give back and help those in need

9. Start a Gratitude Journal

Extend your gratitude beyond the holidays. After sharing words of gratitude around the Thanksgiving table, keep up the tradition by starting a gratitude journal. Make it a goal to write about one thing you're grateful for every day of the year—and then, when next year's Thanksgiving rolls around, read it again and reflect on your experiences from the past year.

Embarking on the journey of journaling for Thanksgiving adds an extra memorable touch to the holiday

10. Black Friday Shopping

Stores across the country often hold their biggest sales the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday, also known as "Black Friday," has become almost a shopping festival. Although this shopping tradition has changed with the development of e-commerce, many people still line up early to hunt for great deals and start their Christmas shopping streak.

Black Friday shopping is a popular post-Thanksgiving tradition, with eager shoppers hunting for great deals and discounts

Thanksgiving Day 2023 isn't only an occasion to enjoy food but also an opportunity to create memorable memories with family and friends. Let these Thanksgiving activities make your 2023 holiday more special and meaningful than ever. Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving Day filled with joy and gratitude!