he year is filled with events that grab children's attention--birthdays with decorated cakes, parties and presents, and Valentines Day with its cards and sweets. Independence Day has fireworks, and Halloween and Purim mean dressing up in costumes. In contrast, with no presents, costumes or fireworks, Thanksgiving doesn't seem to hold as much interest for kids. They know they'll have a few days away from school and perhaps a turkey dinner with family and friends, but what else is there to fire their engines? They are often sent off to entertain themselves while the adults prepare the meal and the table.
on't make the same old tired handprint turkey for Thanksgiving. This year, try being colonists instead. Grab your mobcap and try one of these ideas.
ake your Thanksgiving table festive with homemade place mats. It's fun for kids of all ages to stamp the painted designs and add details with dimensional paints. Supplies are inexpensive and will go a long way. "This was a great idea for my three kids, ages 3-8," says a mom from Cincinnati. The LaClairs of New York said it was fun for all of them, ages five to thirty-nine. An added benefit of this activity is the chance to talk to your kids about Thanksgiving. "It gave us the opportunity to explain to the kids about being thankful for special people and the things in our lives," says Lynda Hannan, mom of two young kids. A family in Ohio recalled the fun of making turkey napkin holders last year for Grandma, and a family in Nebraska talked about what their Thanksgiving would be like this year. An 11-year-old boy sums it up perfectly: "Thanksgiving was a good name to call this holiday because we are thankful to see each other and the aunts and uncles and Grandma and Grandpa."
