It’s no secret the highlight of most everyone’s Thanksgiving holiday is the big meal. You probably dream about your favorite side dishes the week before (or maybe that’s just me). Sure, greeting Aunt Martha after months apart is exciting, or catching up with Grandma Susan is sweet, but the food sure helps bring families together.
To maintain that engagement and socializing after the plates are cleared, you may need some fresh ideas before guests slowly sneak out the door. We’ve compiled a list of activities to help you continue the fun after the turkey’s done. Make the most of time with your loved ones this year.
Mad libs
This is a family favorite for all occasions on my dad’s side, so you might give it a shot this season. Each silly story usually brings the family to tears from laughing so hard. You can find printables online, but writing your own can be entertaining.
Guess How Many
Fill a jar with candy corn, place it in the center of the table and have guests take a gander. The person who guesses correctly gets to take the whole thing home. This, at least, could serve as a nice icebreaker.
Thanksgiving Charades
You may start out with Thanksgiving themes, but favorite movies or TV shows might soon take the spotlight. That’s okay, because anything that entertains your in-laws and the kiddos is a win.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
This would be fun to set up right after eating (in case you’re already thinking about a nap). A scavenger hunt gets the kids up and moving around if they’re antsy after the meal.
Browse Through Photo Albums
In an era of selfies and Snapchat, sifting through old photo albums can fascinate. I enjoyed browsing through the same two photo albums at my grandparents’ house each time I visited. Sit down with your relatives and take some time to ask questions about each photo’s unique story.
Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
A hot chocolate bar is another great opportunity to mingle. Set up a table with add-ons like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips and candy pieces. Have a crockpot full of homemade hot chocolate ready to go after your meal.
Set Up the Christmas Tree
I don’t know about you, but immediately after Thanksgiving I am in the Christmas spirit. A good reason to start setting up is that your whole family is already over to help, and it’s a great way to continue the holiday spirit.
Take a Family Photo
You have plenty of random selfies on your phone, but it’s not often the whole family is in one spot. Humor your mom and take a group photo, a photo with just the siblings, any and all shots. You will be happy you have these to look at later.
Tips and Tricks for the Kids:
- Create a coloring table—cover the kids table with a paper tablecloth intended for coloring with makers or crayons.
- Leave a few board games out for after the meal.
- Set a box of Legos out for the kiddos to build.
- Print a Thanksgiving word search.
- Bring a few containers of play-doh and have the kids create turkey sculptures. The most creative gets a prize.
Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 5-year old son and dog.