To make Thanksgiving more memorable this year, consider starting a new tradition or two with the family. Because as you know…..traditions help create lifelong memories.

Make this the year you go the extra mile, by extending your generosity and blessings beyond your own family.
During Thanksgiving time, plan an annual “Giving Day” that involves every member of your family. Collect cloths, toys, and food and donate them to local shelters (such as battered women shelters or homeless shelters). You could also collect pet toys and pet food and take them to the local animal shelter.

Donate blood — as a family. There is no greater form of “giving” than to give the gift of life.
Participate in a Habitat for Humanity project.

Volunteer at your church during this week.

Sign up to help serve food at a local homeless shelter, battered women’s shelter, etc.
Offer to help a neighbor during Thanksgiving week. Maybe they could use a few hours of free childcare so they can run errands during this busy time of year, or rake up a neighbor’s yard that’s filled with leaves at the same time you do your own, or take a pre-cooked meal to an elderly or single neighbor who doesn’t have family in the area.

Here are some ways to “switch it up a bit” in your home this Thanksgiving:
Take a family walk
Write each of your children a letter
Bring out Christmas pictures
Come up with new recipes for side dishes
Ask everyone to write what they are thankful for
Invite a neighbor to your Thanksgiving meal
Play an exciting game of Win Lose or Draw
Draw names for exchanging Christmas gifts
Use the good china!

Play a game of football with the kids