Shannon Dean Turn off Electronics
Electronics often interfere with the ability to catch up and connect with family. Take the necessary food and family photos, then opt for a technology-free table. Simply say, “Let’s turn off the electronics for a few hours,” and watch the conversations flow.
Remember Absent Family Members
Build Family Connection with meaningful Thanksgiving traditions
It can be therapeutic and respectful to remember family members who can’t attend Thanksgiving or who have passed away. Consider lighting a candle, leaving an open chair or place setting, serving favorite dishes, or saying a special blessing. It’s important for all family members to know that despite any loss or absence, they will always be held up by generational family bonds. Experts stress that sharing memories of absent family members keeps them close, but to use discretion if grief is fresh.
Tell Family Stories
Many consider Thanksgiving the
best winter holiday since it focuses on family and gratitude. Taking part in yearly rituals gives families a sense of stability, identity and connection, and an opportunity to demonstrate what makes them unique. A study by the Society for Research in Child Development found that parents who have pleasant memories of family traditions have more positive interactions with their own children, who may continue the cycle. Here are eight easy and meaningful Thanksgiving rituals to facilitate family connections.
Share Dishes that Celebrate Your Family’s Identity
The perfect Thanksgiving menu varies from family to family. Serve dishes that are personally meaningful or reflect the family’s heritage or experiences. Don’t shy away from regional dishes that reflect guests’ identity and personal preferences. Consider cooking such
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dishes with children so they learn to appreciate them and can pass the traditions down to their own families.
Use (and add to) Family Heirlooms
Many hosts serve Thanksgiving dinner on “the good china” so the meal is extra special. Some families embrace mismatched vintage pieces that are specific to the holiday. Those who don’t start with a complete set will find that building a larger collection is relatively easy and inexpensive. Scour auction sites, garage sales and thrift stores to find matching pieces or items that complement what you currently use. It’s fun to add to your collection as your family grows. Consider making the pieces available to whoever hosts the Thanksgiving meal. Tip: Replacements Limited (www.replacements.com) helps identify unknown names and patterns of dinnerware, silverware, glassware and flatware.
Bring meaning to dinner conversation by asking family members to share stories. Doing so ensures that mealtime topics remain positive and that family members gain new insight about one another. Adults can begin by asking open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite birthday?” Or, “What personal attribute is most important to you?” Answers may lead to an intimate peek inside a family member’s personality, values and experiences. Tip: StoryCorps offers conversation starters in categories such as family heritage and growing up. Visit www .storycorps.org/participate/greatquestions; Family Tree Magazine offers 20 questions applicable to all family members at www .familytreemagazine.com/premium/20questions; and games such as Table Topics facilitate fun and meaningful family discussions.
Provide Activities for Kids
Even the most engaged and wellbehaved children enjoy entertainment