Holiday Helpers: Great Ways to Bond with the Kids & Show Gratitude While Planning for a Family Thanksgiving

Young girl helping her mom take a finished baked treat out of the oven for Thanksgiving.

We all know that planning the perfect holiday soiree is a feat in itself. 

Putting one together with young kids in the family can sometimes be a little, well, extra challenging. But, have no fear. While there are many things to check off of your to-do list, you can certainly delegate some to those tiny helpers. (No, not elves.)

We’ve got some easy and fun ways you can involve the kids in the planning. The bonus for all is that spending time together planning, decorating, giving back, and making a Thanksgiving special can be something a child remembers for a lifetime. 

Britsy Bean Thanksgiving Helper Checklist

There are No Small Acts of Holiday Helping

Let’s face it, some of the helpers we’re talking about are less than 3-4 feet tall, and maybe didn’t brush their teeth today. But they do want to help with activities—they just need something to do, and a little instruction and direction. And, don’t forget to use the adorable Thanksgiving Helper Checklist by Britsy Bean, so the kids can proudly list all the great ways they pitched-in.

Decorating and Table Setting

From creating crayon-lined name cards to fashioning paper napkin rings from construction paper, kids love getting creative! Crafting holiday inspired signs or pictures for guests, and decorating with family heirlooms, are some of the most precious ways you can bond with your child during the holiday season. From placing plates and spoons to setting the place cards to hanging holiday decor, there is no shortage of ways kids can help with these tasks. Best part? Your child will feel like they really had something to do with the success of this wonderful family event, and your guests will likely be wowed by your little one’s art!

Guest Greeting & Toastmaster

If your child has the gift of gab, greeting guests and showing them to the coat closet might not be enough interaction. We suggest including designing and placing each guest’s place card as part of the duties, as well as “apple juice toastmaster.” What child would not be happy to kick off a special moment at the table with a special (short and sweet) speech they made, with each guest then sharing what they are grateful for?

Deliveries with a Smile Inside

Writing and sending holiday cards to those serving in the military is a wonderful way to spread cheer, to help children understand the meaning of giving to others. Taking the time to put gratitude into words and pictures for others, helps children remember those acts of kindness better. There is one note to mention, gleaned from Parents magazine: “Unlike in previous years, there’s no national Holiday Mail for Heroes Post Office Box to send cards to. Instead, the Red Cross is using community-based events for making, signing, sorting and delivering cards to fellow members of the community. Contact your local chapter for information on participating.” 

Kids can also make cards for senior citizens at a center nearby or for children who may be sick at a local hospital for the holiday season. Getting mail can brighten a day and help someone feel less alone.   

While there are many ways to enjoy the holiday season together, having the kids help you along the way helps bring even more sparkle to the memories all will share and remember.

However you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, we hope it’s a great one, filled with love and warmth—from our Britsy Bean family to yours!

flowers
Do you have special ways you like to involve your children (or children in your family) in the holiday planning and giving?  Send us a note and share your special projects with us — we’ll share the inspiration with our audience over the holidays! 
flowers

Need More Holiday (Gift) Helpers? We’ve got you.

Need an Heirloom Gift? 

How about a sparkling blue gingerbread tree, or gingerbread house that illuminates (also in pink), meant to be displayed year in and year out, for the family to enjoy for years to come? 

Is it going to be a Merry Pinkmas?

We’ve got delicious macaroon and meringue trees and pink tiered cake decor perfect for adorning your holiday wonderland table and rooms!

Happy Birthday, Holiday Baby!

Celebrate the soon-to-be new arrivals with these handmade birthday countdown calendars, gorgeous birthday banners, and fun photo frame props, in mint and pink. Great gift for winter baby showers, too.