Holiday traditions strengthen family bonds and create emotional security and fond memories. Involving children in the preparation and celebration of holidays gives them a sense of belonging and importance.

Here are 10 Thanksgiving traditions you can begin this week with your kids.

1. Place an empty mason jar in the middle of your dining table.

This is your gratitude jar. Have each member of the family write one thing they are thankful for each day this week and place it in the jar. Before dinner, empty the jar and read each one aloud.

2. Make personalized place mats by making hand print turkeys and laminating them.

These add a lovely personal touch to your dinner table. Try these watercolor place cards.

3. Decorate together.

Hang handmade paper garlands and place your child's art work and crafts around the home. Try this stained glass window hand turkey! They will take pride in knowing their creations mean enough to put on display.

4. Volunteer together.

Help in a soup kitchen, visit the elderly, collect canned food for a food bank, take blankets and food to an animal shelter, or make boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Volunteering teaches children about compassion, empathy, gratitude, and community responsibility.

5. Make your child's favorite dish part of the menu.

Who says you can't have a side of spaghetti? Bonus – if you have a picky eater, you won't spend the meal fussing over peas.

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Related Article: A Season of Thanks