Health & Fitness
A Twist on Tradition
Break out of the same-old holiday routine with these simple ideas.
Thanksgiving comes with plenty of much loved traditions. Year after year we've come to expect certain things that if went missing, everyone would surly notice. But as families grow and change, so should our traditions.
A new twist on going around the table and having each person say what he or she is grateful for, would be to have everyone write it down, put the papers in a jar, then pass the jar haveing each guest pull one out and read it aloud. Everyone will have fun trying to guess who wrote what.
The "kids table" always makes an appearance during the holidays, and can serve double duty by keeping the kiddies occupied. Try covering the kids table with craft paper, then use crayons to write each child's name and draw a fun frame around each child's plate. Leave the crayons out so the kids can have fun doodling and playing games like tic-tac-toe and hangman.
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No one likes to clean up after a big meal, so why not make it a team effort? On the back of each place card, delegate a small task to be done by the guest who sits there. Clearing the table and getting it ready for dessert is a snap when all hands are on deck, and most guests are more then happy to pitch in!
Whoever said Thanksgiving had to be celebrated with a dinner? A more budget friendly way to celebrate would be to host a casual Thanksgiving brunch. You could serve turkey sausages with pumpkin nut pancakes and a cranberry cocktail for toasting.
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Regardless of how you celebrate, it's always fun to take a look back at holidays past. Start the tradition this year with a reception book. Have a designated book that can be written in year after year with menus, guest lists, highlights and guests thougts. Watch over the years how your family grows and changes and encourage the next generation to keep the traditions alive.
Lastly, please remeber those who are less fortunite and donate to your local food bank. Donation boxes can be found at most grocery stores and a small gift can help someone else have a reason to be thankful.
Cheers and enjoy your holiday season,
Jennifer Napolitano
