Making Holiday Memories: Easy Ways to Involve Kids and Grandkids in Thanksgiving Prep

Holiday Memories: Easy Ways to Involve Kids and Grandkids

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food.

It’s about togetherness, gratitude, and those sweet little moments that turn into lifelong memories. If you’re a new mom juggling babies and side dishes, you can invite kids into the holiday prep.

If you’re a mom or grandmother with a houseful of curious helpers, this doesn’t have to mean extra stress. In fact, with the right approach, it can bring more joy than chaos.

*Joy on Thanksgiving Day*
*is really a possibility with planning and strategy*

Here are a few manageable and meaningful ways to get them involved:

Let them “own” a dish:

Even toddlers can help with simple tasks. They can wash potatoes, sprinkle marshmallows on sweet potatoes, or stir ingredients. Older kids can follow a simple recipe and proudly present “their” dish at dinner.

Create a thankful craft station:

Set up a small table with paper, crayons, and glue. Kids can make place cards, a gratitude tree, or handprint turkeys. They can create these crafts while you prep the meal nearby. Their creations will warm hearts—and keep little hands busy.

*A spot for the busy hands to create masterpieces to treasure*

Make table setting a game:

Turn the task into a scavenger hunt. You can also use printed visuals to guide younger ones through arranging napkins and silverware.

*My mother always included an exciting scavenger hunt for the children with treats at the end and a special prize for the one who found the treasure first*

Share stories while you prep:

Invite kids to ask questions about family traditions. You can also tell them how you celebrated holidays when you were young. It’s a beautiful way to connect across generations.