In our fast-paced technological world, it takes an effort to slow down and appreciate our blessings, including the very technology we depend on. Declare this Thanksgiving a day without tech (after reading this article, of course) and start some traditions beyond the party.
A technology-free day means no TV, DVDs, computers, video games, cell phones, and music/video players.
Don’t take photos during Thanksgiving dinner. Designate a photographer to take “official” photos and share them with everyone the next day. Instead of a group photo, take individual photos that can be used for decorations later.
During Thanksgiving dinner each person can share which tech tool they miss the most and why. Older family members can talk about an old technological tool they remember, such as a black and white television, 8-track tapes, or wind-up telephones. Hide a gift card to a tech store or some music downloads under one of the seats to find them at the end of the meal.
Some alternative activities after meals without techno They include board games, party games, and picnic games. If you have a large family gathering, make it some sort of Olympic Games with team or family competition, and multiple games in each category. Each team member participates in one game in each category. Winners get different colored construction paper turkey feathers for first, second, or third place in each game. The family with the most feathers at the end of the day takes home the best leftovers.
If you don’t have extended family with you for Thanksgiving, You can cut and decorate construction paper turkey feathers or chips as Christmas decorations. Make them big enough so people can write on the back. Send one to each extended family member. Ask them to write their names and something they are thankful for on the back and return the ornament card or feather to you. Within a couple of weeks, you should be able to post all the thank yous on a refrigerator, bulletin board, or wall, hang them on a fireplace mantle, or hang them on your Christmas tree.
Remember the families of soldiers who are deployed abroad. because they are sacrificing their Thanksgiving holidays to serve their country. Make a sign to give to a local military family. Title it “We are thankful for you and your soldier.” Decorate it with good wishes and encouraging messages, as well as Christmas colors and patterns. You may want to include a photo of your family and say that you are grateful for the freedoms soldiers protect.
Make Christmas or Thanksgiving decorations as a family out of recycled glass and mirror. Before Thanksgiving, ask a local glass store if they have glass and mirror scraps to recycle. They can even custom cut large pieces for you. Thick mirror and glass can be cut into simple shapes with rounded corners and trim edges. Use glitter paint or glue to decorate with symbols, characters, names, or scenes. You could even write down events, things, or people that you are grateful for.
Get ready for Christmas with simple glass ornaments. The round mirror can be placed under chandeliers or sconces to reflect light. You can also recycle old picture frames. Have a piece of mirror cut to size and glue it to the frame. First you paint the frame with a Christmas color and decorate the mirror.
The most important thing is to tell the people who are most important to you that you are grateful for them. On tech-free Thanksgiving, you may need to write a note. Count your blessings every day, in every way.