Calling all Pilgrims and Natives! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I can not believe it.

How did Thanksgiving begin?

Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the loss of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance.

George Washington proclaimed it a National holiday in 1789, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November in 1863, and Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday in 1941.

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving?

It is an expression of gratitude for survival, a recognition of community, resulting in a collection of our nation’s traditions and values. Over the centuries, families added their customs to the Thanksgiving celebration, preserving that which they held most precious.

• To gather in unity – It is refreshing and invigorating when people come together, in celebration of a common purpose. It is a reconciliation of differences as well as a time of healing. In sharing our victories as well as our struggles, we find strength and hope.
• To teach the young – In stories retold, each generation brings purpose and significance to the richness of their heritage.
• To prepare the heart – In gratitude, we humbly reflect upon all the gifts (family, friends, health) in our lives. By “giving-thanks” we choose to extend ourselves and give to others less fortunate. Out of the abundance of our hearts, we are able to offer our resources to help others.

Thanksgiving Crafts:

This is everyone’s favorite feasting holiday as they enjoy Thanksgiving activities as a family, like crafting. These adorable turkey crafts projects will keep your kids busy and brighten up your Thanksgiving decorations. While you are preparing dinner and spending time with friends and family the children can be safe and entertained with a fun craft activity.

1. Jenn over at The Old Summer’s Home shares how to make pumpkins with scrap wood and paint. Her three girls had an absolute blast making these and displaying them.
2. Jane and Sonja over at Sustain My Craft Habit came up with Toque Pumpkins and Glove Turkeys. They have amazing written and video tutorials for both crafts.
3. Carolyn created these cute Thanksgiving Favor Bags over at Party with Unicorns that made for putting in a surprise treat for guests or for children to take home.
4. Carolyn also provides this adorable Turkey Paper Wreath that kids absolutely lovemaking.
5. Sam over at the Simple Everday Mom made a simple paper bag. A simple brown paper bag craft that brings back so much of my childhood making one of these.
6. Sam also made a handprint turkey craft using simple items to make a festive turkey that you can display. 
7. Louise over at Messy Little Monster the Paper Plate Turkey Craft. It looks like so much fun and it doesn’t have to be messy.
8. The Messy Litle Monster, Louise, also provides a colorful turkey with a free template. As you make this turkey craft you have a great opportunity to introduce and discuss Thanksgiving traditions with your children. 
9. Cindy at The Play-Based Mom created a Tie-Dye Turkey. What a creative and inexpensive craft to keep kids busy while all the food is cooking for Thanksgiving Dinner.
10. Deanna at Honey and Lime loves crafting, especially during the holidays, so we looked around in our craft bin and came up with these fun Thanksgiving paper plate turkey hats. Spending time together is so important, crafting is one of the ways we converse, learn, create, and have fun as a family.
11. The grateful turkey by Deanna at Honey and Lime. This is a fun gratitude activity that kids can make themselves all while learning how to be thankful for what they have.
12.  Fall puzzles by Gym Craft Laundry is an amazing activity and craft your child can do. Print these free Thanksgiving worksheets by clicking here. I like to print puzzles on thick cardstock.
13. Herchel at Gym Craft Laundry also made these beautiful Thanksgiving turkey windows clings due to her neighbor already decorating for Thanksgiving and they absolutely would be a great craft to do with the kids and have them for the neighbors and all to see.

Do you need to pick-up Thanksgiving Craft supplies?

• Oriental Trading has a great selection of craft ideas if you are short on time.
• Amazon for supplies to be quickly delivered to your door without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

Which Thanksgiving Turkey Craft are you going to do this year?

I honestly want to try them all! When you make them please share because I would absolutely love to see your creative side and all that you are thankful for.

Sincerely,