As a stepmom and second wife, comparisons and insecurities can overtake me in a moment’s notice. In my first couple of years as a stepmom, I was determined that our holiday traditions would be completely different than what was done in the past. With that, came my quest for unique Thanksgiving traditions.
Blended family holidays are tough. The calendar and holiday custody schedule alone can extinguish any and all traditions that you had planned. With the “regular” calendar being adjusted and sometimes compromising at the last minute to “make it work for everyone,” traditions are often lost in the shuffle.
As a child, despite having a pretty nontraditional upbringing, I always gathered around the table with my family for Thanksgiving. The next day, we always decorated our house for Christmas. When I realized that I wouldn’t be able to host those annual traditions with my stepdaughters, I was shattered.
That is what made me research unique Thanksgiving traditions. The good news is, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be celebrated on Thanksgiving day! There are so many options to make meaningful memories with my stepdaughters, even if it’s “not our year to have them.”
From my research, I’ve compiled this list of unique Thanksgiving traditions that don’t need to be done on Thanksgiving day. If you’re in a rut like I was, I hope this helps! Happy memory making, Mamas!
7 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions to Start NOW!
Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas
by Burlap + Blue
Gratitude Pumpkin
by Coffee and Carpool
Thankful Tree
by Jac of All Things
Gratitude ABC’s
by The Keele Deal
Thanksgiving Bingo
by Artsy Fartsy Mama
Thanksgiving Turkey Treat Bags
by Artsy Fartsy Mama
Thanksgiving Memories Tablecloth
by The Holy Mess
Don’t let your kids miss out on annual traditions just because you may not see them every year on Thanksgiving. Don’t let the woes of the custody schedule hold you down.
Plan your time accordingly, get creative, and take advantage of one (or all) of these unique Thanksgiving traditions!
If you have your own unique Thanksgiving tradition, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
P.S. Already have Christmas on the brain? Check out our Sanity-Saving Christmas Organization Binder to get ahead of the game!
Thanks so much for sharing my Thanksgiving memories tablecloth. I love all of these ideas. The Gratitude pumpkin is so great and such a simple yet meaningful idea. Thanks again.