Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and connection with loved ones, and while hosting has its charm, not everyone can or wants to take on the hosting role each year. If you’re among the many Thanksgiving guests, you still have the opportunity to bring your unique touch and traditions to the gathering. Establishing Thanksgiving traditions, especially for kids, can create lasting memories and ensure they feel rooted in this tradition wherever they are. Simple things, like homemade paper hats, can be easy to bring along and help recreate the holiday’s magic. Here’s a guide to planning a meaningful Thanksgiving visit as a guest.

Visit family for Thanksgiving

Consider Your Travel Plans

When planning Thanksgiving travel, the first decision is whether to drive or fly. Each option has its pros and cons, especially when traveling with family.

Driving to Thanksgiving

Driving offers flexibility in packing and timing, and it’s often easier to bring homemade dishes. If you’re bringing a contribution to the Thanksgiving feast, make sure it’s stored securely in your vehicle. Use a food storage box or cooler that keeps the dish warm or fresh as needed. Some boxes come with heating or cooling capabilities, helping maintain the dish’s quality over long distances. Place the box on a stable surface, like the floor or securely wedged in the trunk, to prevent spills.

Flying to Thanksgiving

Flying can mean packing light, but it doesn’t have to mean leaving behind the essentials. If you’re flying, check with your airline on food and baggage policies. Often, it’s easier to bring non-perishable items like a homemade sauce or jam in a secure, travel-safe container. And for larger family traditions, such as handmade crafts, try to choose items that pack flat, like paper hats or simple decorations that can slip into a suitcase.

Pack Quiet Toys for Kids

Thanksgiving gatherings can be exciting for children, but it’s essential to have a plan for keeping them entertained without causing too much disruption. Quiet toys are perfect for maintaining a calm atmosphere while allowing kids to stay engaged.

Puzzle games are a fantastic choice because they’re interactive but quiet. They can be enjoyed alone or with family, encouraging bonding while keeping the noise level down. Other quiet toy ideas include coloring books, building blocks, or magnetic drawing boards. These kinds of toys keep kids occupied, offer opportunities for creativity, and are mindful of the hosts and other guests who may appreciate a quieter environment.

Be a Role Model in Helping Out

As a guest, you can show your kids how to be helpful and respectful in someone else’s home. Simple tasks, like setting the table, clearing dishes, and tidying up after yourself, are small gestures that go a long way in teaching kids the importance of helping out.

This is an ideal opportunity to set an example. Encourage your children to pitch in with age-appropriate tasks like folding napkins or sorting cutlery. Teaching them to tidy up after themselves, even if it’s just putting away their toys or folding blankets, instills a sense of responsibility and appreciation. Thanksgiving gatherings often mean a busy household, so every bit of help counts and sets a positive example.

Bring a Piece of Your Thanksgiving Tradition

Traditions make holidays memorable, and even as a guest, you can bring small elements of your family’s unique celebration. If your family enjoys singing a particular song, saying a special Thanksgiving prayer, or wearing funny hats, try to incorporate these into the visit.

Consider traditions that don’t require much setup. For example, if you typically make paper hats or place cards, bring the materials along and involve the family in crafting these items together. It’s a fun activity that everyone can enjoy, and it allows you to recreate the feeling of home, no matter where you are.

Plan Ahead for Downtime

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, but that doesn’t mean every moment has to be a group activity. Some downtime helps everyone recharge and can make the gathering feel more relaxed. This is especially true for young children, who may become overstimulated in a bustling household.

Bring a cozy blanket or a few favourite books to create a “quiet corner” where your kids can unwind. This can be as simple as setting up a small area in the living room or guest bedroom. A little rest can prevent meltdowns and keeps the mood calm and enjoyable for everyone.

Respect the Host’s Traditions

Every family has its way of celebrating Thanksgiving, and as a guest, it’s important to respect the host’s traditions. Even if they differ from your own, showing appreciation for their customs is a kind gesture.

If the host prefers a particular food, activity, or schedule, try to go along with it, even if it’s new to you. Embracing the differences gives your children the chance to see Thanksgiving in a new light and teaches them the value of flexibility. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn that while traditions may vary, the holiday’s essence is always about gratitude and connection.

Remember the Essentials

Being a prepared guest also means bringing the essentials for yourself and your family. This includes extra layers of clothing, any medications, and comfort items your children may need. Thanksgiving gatherings often mean more time spent indoors and around food, so plan accordingly.

Make a list of essentials to pack, considering both your needs and those of the hosts. Extra layers are handy for cool rooms, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar climate. If anyone in the family has dietary needs, bring snacks or a dish that they can enjoy safely.

Practice Gratitude Together

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show your kids the importance of gratitude. Encourage them to express thanks to their hosts and other family members, whether it’s through a simple “thank you” or a homemade card.

Take a few minutes as a family to reflect on what you’re grateful for. If your hosts are comfortable with it, consider making this a group activity, where everyone shares something they’re thankful for around the table. Practicing gratitude as a family creates a sense of togetherness and reinforces the holiday’s meaning.

Navigating Differences in Parenting Styles

Visiting family can sometimes mean encountering different parenting styles, whether it’s stricter rules or more lenient approaches. Navigating these differences can be challenging but also a valuable lesson in flexibility and respect.

If family members tend to offer unsolicited parenting advice, decide in advance how you’d like to handle it. A gentle smile and a polite acknowledgment can often defuse potential tensions. Let your kids know beforehand about any household rules that may differ from what they’re used to and remind them of the importance of respecting their relatives’ home.

Wrap Up the Visit with a Heartfelt Thank-You

Before heading home, a sincere thank-you to your hosts is always appreciated. Whether it’s a verbal acknowledgment or a small thank-you card, showing appreciation goes a long way.

If you have young children, encourage them to join you in saying thank you. It teaches them the value of gratitude and leaves a positive impression on your hosts. A small gift, like a box of chocolates or a thank-you note from the family, adds a thoughtful touch.

Final Thoughts

Being a Thanksgiving guest is a wonderful opportunity to teach your children the importance of traditions, gratitude, and respect for others. By bringing a piece of your family’s tradition, planning a few practical details, and focusing on gratitude, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that is memorable and meaningful.

Besides, Thanksgiving with the family can also become a fantastic tradition where every year to travel to spend time with remote relatives, such as those living in a distant state or even in a different country. This is a great chance to discover each other’s traditions! 

Birds eye view of a table decked out with all the Thanksgiving feast essentials. Text reads visiting family for Thanksgiving? Be a great guest and bring traditions along with these ideas.