From Thanksgiving Travel to Volunteering: Unique Holiday Ideas

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. How will you and your family celebrate this year? Instead of opting for the same old turkey coma, why not shake things up by starting a new family tradition? From a multi-ethnic dinner to life-changing Thanksgiving travel, we’ve got the ideas you need to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable.

So, let’s dive in and take a look at some different ways to keep the festivities interesting and unexpected.

1) Invite Your Friends for a Potluck

Instead of spending hours slaving away in the kitchen, why not opt for a potluck and invite friends? Everybody can bring one of their favorite dishes to share, and it’s a great way to get social. It takes some of the pressure off you as the host and allows you to sit back and enjoy the festivities, too.

Better yet, why not make it an international affair by telling guests to bring unique dishes from around the world? That way, everyone has to think outside of the box. Consider playing international music in the background and decorating with multicultural items (e.g. world flags, cutouts of world monuments, etc.) to add a rich cultural flavor to the experience.

2) Get Outdoors

Instead of overeating and then sitting indoors glued to the television, why not get outside? If the weather’s nice, you can pack lunches and spend the day at a local or state park. This provides a great way to get moving.

It also lets you bond as a family through shared experience. So, put down the TV remote, leave the football game behind, and head out into nature. Bring your camera along so you can get some great pictures of the family on an active adventure.

3) Run for It!

Does your town have an annual Turkey Day race? If so, why not head out with your kids for some fun and exercise? “Turkey Trots” raise money for a variety of causes, and they’re a great way to get out and move with the whole family.

There’s nothing like a charity run to put you in the spirit of giving, and it’ll ensure you and your kids stay active, too. What’s more, a Thanksgiving Day race will guarantee you have a healthy appetite when Thanksgiving dinner rolls around.

4) Lend a Hand

What’s a great way to fill your kids with holiday spirit while helping out a good cause? Volunteering at your local homeless shelter to serve Thanksgiving dinner. From helping with food preparation to cleaning and serving, opportunities for volunteer work abound.

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping those in need, and it’s a great way for your kids to develop empathy and kindness. It also puts life in perspective allowing your kids to better appreciate their own lives.

5) Go on an Adventure!

Why not head out of town for a family adventure your whole family will cherish? You can take advantage of your kids’ break from school while exploring another part of the globe. What’s more, depending on where you go, you can take advantage of the sunshine, surf, and warm temperatures.

One of our favorite travel destinations? Baja, Mexico. Imagine spending eight days on the gorgeous Baja peninsula surrounded by breathtaking oceans teeming with dolphins, whales, and sea lions. From snorkeling protected reefs to observing wildlife in their marine habitat, there’s nothing like a tropical adventure to spice up your Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Travel

Interested in learning more about Thanksgiving travel for kids? Check out our eight-day Family Wildlife Adventure in Baja, Mexico. This family-focused tour will take you on the adventure of a lifetime along the Baja California peninsula. Besides snorkeling adventures at the archipelago of Espíritu Santo, you’ll visit Cabo Pulmo National Park and the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve.

At Our Whole Village, we create tours carefully designed for families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its people, and its cultures. Contact us today to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we handcraft for families just like yours.