Crafts for Turkey Day

Since Edi shared the crafts her children would be doing for Thanksgiving, I felt I had to share mine too. Thanksgiving at my house isn't a very elegant affair. We don't break out the silver and fine china (mainly, because I don't own any). Plus, I've come to the realization that with young children, especially lots of them, you've got to have stuff for them to do to. I want it to be a special day for them as well. You never know, some mom might stumble across this blog and be inspired! So, here we go.

Here's the Thanksgiving garland. I figured this would be pretty manageable for a 4, 3, and 1 year old (yes, Bradley will insist on participating), if I cut out all the leaves before hand. Mine will be a little altered. It will include some beads and fake leaves I bought at Wal-mart. Plus, it will look nice over the fireplace.

Indian corn napkin rings, anyone?? Lilly and Luke should handle this one pretty well with adult supervision. They will find any excuse to use glue. The real kind of glue, of course, non of that glue stick stuff. I'll have to be careful about those buttons though. John's brother and his family are coming and they have a 9 month old.

This is our Thanksgiving tree. I had to really think about this one. After all, the bible does talk about not being like "those pagans who go cut down a tree and bring it into their house and decorate it with gold and silver" (christmas???) But John assured me it was just a branch and there will be no gold or silver present. It's a good way to get everyone involved too. Everybody can jot a little note of thanks. :)

Villiage people! This is just because they are so stinking cute. It seems like one of those things my children will try to tote around for a week afterward, only to have Bradley eventually get a hold of it and drool all over it. But, they'll have fun in the meantime.


We are also going to make a wreath to put up for each kiddo but I don't have a picture of that one. I'm kind of winging it! And those are the crafts. If I can't get them all done, oh well! I'd rather be over prepared, I suppose. Hope no one's getting too stressed out about Thanksgiving. My only tip is to keep it simple. I've done it both ways. One Thanksgiving I tried to make a million different dishes to satisfy everyone. But now, with 3 kids and a pregnant belly, I do a few staple Thanksgiving dishes (that I can make ahead) and call it good. No one ever complains. :)

Running the race,
~A