Share Lots of Laughs, Love & Memories this Holiday
Written By: Camille Lucy
The holidays can be a really exciting time, especially for children, and even more rewarding this year, after many families spent the Holidays apart from loved ones last year. Even so, the hustle and bustle of the end of the year festivities can leave parents feeling stressed and anxious. Take the opportunity this Thanksgiving to de-stress, share lots of laughs, be present and bond as a family with these 10 dinner table topics!
Thanks-giving: Get ready for the warm-fuzzies. It may seem obvious, but do you really go around the table and discuss what you’re thankful for? Give thanks! Take turns, and each name 1-3 things you’re grateful for this year. This is a very heart-warming way to enjoy dinner, to learn about one another, to bring love and joy to the table, and to keep it circulating.
Let’s Change the World. This is a fun way to get to know each other more intimately and share some feel-good discussion. Ask a question like, “If you had the opportunity to make the world a better place, what would you do or who would you help?” Allow each person to answer and elaborate.
What Makes YOU Special? Have each person at the table name one thing about every one else that is interesting, unique or special. Maybe there’s something about that person you haven’t told them, or shared. This is a sure-fire way to get those feel-good-vibes going and boost everyone’s confidence.
Feast Your Eyes on This. Ask everyone what their favorite food is for the holidays and explain what they would add to Thanksgiving dinner or dessert that would make it even more delicious for them! Maybe next year you can add it to the menu!
TBThanks. Have the kids ask the older generations what their favorite part of Thanksgiving or the holiday season was growing up. This is a great way to learn about rituals and traditions to keep them going – or start them back up again – for generations to come.
Precious Memories. Have each person name their favorite holiday they have spent together and explain why. This will help everyone get to know more about the other, what their passions or interests are, and how to continue to nurture that feeling of fulfillment.
Fun Facts. Play around a little! Have some fun and be creative while really getting to know everyone on a deeper level. “If you had to eat the same thing everyday, what would it be?” “If you could be any famous person, alive or from history, who would you be and why?” (Think: painter, President, writer, hero, scientist, etc.) “If you had to wear the same outfit everyday, what would it be?” “If you could pick your own name, what would it have been?”
What’s the Hardest Thing? Ask each other, what is the hardest thing about being a child, a parent, or a grown up? While it seems simple, some really deep feelings can come up. On the other hand, perhaps you’ll get a good laugh at some of the silly answers! Kids say the darnedest things, right?
Who Am I? Have each person imitate someone else at the table, without saying who. See if you can guess who they are pretending to be! This one is great for giggles! Whoever guesses correct gets a turn next.
Turkey Time! Have everyone take a turn trying out their best Turkey sound! This one is light and fun, reminding us that life can be full with play and doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Amidst all of the stress and challenges of the last year and a half, this is a great way to let loose and just enjoy each other.
While Thanksgiving is a time we strive to be thankful and to remember all of the blessings in our lives, remember that you can still have fun while doing that. Kids get this concept; as adults we may have a harder time with it. Enjoying each other’s company, getting to know one another on a deeper level, and laughing and playing is just another way to learn to cherish one another for the unique and special individuals that you all are. After some full-body-belly-laughs together, you’ll all be left with a swelling heart, overflowing with love and appreciation for one another, the priceless bond of family and the gift of life.
About Camilly Lucy
Camille Lucy is a Certified Holistic Health Coach/Reiki & Raindrop Technique Practitioner/Meditation & Yoga Instructor, Ordained Holistic Minister, graphic and web designer, business consultant, and animal rescue volunteer/advocate. She is also a writer, a Mother of 3 girls, an artist, a Life-and-Love Junkie, a Self-Expression and Development advocate, and – well, you get the point – she’s a lot of things, just like all of us. Camille is also author of, “The (Real) Love Experiment: Explore Love, Relationships & The Self,”and owner of the inspirational clothing line, LIT Gear, at www.LetsAllGetLit.com. Learn more about her and her adventure(s) at www.CamilleLucy.com.
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