Take the time to make the most of Thanksgiving. From finding ways to remind children why we celebrate, to tips and tricks for preparing the big feast, to cheap and chic ideas for decorating the holiday table, these are some of my favorite Thanksgiving ideas.

Share the significance

It's important that we teach kids the significance of the holiday. One of my favorite ways to do this is by encouraging kids to share what they are thankful for. Rinse out an old jelly jar or coffee canister, ask each child to write things they are thankful for on strips of paper and place them in the jar. At dinner, each family member takes a turn pulling out a piece of paper and sharing it. No matter what it may be, this is a great way to reflect on the things that your family is most thankful for.

Keep kids entertained

During a full day of Thanksgiving preparation, create activities that keep kids busy and out of the kitchen.

Fun and games. Thanksgiving Day Parade Bingo is one of my favorite games. Older kids can help you create the game. Make homemade bingo boards using the backs of cereal boxes. Draw in bingo squares, think of things that you see in the parade (i.e., turkey, Santa Claus, horses, a man playing a trombone) and have kids fill in their cards.

The great outdoors. Encourage kids to play outdoors, enjoy a game of touch football or host a neighborhood bonfire while dinner is cooking.

Natural fun

I love when fall arrives and the colors of the leaves deepen to warm oranges, reds and rusts, and a chill is in the air. This year, consider using nature's beauty to create fun crafts to do with kids.

Nature journals: Buy a journal from a dollar store and go outside for inspiration. Show children how to stencil leaves, and trace sticks and stones to remind them of the season.
Leaf rubbings: Kids of all ages can place paper over a leaf and lightly run a crayon over it to transfer the shape of the leaf onto paper.
Leaf silhouette: Together, parents and kids can place a leaf between two sheets of freezer paper and press with an iron on the lowest heat setting. Cut out and hang in a window with string.
Scrapbooking: Use real leaves in your scrapbooks to capture the essence of the holiday and remember the beauty of the season.

Quick snacks that pack a punch

Keep hungry kids happy with some of my favorite holiday snacks and treats.

Ants on a log: This is a great snack staple for kids. Cut celery sticks into thirds and coat with peanut butter. In the spirit of the holidays, instead of raisins, sprinkle cranberries on top as "ants."

Popcorn: Popcorn is a great light snack to keep bellies full. Sprinkle cinnamon or Parmesan cheese over warm popcorn.
Cold veggies: Display a veggie platter throughout the day for snacking. Carrots and celery sticks, broccoli and cucumbers are all great options.
Pumpkin seeds: Spray with vegetable oil and a touch of salt. Bake on parchment paper at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes and enjoy by the handful.
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Timesavers

When making your Thanksgiving meal, try my tips for making the day go as smoothly as possible.

Plan ahead. Create a complete list of what you'll need, what you already have, and what you'd like to prepare. This will help you focus your shopping list and save time, money and energy. Plus, it will be easier to remember the things often forgotten, like turkey twine and fresh herbs. Shop for Kenmore kitchen gadgets!

Break it up. My favorite holiday recipes are make-ahead dishes that lighten the load on Thanksgiving Day. For example, one day I'll get all my appetizers out of the way and store them in the freezer; the next day I'll get all of my veggies cut, and then the next day, I'll combine all of my spreads and glazes for Thanksgiving. This allows me to get through some of the small steps that make a big difference on the actual day.

Stock up early. Stock up early on holiday staples like stuffing, broth, piecrusts and vegetables. Grocery stores will offer deep discounts on these, so buy in bulk. Watch for good deals that will help cut costs for holiday dining in December too.

Schedule your time. Make a quick schedule to keep in the kitchen that shows when foods need to be purchased, thawed, chopped and marinated. You'll see the big picture and have a timeline for getting things done.

Kids can decorate the table

Ask kids to draw what they are thankful for on construction paper placemats. Decorate using crayons, markers, leaves and other nature items.
Take kids to the park to gather leaves and acorns to sprinkle on the table.
Help kids make a "thankful jar" from an old jelly jar or coffee canister. Decorate it and include slips of paper with what they are thankful for. Share these thoughts during Thanksgiving dinner.
Small pumpkins make great tabletop decorations. Help children scoop out the pumpkin pulp and place small candles inside to illuminate the room.

Cover the kids' table in butcher paper, and add a coffee can covered in fall-themed scrapbook paper and filled with crayons.

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