The long Thanksgiving weekend has arrived and, with it, the opportunity to fully enjoy your little family nest in an atmosphere of fun, color and above all relaxation. Here's how to really take advantage of this well-deserved time off.
Long leave
Regardless of the origin of Thanksgiving, celebrating a happy event such as the arrival of the harvest and being grateful for it has always been the central point of this holiday. Now set for the 2e Monday in October (the date has changed many times), Canadian Thanksgiving has become more modern over time and is more associated with a well deserved time off.
Enjoy the colors
Seize this perfect opportunity to stock up on energy before the winter gloom arrives. Take advantage of fall colors, fresh air and breathtaking landscapes to introduce children to hiking in the forest. While you're at it, why not have a nice family photoshoot. Bring back beautiful colorful leaves as a souvenir to add to your photo montage.
If pick-your-own is possible in yourarea, take advantage of the time to visit a pumpkin patch with the children.
Enjoy the pleasures of the table
Nothing beats a hearty meal, surrounded by our family, but in a simplified formula. The idea is to enjoy the moment and not exhaust yourself. You can take inspiration from our special Thanksgiving menu.
To get there…
- We favor sharing dishes that we put on the table for a "wow" effect, but above all so that everyone helps themselves, which will save you from doing the service… and eating cold.
- Be original, and serve a breakfast raclette for a late brunch that lasts nicely.
- Celebrate Sunday so you can spend quality, stress-free time on Monday.
- Glass of wine, childhood anecdotes and sharing family recipes with the children will create wonderful memories for you.
- While the meal is cooking, go outside and have a parent vs. child soccer game.
- Have dessert by videoconference with the grandparents.
If you don't like to cook, several restaurants offer complete menus for Thanksgiving. A great opportunity to encourage the restaurant in your neighborhood
Enjoy the moment
You will surely be tempted to cross off a few tasks from your to-do list or to “get ahead” of your week. Do it, but limit yourself to 1 hour or 2 no more to really enjoy this leave with your children. You do not have toNeither do you plan a weekend filled with extraordinary activities. Practice the art of “doing nothing”. Stay in your pajamas, get a mattress down in the living room and go camping with the family. Have lunch in the living room, play a board game, and most importantly, put the phone away. Just be together….
Take the opportunity to talk about gratitude
In a world where almost everything is obtained instantly, the values of gratitude and appreciation have lost their luster. In a world of comparison, we have traded the I appreciate what I have against I would like that, right away. Without falling into the religious, why not take advantage of Thanksgiving to discuss with your children what they value in their lives or why they are gratefulfor this one. The year 2020 is quite difficult for everyone so it could become a very therapeutic time for the whole family. Additionally, practicing gratitude on a daily basis is proven to lead people who do it to view life more positively. Instill this value in your children from an early age, they will thank you later!
Happy holiday!
