When autumn leaves paint the world in shades of gold and the smell of pumpkin pie fills the air, Thanksgiving is near.
It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. A time to slow down, gather around the table, and appreciate all the blessings in our lives.
A Short History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving began in 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth.
It was a celebration of gratitude — for food, friendship, and survival through the hard winter.
Over the years, Thanksgiving has grown into a national holiday, officially established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, to remind us to give thanks for what we have and share with others.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Today, Thanksgiving means cozy gatherings, delicious food, and joyful moments with family and friends.
Families prepare roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and of course — pumpkin pie!
Parades fill the streets, and football games bring generations together in front of the TV.
But beyond the food and fun, Thanksgiving is about being thankful — for love, for home, and for the simple joys of everyday life.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is more than saying “thank you.”
It’s a way of seeing the world.
When we teach our children to notice the good things — a hug from Mom, the laughter of a friend, the warmth of the sun — we help them grow kinder, happier, and more resilient.
Talk with your kids about what they are thankful for today.
Maybe it’s their favorite toy, maybe it’s their pet, or maybe it’s the time you spend together.
Every moment counts.
And remember — gratitude isn’t just for one day a year.
Every single day brings something good, even the smallest thing.
Kindness and Helping Others
Thanksgiving is also a perfect time to share kindness.
It can be something simple — helping a neighbor carry groceries, baking cookies for someone who lives alone, or walking a dog from a local shelter.
These small acts of care teach children that kindness matters — and that being good to others (including animals!) fills our hearts with warmth.
Learning Empathy Through Play
At 123 Kids Fun, we believe that play can teach big values — like empathy, love, and responsibility.
That’s why we created 123 Kids Fun Animal Games – a sweet app where children take care of cute animals, feed them, and make sure they are happy.
It’s a gentle way to show that every creature deserves love and attention.
Thanksgiving Crafts and Free Printables
And to make this Thanksgiving even more fun, we’ve prepared:
• 🦃 Free Thanksgiving Printables → Download here
• ✂️ Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids → See ideas
Spend time together coloring, cutting, creating — and talking about what makes your family special.
❤️ A Final Thought
This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate not only with food and laughter but with open hearts.
Let’s teach our children that every day is a chance to be thankful and kind — to people, to animals, and to the world around us.
Because when we share love, it always finds its way back to us.
123 Kids Fun Team – parents, educators, and creators of playful learning tools. We’re fascinated by psychology and neurodidactics, and we love helping kids grow with confidence.