Ideas for a Fun, Family Thanksgiving: Go Vintage!

by Sally Matheny

    

(Have Fun with a Vintage Thanksgiving
Photo by Pixabay)

Are you searching for fun ideas that will bring the family together this Thanksgiving? 

Me, too. My family doesn’t know it yet, but I plan to go vintage this year.

I love traditions, especially during holidays. Yet, our current technology is threatening to exterminate one of our most cherished traditions—family time. I promise this post is not a ranting against technology. I’m actually thankful for it. It keeps me connected to family and friends.
     

However, when we are able to come together in the same place, I want face-to-face, heart-to-heart, talking, laughing, and everyone-fully-engaged-time.

So, we’re going vintage—the pre-cell phone, pre-computer, pre-iPod, pre-satellite dish, pre-electronic gaming system era. 

True vintage items must be at least fifty years old. No need to panic. You may be surprised how long many of your favorite things have been around. Want to go vintage with us? 

Challenge your friends and family to turn off the distractions for at least three hours this Thanksgiving. Focus your full attention on the people gathered in your presence and enjoy the blessings. 

     

(Family Time?)

The idea is to find something all ages can do together. Conversations are always nice, but games, crafts, and other activities are fun, too. Older folks can teach the younger ones, and vice versa! 

Here are some vintage ideas to get you started:

 

Vintage Board Games:

Scrabble, Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Clue, Monopoly, Rick, Life, Operation, Checkers, Stratego, Aggravation, and Pick-Up Sticks, Bingo, and Twister. 

Vintage Card Games:

Rook, Gin Rummy, Old Maid, Go Fish, War, Hearts, Snap

 

Vintage Crafts:

Children will enjoy weaving potholders like the ones we made back in the sixties! You can find those plastic looms at Target and craft stores. 

Check out these links for more craft ideas.

Retro Tie Belts 

String Art  

Vintage-themed Paper Dolls and another located here

Thanksgiving Word Activities: 
Yes, Mad Libs are vintage! (1953) Here are links to some Thanksgiving themed activities.

Thanksgiving Mad Lib 1

Thanksgiving Mad Lib 2

Thanksgiving Word Search Printable

Writing a Thanksgiving Memory

Other Vintage Games:

Red Rover, Tag, Basketball, Softball, Frisbee, Marbles, Hopscotch, Charades, and Musical Chairs (played with vintage music of course)   
  

Of course, football has been around since the late 1800’s. Perhaps offer a reward to everyone who stays tuned in to the people at your gathering. This could be an opportunity to view football on television later. 

(Vintage Football)

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NBC was the first to televise a pro football game on October 22, 1939. Score one more for Vintage!

For those who aren't football fans, there are other viewing ideas.

Vintage Family Movies:

White Christmas (1954), Jungle Book (1942); Dumbo (1941); The Wizard of Oz (1939); Mary Poppins (1964); The Jungle Book (1967); A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965); 101 Dalmatians (1961); Alice in Wonderland (1951); Peter Pan (1953); and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966). 

Please try to save the televised viewing for later. Savor the moments of talking and playing with family members and friends. Interact with others without any electronic distractions. Dig below the formalities and chitchat. Ask the people at the table open-ended questions about what's going on in their lives. Then, engage in active listening.

You may even want to suggest allowing one conversation at a time at the table rather than several people talking over one another. Find ways to draw each person into the conversation. 

Every year, the family dynamics change. Time seems to go by a little faster, aging us all as it does. This year, be intentional. Carve out some time for family fun. Be fully engaged with those who are with you at this moment. Because building relationships and making memories never go out of style.

From my family to yours--have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

Your turn! What is one of your favorite Thanksgiving memories which did not involve technology?