Thanksgiving is so important in our country and to our families. In our busy world today, it is a special time to gather, connect, refresh, give to others, and count our blessings.
Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating days of Thanksgiving for blessings such as a military victory or the end of a drought. After Sarah Hale campaigned for a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity, in October 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. Later, in 1942, President Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Even though many other countries celebrate the harvest season, only a couple celebrate Thanksgiving. That makes it a special treasure for us Americans.
To help you and loved ones enjoy the unity and abundance of the season, I have compiled some ideas to create your own memorable Thanksgiving. I hope they bless your family.
DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
Organize an Act of Service
Give From Your Heart
Sign up your team to work at a food bank. Psst… Denver families love volunteering at places like Metro Caring or Food Bank of the Rockies. Another idea is to take the kids on a grocery store run focusing on getting packaged foods to be donated, then have kids help deliver to a shelter. Or adopt a family for their Thanksgiving meal through Soldiers Angels. A special annual tradition is to organize a larger neighborhood food collection. Bake or buy several pies, top with a bow and thankful note, then deliver to neighbors who have done so much for you over the year.
Have each child choose one of their toys to give up and donate. Chances are they will not even miss it. Maybe even give up a kitchen appliance you do not use much or a lovely sweater of your own. Clean everything before dropping off at the shelter. Psst… In Denver, shelters like Denver Rescue Mission always appreciate thoughtful donations.
THANKSGIVING MORNING
Parade Watching Party
Set out sleeping bags or a cozy pillow pile so the kids can relax while watching the parades. Serve easy, no spill foods.
• The classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a family favorite.
• Psst… You can also watch Denver’s own 9NEWS Parade of Lights highlights or previous years’ broadcasts, since the live parade happens later in the weekend.
Give everyone a scorecard to rate floats, balloons, and bands.
Family Outing
Gather the family for a beautiful morning walk. Denver has perfect Thanksgiving morning routes like Washington Park, Cheesman Park, or Sloan’s Lake. Enjoy the crisp air, collect colorful leaves, take in mountain views, and let the morning set a peaceful tone for the day.
For a more active experience, sign up for a Turkey Trot. Psst… the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot in Wash Park is a cherished Denver tradition.
THANKSGIVING AFTERNOON IN DENVER
Since the crafts and big group games are gone, here are authentic Denver ways to spend the hours between your morning walk and dinner.
Visit a Local Coffee Spot
Warm up at neighborhood favorites like:
• Stella’s Coffee on Pearl Street
• Little Owl Coffee downtown
• Huckleberry Roasters in Sunnyside
Bring along family who flew in or enjoy a quiet moment before hosting.
Take a Scenic Drive
If the weather is clear, enjoy a short scenic drive.
• Lookout Mountain
• Red Rocks Park
• Peaks to Plains Scenic Byway
Psst… Thanksgiving afternoon traffic is usually light.
THANKSGIVING DINNERTIME TRADITIONS
Gratitude Tablecloth
Use a plain tablecloth and fabric markers to record memories each year. Handprints, signatures, and notes become a cherished family heirloom.
Sharing Gratitude
Before dessert, go around the table and let each person say one thing they are thankful for. It creates a warm, grounding moment no matter how busy life feels.
AFTER DINNER IN DENVER
Annual Photo
Take a Thanksgiving photo in the same spot every year. Psst… Denver homes with snowy yards, fireplaces, or mountain views make beautiful holiday backdrops.
Holiday Lights in Denver
Kick off the season with a gentle outing to see lights together.
• Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
• Downtown Denver Holiday Lights
• Cherry Creek North Winter Wanderland
Late Night Black Friday Shopping
For teens, late night shopping can be a fun tradition. Psst… the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is especially lively on Thanksgiving night.
DENVER THANKSGIVING EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY ALL WEEKEND
Take photos at Union Station’s holiday tree once it is lit.
• Visit Four Mile Historic Park for early winter charm.
• Enjoy a family meal at Denver restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus:
No matter if you are celebrating at your home in Denver or traveling to friends or family, you can choose the traditions that fit you best. Gather those you love and make the memories special. Appreciate all that you have and share your blessings. It is something everyone’s heart needs.
THANKSGIVING SONGS
Over the River and Through the Woods” – Lydia M Child (1844) (great for car rides)
A timeless Thanksgiving song about going to grandmother’s house.
“Over the river and through the wood,
To grandmother’s house we go!
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow…”
“Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” – Bing Crosby (from White Christmas)
Not a Thanksgiving song per se, but its message of gratitude fits perfectly.
“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep,
I count my blessings instead of sheep…”
“The Turkey Hokey Pokey”-a silly kid-friendly song (Tune: The Hokey Pokey)
“You put your right wing in,
You put your right wing out,
You put your right wing in,
And you shake it all about!”
Do the turkey pokey and gobble all around!
“Five Fat Turkeys Are We” (Tune: Five Little Pumpkins)
“Five fat turkeys sitting on a fence,
The first one said, ‘Oh, my, I’m so immense!’
The second one said, ‘I think I can fly!’
The third one said, ‘I’ll give it a try!’…”
“Albuquerque Turkey” – (Tune of “Oh My Darling”, A funny song kids love to act out.)
“Albuquerque is a turkey,
And he’s feathered and he’s fine,
And he wobbles and he gobbles,
And he’s absolutely mine…”
THANKSGIVING POEMS
“Thanksgiving Time” – Anonymous poem about gratitude
When the autumn leaves are falling,
And the fields are gold and brown,
When the turkey’s in the oven,
And the pies are cooling down—
Let us lift our hearts in gladness,
For the blessings that we share,
And be thankful for each other,
And for love that’s always there.
“We Give Thanks” – Short Family Poem
For family near and friends so dear,
For harvest bounty, far and near,
For golden days and cozy nights,
For simple joys and festive lights,
We give our thanks with hearts so true,
For all we have, and all we do.
“The Thankful Song” (Poem or Chant) (A perfect grace or bedtime rhyme for little ones!)
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you, God, for everything.
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