This is a meaningful activity to explain the true significance of the holidays in a simple and fun way. Simply place three pieces of candy corn at each place at the table. Then pass around a small basket, and have family members put their candy in it and share three things they are thankful for as each piece goes in. This warm tradition reminds families how they are all tied together. At Christmas, small candy canes could substitute for the candy corn.
Palm Turkey
Paint each child’s palm and thumb with brown finger paint, then paint the other four fingers with whatever color they choose – these are the feathers. Place the child’s painted hand on a white sheet of paper that has a simple verse or greeting already printed on it. Have them sign the bottom. The next day, they can add the turkey’s features with markers and crayons, and choose a piece of colored construction paper to mount it on.
Corn Hunt
Hide kernels of corn around the room. The larger dried corn used for bird food, or candy corn, is recommended. The goal of the game is to be the one to find the most kernels in a certain amount of time. You can use a timer and set a three-minute limit.
Turkey Hunt
One player is the hunter and the others are helpers. The hunter leaves the room. The helpers hide a small toy turkey. The helpers gobble to give the hunter clues to Mr. Turkey’s hiding place. If the hunter is not close, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets closer, the helpers gobble more loudly until Mr. Turkey is found.
