Tips on making your Thanksgiving a meaningful one

Tasty turkey, appetizing stuffing and warm pumpkin pie, sounds like a great Thanksgiving meal but what’s the meaning behind all of it? This Thanksgiving, take some time and enjoy putting the meaning back into giving thanks and create some memorable family traditions.  Here are four ways to make your Thanksgiving an unforgettable family affair:

Be Thankful - Make it a point to explain to your children what the meaning of Thanksgiving really is. Give them examples of why we should be thankful for the things we have.

Give a meaningful gift - Why not start up a new family tradition like giving back to those who are less fortunate.  Charities like World Vision, offer great gifts (Worldvision.ca/gifts) that make giving worthwhile. Gifts like a goat, warm clothing for children and families or stocking a medical clinic. These gifts will make a real difference to some of the world's most vulnerable children and families.

Get your kids involved - Take some time to celebrate with the kids. Make a Thanksgiving inspired craft, like getting the kids to create a centerpiece for the dinner table.  Or during your Thanksgiving meal, have everyone around the table say what they are thankful for this year.

Volunteer your time - Many families make it a point to do good deeds on Thanksgiving as a way to give back to their communities.  Take some time to volunteer and lend a hand to make a difference in your community. Visit a local homeless shelter and spend some time with those who have no one, donate food to the local food bank. Why not volunteer at a charity or help serve food at soup kitchen.