Thanksgiving is a time when we can redirect our focus and look at the many ways we are blessed with gratitude. Understanding the origins of Thanksgiving and knowing why we celebrate will help kids develop a deep appreciation for the holiday. In today’s world, it’s easy for kids to lose sight of what matters. As they watch ads that promote greed and excess, it’s understandable that they begin to feel they need more “stuff” to be happy. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to help redirect their focus and remind them what it means to be grateful. Teaching them about the meaning of Thanksgiving will benefit them in many ways. If you’re at a loss on how to teach your kids about Thanksgiving, these ideas will help get the conversation started and set them on the right path toward gratitude.
The Origins Of Thanksgiving
Before you can teach your kids about Thanksgiving, you have to know its origins. In 1621, the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth Rock faced harsh conditions, and many were dying due to a lack of food. The Wampanoag Tribe, who were native to the area, came alongside them and taught them how to plant crops and harvest the land. This selfless and kind act saved the remaining Pilgrims, and in the fall of 1621, they held a three-day feast to celebrate the successful harvest and thank the Native American tribe that had rescued them.
Fast forward to the Revolutionary War, and the Continental Congress declared a “ Day of Thanks” celebration that Americans would honor every year. In 1863, President Lincoln declared the day a national holiday meant for healing and remembrance. This “Thanksgiving” had now become a cherished American tradition. Now that you know the origins of Thanksgiving, here are a few ways to help your kids understand the significance of the day.
Let Kids Discover The Story
Telling your children the story of Thanksgiving is good, but having them discover and learn it on their own will make a more profound impression on them. The library is the perfect place to develop critical thinking skills, discover exciting books, and bring stories to life. The Portland Public Library offers a variety of resources on the origins of the holiday and how to celebrate it. There’s something for everyone to read, from cookbooks to those that explain the holiday to all ages.
Create An Attitude Of Gratitude
Gratitude is becoming a more important trait to teach kids these days, making Thanksgiving the perfect time to remind them of all they have to be grateful for. Serving others and taking the time to help the less fortunate is an ideal way for them to realize what matters and show them how blessed their lives are. Getting involved with community outreach will benefit your children and help others who are less fortunate. There are a few ways you can get involved.
🤝 Volunteering & Service-Based Opportunities
- Oregon Food Bank – Multiple ways to volunteer (sorting food, distributing meals, advocacy) in the Portland area.
Link: Get Volunteering Info - Sunshine Division – Thanksgiving Meal Delivery – Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
Volunteers will deliver 2,000 food boxes + frozen turkey meal kits to families across the metro area. A meaningful way for older kids/family teams to participate.
Link: Volunteer Driver Registration - Hands On Greater Portland – Keeps a calendar of “done-in-a-day” holiday service projects (food drive support, donation prep, etc.). Great for younger kids/families.
Link: Holiday Volunteering Calendar - Meals on Wheels People – Volunteer opportunities to deliver meals and provide companionship to home-bound seniors in Multnomah and Washington counties.
Link: Group and Individual Volunteer Info
Reconnect With Family
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reconnect with your family and spend time together. Turn off all electronics and enjoy playing games or participating in fun fall activities. Remembering how much you all like each other will deepen your bond and help everyone feel grateful for the amazing family you have. You will have the opportunity to discuss what Thanksgiving means in a casual and unforced manner.
Celebrate With Fun Activities
Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Jake’s Grill – Thurs, Nov 27 at Jake’s Grill in Portland
If families are staying local and want to treat themselves (without the full cooking), this is a setting to reflect on Thanksgiving with gratitude and good food.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Pioneer Courthouse Square (Downtown Portland)
The holiday season officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, centered at Pioneer Courthouse Square with a family-friendly tree-lighting event featuring live music and community spirit.
Turkey Trot at the Zoo – Thursday, Nov 27, 2025, at Oregon Zoo
A 5K run/walk event (including kids’ wave) in the morning—great for a family gratitude walk/run before the big feast.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, and teaching kids why we celebrate it is essential. Letting them discover the story for themselves, creating an attitude of gratitude, reconnecting with family, and celebrating fun activities are all fun ways to learn. Let this Thanksgiving be a time of love and thanks as you and your kids appreciate how blessed you truly are.
