Happy Turkey Day!

Can you believe it?  This Thursday is Thanksgiving already!!!  It's time to start that checklist of things to do.  Don't forget to get the turkey out of the freezer.  I somehow manage to forget every year, or I get it out later than needed to thaw.  So, how do I thaw it then, you ask?  Well...It is recommended that you thaw the turkey for 1 day for every 4 lbs in the refrigerator, but you can also thaw it in cold water, changing the cold water every 30 minutes (that is usually what I end up having to do).  It will take 30 minutes per pound to thaw your turkey.  Once your turkey is thawed, you are ready to go!  The kids will love the meal to come, and it will have been thawed safely and not cause tummy aches.  Make sure you stuff the turkey right before baking.  Don't do it ahead of time or this can cause bacteria to ruin your Thanksgiving.

Now that the turkey is taken care of, what will you do with the family?  It is always fun to plan some games and activities for the kids to keep them busy and make the holiday memorable.  You can set up some craft stations and let them make turkeys from paper and toilet paper rolls, or maybe make a pilgrim hat.  Here are some links for some patterns for these activities.  Simply copy and paste these to your address bar.





From Martha Stewart...
Pilgrim Hat:
http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2010Q4/msl_1110_pilgrim_hat.pdf

From All Kids Network...
Turkey:
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/thanksgiving/toilet-paper-roll-turkey.asp

Make a sweet and salty snack mix with Chex cereal, pretzels, Goldfish crackers, raisins, candy corn, and marshmallows for when the kids ask "When's dinner?" for the tenth time.  

Allow the kids to help set the table and greet guests and family members.  Giving them a job or responsibility will help them feel a big part of the occasion.

Wishing you a terrific Thanksgiving!  Enjoy the food, friendship, and family bonding that comes with it!