I love this time of year and am so looking forward to what November will bring, especially Thanksgiving. But as much as I love it, Thanksgiving can be easily overlooked, crammed in between Halloween and Christmas. Thus, historically, I haven't been great with distinct Thanksgiving traditions; it's ended up being a quick pit stop before we move on to the juggernaut that is Christmas. So this year, I've decided to try some new things that I think show the possibility of becoming Thanksgiving traditions in our family. Want to fry a few with me?

Start a Gratitude Pumpkin. 

I've seen this one a few times over the years, but feel like my kids are just getting old enough to understand, appreciate, and participate in it. It's simple- find a white pumpkin, grab a permanent marker, and have your kids write down things they are thankful for on the pumpkin. Not only will it make a nice centerpiece, it's a great opportunity to instill and practice an attitude of gratitude!

Find a Way to Serve Others.

With all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget that the holidays are not a happy time for everyone. Even in our North Texas bubble, there are many people in need. Consult your local church, food pantry, or area NPOs to find out where the greatest needs are and go help meet them. I love getting my kids involved in charity work as a way to teach them to serve others and to foster compassion in their young hearts.

Write a Hero Letter.

I got this idea from Money Crashers and I love it! Have your kids pick a hero- anyone from grandma to a police officer to a pop star- and have them write a letter to that person explaining why they are thankful for them. As Money Crashers says, "This is an exercise that lets you communicate with your child and talk about admirable personality traits and life goals."