The turkey is in the oven. The guests have arrived. And the table is set. Now, what activities can you plan to make sure your little ones enjoy the family that has traveled to spend time with them and everyone experiences some of the reverence of the day?

Keep it simple. Football aside, there are lots of options to busy them inside if the weather is less-than-inviting outside (or if it’s just too cozy to leave the inside). Board games like Earthopoly (ages 8 and up) and familiar choices such as Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit can busy a crowd for hours. Or, have family members help play Family Trivia, or tell group stories about how Grandpa snuck a horse-drawn wagon into the town church. Then, there are family movies. Bring on the popcorn.

The great outdoors offers a change of scenery and a natural place to let off some steam. A leisurely hike, family flag football or a generous bonfire will warm you from the inside, out. (Before alighting anything, be sure to check with your local fire department, first.) Many towns have Thanksgiving Day fun runs/walks to get you moving, too. And for the much-more-ambitious-than-me, this could be a great way to start your day. Whatever you do, do what feels like it keeps you centered and focused on what matters most. Keep in mind what Thanksgiving means to you and what you want to convey to your children. Teaching them to give thanks for all we have, no matter how little, is a gift they will share with their families. Remembering that is your gift to yourself.