Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Thanksgiving JOY!



“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”
—Psalm 126:2-3
   

Get your family laughing this Thanksgiving!


Turkey, Pie! This summer camp favorite has a Thanksgiving twist that you can use at home to get the giggles going—no prep or supplies necessary.
1. Have everyone at your family Thanksgiving feast stand in a circle (note: this game is best played by at least four participants, with the more, the better!).
2. Instruct everyone that the goal of this game is to be the last person standing who hasn’t cracked a smile or a laugh. To ensure no smiles, everyone must keep their lips pursed tightly over their teeth. Showing teeth counts as a smile and a ticket out of the game!
3. The person with the nearest birthday starts the game. He or she decides which direction around the circle the game will move by saying “turkey!” and turning to face the person to the left or right. The next person passes the “turkey!” along in the same direction or can face the person who just passed the “turkey!” and say, “pie!” A “pie!” reverses the direction of the game and then everyone starts passing “turkeys!” in that new direction. Anyone can reverse the game with a “pie!” at any time.
4. Since the object of the game is to be the last person who hasn’t smiled, a strategy to win the game is to be as goofy as possible in saying “turkey!” and “pie!” to get the person next in the circle to smile. 
5. By the time the game is down to two people, it’s a hilarious battle of who can get the other to laugh and win the challenge.
After the game is finished, ask your kids:

· How did you feel trying to make each other laugh? What surprised you about how people reacted?
· Why are you thankful for today? What do you love about our family laughing together?  How can we thank God for laughter and joy?  How can we share our joy with others?

Keep laughing and learning throughout the Holidays!

1. Teach little ones vocabulary by inserting funny, incorrect words in the place of correct words for objects. For instance, pick up a banana and say, “telephone?” Then, ask for the real name of the object and praise your kids as they identify items correctly.  
2. Empower your older kids to help teach your younger kids with creativity and humor. Challenge older children to choose a favorite Bible story and retell it in a fun, cartoon story through drawings. After they’ve pieced the cartoon together, have them share with their younger siblings. Encourage humor and fun while staying true to the story. In creating their cartoon version, your kids will commit the story to memory and all of your children will remember the activity fondly as they laugh and learn together.
 3. Remember to keep laughing and exercising the Fruit of the Holy Spirit...JOY... throughout the holidays which can be the most stressful time of the entire year!  Laughter is truly a great medicine - and it's free!

 


 



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