Feeling Thankful: Not everything is cancelled this Thanksgiving

As a kid, some of my fondest memories were waking up on Thanksgiving day to the smell of my dad sauteing onions, for my family’s top secret dressing recipe, and then coming downstairs to find him stuffing and sewing up our Thanksgiving turkey. Then every year, I’d settle down with my mom in front of the television and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Though I will not be able to be with my whole family this year, I am thankful I will still be able to share in some of those same memories with my son because in 2020, a year full of cancelations, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marches on! 

Airing on NBC from 9AM to 12PM, this year’s parade will look a little different without spectators, but will still feature giant balloons, floats, performances, and of course Santa Claus himself. 

Beyond just the parade, as an arts lover and advocate this feels huge, because theatre on Broadway and across the world is closed, and this is one of the few opportunities this year we will have to see live performances from some of the hottest Broadway shows and a rare 2020 chance to share in the performing arts with our children. Plus, Dolly is performing, so who could ask for anything more. 

One great way to get your kids excited for this year’s Thanksgiving day parade is by reading, BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY, by Melissa Sweet. The book tells the story of Tony Sarg, the immigrant inventor and puppeteer who brought the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to life and invented the balloons featured in the parade today. The book features colorful, interactive, and funny illustrations making it a wonderful book for even the youngest children. 

This may be a tough Thanksgiving for many of us, but hopefully the parade can bring a smile to the whole family.  

You can find more information on the Thanksgiving Day Parade at: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

And if you are looking for other Thanksgiving content to share in with your kids this year please check out my other blog post: 10 Things to Read and Watch with Your Kids for Your Most Memorable Thanksgiving Yet

Finally, please comment and share what family traditions this year you will still be able to have during this different Thanksgiving. You might inspire one for someone else!