This year, we decided to shake things up a bit for Thanksgiving—and it turned out to be one of our favorite celebrations yet. Instead of the usual big fancy dinner, we turned the holiday into an after-school playdate for Jackson and his school friends. It was casual, joyful, and filled with laughter (and a few flying Nerf darts).
Jackson invited a handful of his classmates over to experience a mini Thanksgiving feast. For many of them, it was their first time trying traditional Thanksgiving food, and watching their reactions was half the fun. We kept the menu classic and comforting: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and not one, but two kinds of pie—apple and pumpkin. Instead of going the traditional turkey route, we opted for a beautifully roasted chicken, which ended up being the perfect size and much easier to manage.
The kids were adventurous, each taking little bites of everything. Some were surprised by the tartness of cranberry sauce; others loved the richness of the stuffing. The pies were a hit all around, and we’re pretty sure we converted a few pumpkin pie skeptics.
After the feast came the real highlight of the day: an epic Nerf war outside. The kids dashed around, teaming up, laughing, and using everything from bushes to trees as cover. It was chaotic in the best possible way—just pure fun and energy, the perfect way to run off a few helpings of mashed potatoes.
In the end, this unconventional Thanksgiving reminded us what the holiday is really about—sharing, gratitude, and connection. Whether it’s around a formal dining table or on the lawn with Nerf blasters, it’s the people (and a little pie) that make the day special.
