Everyone is preparing to celebrate one of our nations most beloved holidays this week: Thanksgiving. We all look forward to the day off work, the time with family and friends, and of course the good food.

No matter how little or how much we may have, there are hundreds of things we can be thankful for. Regardless of our circumstances or our health, we can find so much to be grateful for. This year be purposeful about having a thankful heart. It may surprise you how it changes your life.

And if you need some fun ideas to spruce up your day, check out the activities below:

A QUIZ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
1500
1621
1777
1849

The Pilgrims landed in December of 1620 and managed to survive a harsh winter. Their first Thanksgiving was held the next year to celebrate their first rich harvest.

2. What did the Pilgrims eat that first Thanksgiving?
Duck
Clams
Venison
Pumpkin pie

The Pilgrims enjoyed a smorgasbord of Thanksgiving delights, including venison, duck, goose, clams, and dried fruit.

3. Were Indians invited to the Pilgrim’s first feast?
Yes
No

The first Thanksgiving feast included 91 Indians, who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year.

4. The potato is America’s most beloved veggie. Why didn’t the Pilgrims whip up some mashed potatoes for their big dinner?
They did have mashed potatoes.
Many Pilgrims were allergic to spuds.
Potatoes were thought to be poisonous.
Potatoes weren’t eaten in the U.S. until the early 1800s.

This misconception that they were poisonous stems from the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Her cooks weren’t familiar with the almighty spud, so they tossed the potatoes and and boiled the stems and leaves instead. The royal family members became very ill, and potatoes were banned for more than a century.

5. One of our U.S. presidents scoffed at the idea of a national holiday honoring the first Thanksgiving. Who was it?
Ronald Reagan
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln

 Washington declared November 26, 1789 to be the first national day of Thanksgiving. Thomas Jefferson was not in favor declaring the holiday.

HERE IS A WONDERFUL SITE WITH MANY KID FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR THANKSGIVING: FAMILY EDUCATION.COM.

HERE IS A FUN SITE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CRAFTS AS A FAMILY, SUCH AS TURKEYS TO DECORATE THE TABLE: THANKSGIVING CRAFT IDEAS.