Oh, Brother!

The air is crisp, and the leaves are falling. Jumping in big piles of leaves is a fun way to pass the time. If you are looking for another fun activity to do, try this one below. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving! It’s only two weeks away, but you still have time to get the materials you need to create your very own Pilgrim Ship Favors!

http://ohbrothercomics.com/activities/give-thanks-with-pilgrim-ship-favors

GIVE THANKS WITH PILGRIM SHIP FAVORS

You can help with the Thanksgiving Day preparations by making pilgrim ship table favors from walnut shells. As guests arrive, ask them to write tiny notes that show appreciation for people present at the gathering to tuck inside the ships.

Here the stuff you’ll need:
•Fresh walnuts in the shell (enough for each guest to have a half)
•Nutcracker
•Toothpicks
•Glue gun or modeling clay
• White or colorful construction paper for sails
•1-1/2 inch square pieces of paper for notes
•Scissors
•Pen and pencils

Here’s the fun:

1. Crack the walnuts in half, pick out the nuts for a yummy and healthy snack, and then use the shells to create the miniature pilgrim ships.
2. Next, cut the construction paper into 1-1/2-inch triangular or rectangular pieces to make sails, and write the name of a guest or family member on each one.
3. Thread a toothpick through each “sail,” and then poke the toothpick into the empty center of a walnut-shell half. Use a glue gun or secure the toothpick in place with a small wad of modeling clay. Make a ship for each person, and place it beside the appropriate plate at your table.

As guests arrive, give each person several paper squares and a pen. Invite everyone to write short sentences showing appreciation for people present at the gathering.

For example, “I’m thankful Uncle Ted tells funny jokes,” “I’m thankful my nephew Josh helps me with my computer” or “I’m thankful for Aunt Linda’s pumpkin pies.”

Roll the papers into tight scrolls and place them in the ship where the person who will be receiving the note will be sitting.

As the meal begins, enjoy sharing the kind messages tucked in the ships.