8 Rural Thanksgiving Traditions the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Thanksgiving invites us to pause and appreciate all we have, from our families to our homes to the way we live. For rural homeowners, that gratitude often includes the gift of space, peace and connection to nature.
This year, celebrate the life you’re thankful for by making the most of what surrounds you. Here are eight simple ways to enjoy your rural home and create traditions that bring family together.
1. Start the Day with an Early Morning Tradition
Begin Thanksgiving morning with a moment of calm before the day begins. Watch the sunrise and take in the quiet that makes country mornings so special. You could start the day with an early morning hunt, enjoying the view from your deer stand as the countryside wakes up, or simply watch the sunrise from the porch with a warm cup of coffee in hand. However you choose to start your morning, that peaceful start sets the tone for a day filled with gratitude and connection.
2. Take a Walk Through the Woods or Trails
Heading out to explore the woods or a nearby trail is an easy way to enjoy time outdoors and take in the beauty of the season as a family. Step outside after breakfast or before dinner to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp air and take in the changing colors of the landscape. Collect pinecones, leaves or other natural pieces along the way to use later for a family craft or table décor. A walk together offers time to talk, laugh and make new memories while taking in the beauty of the countryside.
3. Play Backyard Football or Yard Games
With open space all around, your rural home is the perfect setting for a little friendly competition. Toss the football, play cornhole or set up a scavenger hunt for the kids. You can even start a new family tradition by naming a “Thanksgiving champion” or keeping a running tally year after year. These simple outdoor games are a great way to laugh, move and make memories together while working up an appetite for the meal ahead.
4. Create Crafts or Décor from Nature
Bring a bit of the outdoors inside by using what’s around you to create something beautiful for your home. Gather pinecones, leaves, corn husks or gourds and turn them into simple décor. Kids can help by making place cards, wreaths or centerpieces with their nature finds from the day’s walk. It’s a fun, low-stress way to involve kids and guests while adding a personal touch to your Thanksgiving table.
5. Give Back to Your Community
When you take time to recognize all you’ve been given, giving back becomes a heartfelt way to share that gratitude with others. From helping a neighbor to supporting a local food drive, small acts of kindness strengthen the connections that make country living so meaningful.
At Compeer Home, we’re proud to be part of that spirit of giving. Through our cooperative structure and ongoing community investments, including grants and scholarships, we’re committed to strengthening rural communities and helping them thrive for generations to come.
6. Capture a Family Photo Outdoors
With everyone gathered for the holiday, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to capture a family photo, and your rural home provides a beautiful backdrop. Use natural features like barns, fences or open fields to frame the shot and let the season’s colors shine through. Take the photo in the same spot each year to create a tradition your family can look forward to. It’s a simple way to preserve memories and celebrate how both your family and your home change over time.
7. Gather for a Cozy Bonfire
After dinner, head outside and enjoy the quiet comfort of a bonfire. Bring out blankets, pour mugs of hot chocolate or apple cider and settle in around the fire with family and friends. Share stories, laugh together and take in the peaceful sounds of the countryside. Spending time outdoors under the night sky is a simple way to unwind and enjoy the warmth of both the fire and the company that surrounds you.
8. Go Stargazing
When the fire begins to fade, look up and take in one of rural life’s simplest joys, a night sky filled with stars. Step away from the lights, bundle up and spend a few quiet moments stargazing with family. Point out constellations, make a wish on a shooting star or simply enjoy the peaceful view above you. It’s a beautiful way to end the day and reflect on everything you’re thankful for, including your home, your family and the life you’ve built together.
Celebrating Rural Living, Every Day
At Compeer Home, we know a rural home is more than a place to live. It’s where memories are made, laughter is shared and gratitude takes root. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our clients and the rural communities that make every season worth celebrating.
If you’re ready to start your own rural home journey or explore ways to make the most of your property, see how we can help you live the life you dream of.
