The tradition of a large shared Thanksgiving meal in the United States dates to the 1800s, though harvest celebrations go back much further. The roast turkey became the centerpiece of the meal partly thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday, describing elaborate turkey dinners in her writing throughout the mid-1800s.
Coloring ideas: the tablecloth has a flower and leaf pattern — try alternating colors for each motif to create a cheerful print. Color the roasted turkey a golden brown with slightly darker highlights on the raised parts of the skin. The candles can be off-white or cream with warm orange flames. Give the gravy boat and serving bowls matching colors to create a coordinated table setting.
This is a complex image with many small sections — best for older kids who enjoy detailed work. A fun family activity: print this before Thanksgiving and have everyone color a different part of the table while talking about what they're thankful for.
