Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and spending quality time with loved ones. But it can also be a busy, high-energy holiday with lots of food, family, and festivities. For kids, the excitement can sometimes lead to overstimulation, making it harder to focus or relax. So, why not use yoga as a tool to help your children stay grounded, centered, and connected during the holiday season?
Thanksgiving yoga poses are a wonderful way to bring mindfulness and movement into your family’s holiday traditions. They allow children to release excess energy, calm their minds, and cultivate a sense of gratitude—all while having fun! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved in an activity that benefits both body and mind.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some easy, Thanksgiving-themed yoga poses that are perfect for kids. These poses will help them tune into their bodies, celebrate the spirit of the season, and bring a sense of peace and calm as you gather with friends and family.
PS want a super fun, meaningful gratitude theme yoga class? Check out the complete lesson plan here!
1. Turkey Pose :
The turkey is an iconic symbol of Thanksgiving, so it makes sense to kick off the festivities with a fun turkey-inspired pose. Turkey pose is a variation of the Eagle Pose, which helps build balance and focus.
How to Do Turkey Pose:
- Start standing tall with feet together and arms by your sides.
- Bend your knees slightly and cross your right leg over your left leg, wrapping the right foot around the left calf.
- Cross your right arm over the left and bring your palms to touch.
- Hold the pose and focus on balancing as if you are a turkey standing strong and steady.
- Repeat on the other side.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Turkey Pose helps improve balance and coordination, all while being playful and fun. It also teaches focus and concentration, which is a wonderful skill to bring into the Thanksgiving holiday.
2. Pumpkin Pose
Pumpkins are another iconic Thanksgiving symbol, and the Malasana pose, or Squat Pose, is perfect for kids to stretch and engage their lower bodies.
How to Do Pumpkin Pose:
- Start by standing with feet about hip-width apart.
- Squat down as low as you can, keeping your feet flat on the floor.
- Bring your palms together in front of your chest, pressing the elbows gently against your inner knees.
- Imagine you are a pumpkin sitting on the ground, round and grounded.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Pumpkin Pose opens up the hips, stretches the legs, and encourages grounding. It’s also a very nurturing pose that helps children feel calm and centered.
3. Grateful Heart Pose
The Grateful Heart Pose is inspired by the heart chakra, which is all about love, compassion, and gratitude—perfect for Thanksgiving!
How to Do Grateful Heart Pose:
- Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- Walk your hands forward, lowering your chest towards the ground.
- Let your heart melt toward the floor, and feel the openness in your chest.
- Hold the pose and think about all the things you are grateful for, from family to food to simple moments of joy.
Why It’s Great for Kids: This pose stretches the chest, shoulders, and spine, and helps kids cultivate a sense of gratitude. It encourages them to reflect on the good things in their life while connecting with their breath and body.
4. Thankful Tree Pose
Trees symbolize strength, stability, and growth—perfect themes to focus on during Thanksgiving. Tree Pose can help children develop balance and concentration.
How to Do Thankful Tree Pose:
- Start by standing tall with feet together.
- Shift your weight onto your left leg and bring your right foot to rest on your left ankle, calf, or thigh (avoiding the knee).
- Bring your palms together in front of your chest, or stretch your arms up to the sky like branches.
- Imagine you are a tall, thankful tree, firmly rooted into the ground.
- Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
Why It’s Great for Kids: Tree Pose encourages balance and stability while fostering a sense of connection with nature. It’s also a reminder to stand tall and be thankful for the things that root and support us.
5. Cat-Cow Yoga Pose
Cranberries are often a key ingredient in Thanksgiving meals, and the Cat-Cow pose can serve as a great reminder to stay flexible and fluid throughout the day.
How to Do Cat-Cow Yoga Pose :
- Start in a tabletop position on hands and knees.
- As you inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone toward the ceiling (Cow Pose).
- As you exhale, round your spine, tucking your chin and bringing your belly button toward your spine (Cat Pose).
- Continue to flow between these two poses, matching your breath with each movement.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The Cranberry Vine Pose helps with spinal flexibility and strengthens the core. It also teaches children the concept of moving with their breath and staying present in the moment.
6. Seated Forward Fold Pose
The Pilgrims remind us of the historical roots of Thanksgiving, and the Seated Forward Fold helps encourage reflection and grounding, which are essential during the holiday.
How to Do Seated Forward Fold Pose:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
- Inhale and sit up tall, then exhale as you reach your arms toward your feet, folding forward.
- Try to keep your back straight and focus on breathing deeply.
- Hold the position for a few breaths, and reflect on the things that you are thankful for.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The Seated Forward Fold Pose stretches the hamstrings and lower back and encourages kids to slow down and listen to their bodies. It’s a great reminder to take a moment to pause and appreciate everything around you.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to the practice of yoga, combining mindfulness, movement, and fun. Thanksgiving yoga poses are a perfect way to bring the holiday’s themes of gratitude, family, and togetherness into a playful and calming experience.
Incorporating these Thanksgiving yoga poses into your holiday routine will not only help your children stay calm, focused, and connected, but it will also create lasting memories of mindfulness during a time of celebration.
So, gather your little ones, roll out the mats, and enjoy a day of gratitude and movement with these fun Thanksgiving yoga poses!
For more kid-friendly yoga activities and inspiration, visit Flow and Grow Kids Yoga.
