Ah, Thanksgiving—the one day a year when your family gathers around the table to share love, laughter, and an unhealthy amount of carbs. But let’s be honest, Thanksgiving can also feel like a game—and not just because Aunt Linda brought her infamous green Jell-O salad again.
This year, instead of your usual post-dinner nap or awkward political debates, why not turn the chaos into a game of Thanksgiving Family Bingo? Because nothing says “family bonding” like a little friendly competition (and maybe a side of passive-aggressive humor).
How to Play Thanksgiving Family Bingo
Print out some bingo cards, grab a bag of candy corn (because that’s the only use for it), and keep an ear out for classic family antics.
Square Suggestions for Your Thanksgiving Bingo Card
Here are some square ideas to get you started:
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“Who made this?”
Uncle Bob loudly questions the origin of the cranberry sauce, only to complain when he finds out it came from a can.
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Food Burnt Beyond Recognition
Someone forgets the rolls in the oven, and the smoke alarm makes its annual holiday debut.
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The Kid Table Revolution
At least one teenager decides they’re “too old” for the kids' table and stages a dramatic sit-in at the adult table.
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Mystery Relish Tray Appearance
A tray of olives, celery, and pickles appears out of nowhere, like it’s the ghost of Thanksgivings Past.
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Recipe Wars
Two relatives argue about the “correct” way to make stuffing, and it somehow turns into a decades-old grudge match.
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The Turkey Is How Big?
Grandpa gives an unsolicited 20-minute lecture about how back in his day, they raised turkeys the size of Volkswagens.
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Phone Zone
Half the family disappears into their phones right after dessert, leaving Grandma yelling, “What’s TikTok, and why does it have your attention more than me?”
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“Let’s Go Around the Table…”
Mom insists everyone say what they’re thankful for, and Cousin Jeff sarcastically says, “Wi-Fi.”
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Bingo Drama
Someone yells “Bingo!” prematurely, only to realize they miscounted squares. Cue the chaos.
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Football Overload
The TV stays on the game all day, even though no one seems to know the teams playing.
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Unexpected Karaoke
Uncle Steve has one too many mimosas and belts out a rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”
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Dog Steals Turkey Scrap
The family dog waits patiently all day, only to finally snatch a slice of turkey when no one’s looking.
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The Pie Fight
Not a literal one (hopefully), but the annual battle for the last piece of pumpkin pie.
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Weather Debate
At least two people start discussing the weather, and somehow it lasts longer than the Macy’s parade.
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“When I Was Your Age…”
Someone breaks out the classic line, and the younger generation collectively rolls their eyes.
Bonus Round: The Wildcard Bingo Square
- The new boyfriend/girlfriend of a cousin gets interrogated like they’re on a job interview.
- Grandpa “accidentally” pours wine into the wrong glass and claims it’s his now.
- The dishwasher breaks, and suddenly everyone has somewhere else to be.
Prizes
What’s a game without prizes? First person to yell “Bingo!” gets the honor of not doing the dishes. Losers? They’re on cleanup duty (and yes, that includes scraping the gravy boat).
So this Thanksgiving, spice up your family gathering with a little Thanksgiving Bingo. Not only will it keep things lighthearted, but it’ll also help you appreciate the quirks and chaos that make your family uniquely yours.
Because in the end, Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection—it’s about stuffing your face, laughing at Uncle Steve, and maybe sneaking that last piece of pie when no one’s looking.
Happy Thanksgiving, and may the odds of Bingo ever be in your favor!