I love Fall and the changes it brings. Colors of brown, gold, yellow, and red are highlighted in the leaves, the evenings bring cooler temps, and the days are getting shorter. We celebrate Thanksgiving during this wonderful season.
Thanksgiving can be a busy time of planning, preparation, and the gathering of family and friends. In the busyness, we don’t want to lose the perspective of experiencing a grateful heart. How can we instill a grateful heart into our children in this season of thanks?
Here are some ideas that we’ve incorporated into our family over the years. Personalize to make them fit your family and circumstances. The ‘how’ is not as important as the ‘why.’
Table Talk
Use a light-colored tablecloth at your dining table. Place different colored Sharpies on the table and have family and guests write a special memory from this year, a blessing they’ve experienced, or something they’re thankful for. Be sure to include the year somewhere. Our family loves to use these tablecloths throughout the following year and read all the comments. (Helpful tip: use an inexpensive vinyl tablecloth from the dollar store to put underneath the top tablecloth so that no permanent markings are left on your table.)
Blessing Jar
Each day every family member writes one or more blessings that they have and puts it in a jar, bowl, basket or whatever works. On Thanksgiving, pass the Blessing Jar around the table and have people randomly choose one of the slips of paper and read the blessing aloud.
“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him” James 1:17-19.
Pumpkin Praises
Pumpkins will soon be out of season. Why not utilize them? Using a magic marker or Sharpie, family and guests can write a praise for the day, month, or year. Praises can be large, small, or anything in between. Afterward, you can use this pumpkin as a centerpiece on your table.
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD” Psalm 150:6.
Decorated Paper Placemats
Children can color pictures, write Bible verses of Thanksgiving, or what they’re thankful for. Afterward, you can use simple frames to have these as keepsakes for years to come.
Family Photo
Be sure to capture moments throughout the day, if possible. Holidays can be difficult when we miss those who aren’t with us. If you take a group photo and have loved ones missing, include them in the picture by holding a photo of them for the picture. If they live far away, see if you can Facetime them for the photo. That way, they can be with you and included in your picture. This will be a treasure for everyone.
November is a good month to remind us of how blessed we are even amid our struggles. Thanksgiving 2021 will never come again, so let’s use this month to bless those in our sphere with a grateful heart.
