Thanksgiving and gratitude go hand-in-hand during the late fall. Here are some fun ways the whole family can get involved in showing gratitude together for the holiday or any day.
Gratitude Hands
This is a fun activity for younger children. An older person can trace a child’s hand a few times on different colored paper. After their hand gets cut out, they or an older sibling or adult can write out something they’re thankful for on each hand. The hands can then be strung up, put on a window, door, fridge, or displayed where everyone can see. Try it.
Gratitude Tree
One way to create a Gratitude Tree is to place a branch in a vase. Leaves can be traced and cut out of various colors of paper. Use a paper punch to punch a hole in the leaf. Each person writes something they are thankful for on a leaf. Family members can take turns sharing what they wrote and then using string or pipe cleaners, attach it to the branch. Watch this short Thankful Tree video for inspiration.
Gratitude Flower
A gratitude flower is similar to the tree, except instead of leaves, you cut out flower petals in various colors. The center of the flower is a circle that says “I am thankful for…” and then each petal is glued behind the circle with something they are thankful for written on it.
Gratitude Jar
When something good happens to you, write it down on a small piece of paper, fold it up, and put it in a jar. When things have you down, shake up your jar, pull one out, and relive the positive feeling it gave you.
Gratitude Pumpkin
Find a pumpkin that will be the perfect size for the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table. Throughout the month of November, write one or two things each day on your pumpkin. Start at the top with “We are thankful/grateful for…” and add each thing in a downward spiral until your pumpkin is full of heartwarming gratitude.
Gratitude Collage
A gratitude collage is a picture design of all the things you are grateful for. You can have one big collage, or you can use a page opening from a notebook for each week, each day, or each month. Some families choose to use a bulletin board to keep it on display. Whatever best serves you and your family to feel thankful.
Gratitude A-Z
On a piece of paper, write down each letter of the alphabet on a line. Together as a family, start listing something you are grateful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet.
Gratitude Place Cards
Everyone dining or visiting for Thanksgiving has a large place card with their name on it. It is larger than usual so everyone can take a turn writing something special about the person on each card.
Gratitude Walk
Going for a walk has many health benefits in and of itself, but combining a walk with a grateful heart can only increase these benefits. Be present as you walk along, noticing all the things you see, hear, and feel. Set your intention to be as observant as possible.
There are so many fun ideas for taking a grateful mindset this season. Pick one or two activities and soak up each moment!
