Gratitude Activities & Traditions for you family this Thanksgiving

Alright, gobbles, pull up a seat into the heart of Thanksgiving – and no, I’m not talking about Ina Garten’s stuffing. We’re diving into the true spirit of the holiday: gratitude. Whether you’re a gratitude guru or a thankfulness newbie, these activities and traditions will make your Thanksgiving a feast of the heart. Get ready to embrace the warm and fuzzy feels!

Gratitude Jar
Thankful Tree
Gratitude Walk
Family Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Letters
Acts of Kindness
Gratitude Circle

Thanksgiving is like the Olympics of gratitude – it’s the time we all come together, not just to overindulge in turkey and pie, but to celebrate what we’re truly thankful for. So, let’s roll up our sleeves (not just for the pumpkin pie) and dive into some fun, family-friendly gratitude activities and traditions that will make your Thanksgiving more memorable than Papas annual post-dinner nap on the couch.

Gratitude Jar

Grab an empty jar – the one that used to hold your midnight cookie stash works perfectly. This Gratitude Jar is about to become a repository for all the things that make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Every day leading up to Thanksgiving, have everyone in the family write down something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and pop it in the jar.

On Thanksgiving, open it up and read the notes aloud. Prepare for a few laughs, some “aww” moments, and maybe even a happy tear or two.

Thankful Tree

Get a little crafty with a Thankful Tree. Find a bunch of twigs or branches (bonus points if you snag them from your yard) and stick them in a vase. Cut out leaf shapes from colorful paper, and have everyone write what they’re thankful for on a leaf.

Hang these on the branches, and voila – you’ve got a beautiful centerpiece that’s more heartfelt than any store-bought decoration. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for the dinner table!

It also doubles as a great “Thanksgiving Craft to Make with Kids”. You can find this and many other kids craft ideas by clicking that link.

Gratitude Walk

After the big feast, when you’re so full you’re questioning your life choices, take a Gratitude Walk.

It’s a leisurely stroll where you can digest your food and talk about things you’re grateful for.

Whether it’s the crisp fall air, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, or the fact that you survived another one of Aunt Edna’s stories, this walk will remind you to appreciate the little things.

For Ideas on what to make for the big feast, read this article next: “Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes| The Best Sides“.

Family Gratitude Journal

Start a Family Gratitude Journal.

Set out a book where each family member and guest you have that year can jot down their thankful thoughts.

Each year, you can look back and see how your gratitude list grows and changes. It’s a wonderful way to document your family’s journey and all the good things that come your way.

Gratitude Letters

Remember the thrill of getting a handwritten letter in the mail? Bring that joy back with Gratitude Letters.

Have everyone write a heartfelt note to someone they appreciate. It could be a family member, a friend, or even the mailman who always delivers your packages with a smile.

Not only does this spread the Thanksgiving spirit, but it also strengthens bonds and lets people know they’re valued.

Acts of Kindness

Nothing says “I’m thankful” quite like giving back. Make a list of Acts of Kindness that you can do as a family.

Whether it’s baking cookies for a neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply smiling at strangers, these small acts make a big difference.

Plus, they’re a great reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t just about what we have, but how we can share our blessings with others.

Gratitude Circle

Finally, gather your clan for a Gratitude Circle. This can be as formal or as laid-back as you like.

Sit in a circle and take turns sharing something you’re thankful for. My family always likes to do the gratitude circle before we start eating the main course.

It might be a bit sappy, but trust me – it’s a heartwarming way to brighten the day. And hey, if it gets too emotional, there’s always pie to lighten the mood.

I hope my treasure trove of gratitude activities and traditions will make your Thanksgiving more meaningful than ever. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food (though we all know that’s a huge part of it). It’s about celebrating the good things in life with the people who matter most.

For more family friendly Thanksgiving/Fall activities go here next: “Cozy & Festive DIY Thanksgiving Decorations”

Share your Thanksgiving Traditions down below so that we can start incorporating new ideas into our families, too!

I hope, at this point, we are all building a kind of family here, too. Because in the end, it’s not just about what’s on the table, but who’s around it.

Thanks for being here at my table,

I’m Thankful for YOU!

Anna