“What are you thankful for this year?”
This seemingly innocuous inquiry is traditionally posed at millions of Thanksgiving tables every year. Yet even though we know it’s coming, it often has us at a loss for words. When put on the spot, typical responses might be, “my family,” “my friends,” or “my toys.” To give kids fun ways to explore thankfulness on a deeper level, here are some easy gratitude projects to try.
Easy Gratitude Projects for Your Family
Turkey Tickets – When a fellow blogger was 15, her mother gave her a “ticket” to Thanksgiving dinner. On the ticket, she was tasked with writing down all the things she was thankful for. The catch? The paper was 6 feet long! It prompted the writer to think very specifically about all the people and details of her life. To recreate this idea, you can use cash register paper from an office supply store, or even your latest CVS receipt.
photo courtesy of lets-get-together.com
Appreciation Pumpkin – That leftover Halloween pumpkin could still have some life left in it. Grab a sharpie or some metallic markers and cover it all over with “glimmers.” Write your blessings in curves or patterns to give it some pizzazz.
photo courtesy of putthekettleon.ca
Kindness Garden – Do you have an outdoor space that could use sprucing up? Maybe a corner of your home that is perfect for a larger flower pot? Consider creating a rock garden, full of stones painted with words of affirmation and appreciation. You’ll need smooth rocks, acrylic paint, sealant, and some type of wood or waterproof material for the sign.
photo courtesy of meandmyinklings.com
Gratitude Game – This involves candy, so it is sure to be a hit. Skittles, M&M’s, anything multi-colored will work for this game, as the questions are based on color. Just close your eyes, pick a color out of the bag, and then talk about people, places, things, experiences, activities, and blessings you are thankful for.
photo courtesy of Bellamy Designs
Gobbler Placemat – Print off a picture of a turkey, or assemble one from construction paper. Next, trace and cut out feathers for the bird. On these feathers, your kids can note what they are thankful for. Paste everything together, take them to a copy store to be laminated, and voila, a new tradition to treasure at your dinner table.
photo courtesy of homanathome.com.
Cornucopia Covering – Don’t stop with the placemats. Lay a big piece of brown Kraft paper on the floor, set up a bucket of markers, crayons, or paint, and ask your kids to decorate it with words and drawings of gratitude. It will be the jumping-off point for some memorable conversations.
photo courtesy of cupfulofcozy.com
Write a Note – The art of letter writing is losing steam, but the joy it can bring has never changed. Is there someone in your child’s life who has made a particular impact, or who needs a boost? Putting pen to paper on stationery – and then showing your child how to address the envelope – is a great way to be mindfully appreciative of those around us.
photo courtesy of freepik.com
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Share below!
