Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a celebration of all that God has provided for us. As you spend time with those you love during the days ahead, you may enjoy trying some of these ideas to help your family cultivate an "Attitude of Gratitude."

THANKSGIVING JOURNAL
Pass around a journal to all those celebrating your Thanksgiving meal with you -- children included. Allow each person to write his or her name as well as some of the things for which they are most thankful. Keep this journal to read and write in year after year as a record of your family's growth and thankfulness.

THANKSGIVING TREE
Draw a tree (without leaves) on brown construction paper, cut it out and glue it onto another piece of (orange or green) paper or poster board. Then cut out small leaves from red, orange, yellow and green pieces of paper and put them in an envelope. This can be put on a counter in a central location or on the refrigerator door with a magnet. As family members think of things they are thankful for, they can write them on the leaves and glue the leaves onto the branches of the tree.  By Thanksgiving Day you should have a very colorful reminder of all of God's blessings in your life, right there where everyone can see it.  It's also fun to keep these from year to year as mementos of your life together.

THANKSGIVING BASKET OF NOTES
During the week of Thanksgiving, set a basket and notecards out in a common area. Have your family write notes of thanks as they think about things throughout the week. Then on Thanksgiving morning take time to read the notes together as a family.

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We love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a special way of expressing thankfulness with your family at Thanksgiving? If so, please share it with us by commenting below.