Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and many of us are probably busily planning our turkey dinner menus, which pies to make, and how we’re going to get everyone a place to eat. But let us not forget the most important part- being grateful for all the many blessings we have received. Many families say a special grace or prayer before eating to show their gratitude, but here are some ideas to add to your prayers to help everyone (including young ones) to really think about their blessings and give thanks.

*Take turns. During dinner, or maybe while everyone is enjoying their pie, go around the table and have everyone share what they are most grateful for this year. This idea is very simple, but still a great way to have everyone reflect on their blessings.

*A gratitude tree. I’ve seen so many variations of these, and they’re all great! You can make a giant one out of paper to stick to the wall, and either cut out leaf shapes or handprints, or you can use a decorative tree/stick centerpiece and hang little leafs on the branches. Have everyone write all their blessings on one leaf, or give everyone several leaves that they can add blessings to. Then have fun decorating the tree. I think this would be a great pre-dinner activity because then you have a beautiful centerpiece or decoration that everyone can see during dinner. Either way, I love the visual representation this gives children. The tree is empty and bare, but as we add blessings to the tree, it becomes full and beautiful. This could also be done throughout the month; just add one leaf everyday.

*A gratitude jar. This idea would take a little planning, but still a great idea! Throughout the month of November, have everyone add things they are grateful for to the gratitude jar. It could be a once a day thing, once a week, or just when you think about it. Look out how full your jar is (i.e. see how many blessings you have!) and then read what everyone has put in the jar. This makes it personal without putting anyone on the spot!

*A gratitude prompt jar. Sometimes we know we’re grateful, but it’s hard to think of specifically what ;). Another great way to get the conversation going is to have a jar full of gratitude prompts. As you go around, your family can draw something from the jar to give them a place to start. They could expound on that if they want, or you could just have several prompts and you go around the table until they’re all gone. Some prompt ideas could be something you’re grateful for in nature, a family member, a learning experience you’ve had this year, something in your home, something that uses electricity, something religious, a friend, a talent you have, etc.

*A gratitude journal. I love writing things down, and I love being able to look back at those things and reflect. A great way to incorporate this into your Thanksgiving dinner is to have a gratitude journal. This could be done one of two ways. One, you could make a cute gratitude journal for everyone and encourage them to use it. When we take the time every day to write something we are grateful for, it changes us. We become less selfish, more cheerful. Encourage everyone to make this a habit- and if people feel comfortable, have them share what they have been writing! The other way you could use one is to keep a special family gratitude journal that you add to every year. Have everyone share their feelings of gratitude, and what things they are grateful for. Give everyone a turn to write in the journal (and help the little ones ;) ). The following year, before you add to the journal, take time to look back at the previous year(s). This is such a great way to remember your blessings, and it will be fun to see how our attitudes of gratitude have changed and developed over time.

*Serve. One of the best ways to remember how much we have to be grateful for is to serve others. Put together a meal to take to someone less fortunate, invite a new family on the block to your thanksgiving dinner, volunteer at a homeless shelter, donate some toys to a charity- find a way to give back.

What does your family do to give thanks on Thanksgiving? Whatever it may be, remember the many blessings you have been given, and enjoy spending time with family. Happy Thanksgiving!