Thanksgiving is an ideal time to encourage gratitude and reflection with family, especially with kids. It’s a chance to instill in them a sense of appreciation and kindness, creating lasting family memories and traditions. Here are some engaging Thanksgiving gratitude activities to make this holiday season meaningful and joyful for children and adults alike.
1. Thankful Tree
A Thankful Tree is a beautiful visual representation of gratitude. To create one, gather branches, a vase, and some paper or cardstock to cut into leaf shapes. Each family member writes something they’re grateful for on a leaf and hangs it on the tree. Over time, the tree fills with blessings, providing a daily reminder of things to appreciate. Kids will enjoy decorating the leaves, and it serves as a powerful centrepiece that sparks family discussions.
2. Gratitude Garland
Similar to the Thankful Tree, a Gratitude Garland is easy to make and visually impactful. Using colourful paper strips, each person writes down something they’re thankful for on each strip and links them together to form a garland. Hang it up in a communal space for everyone to see. This activity allows children to focus on specific moments and people they’re grateful for while also contributing to family decor.
3. Thanksgiving Journal
Encourage older kids to keep a Thanksgiving journal where they write or draw something they’re thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving. This daily practice instils a habit of gratitude and provides a cherished keepsake to look back on. Younger children can use drawing or colouring as an expression of their gratitude, creating a simple and joyful way to reflect on their blessings. surprising-gifts-that-encourage-gratitude-and-mindfulness/
4. Thankful Hands
Trace each family member’s hand on paper and write a note of gratitude on each finger. Kids can also decorate their hands with drawings or colors to personalize them. Displaying these “thankful hands” on a wall or bulletin board adds a personal touch to the Thanksgiving decor and reinforces the importance of each person’s unique contributions.
5. Thanksgiving Blessing Jar
Set up a “Blessing Jar” in a central area of the home,and invite everyone to add notes throughout the month of November. During Thanksgiving dinner, pass the jar around and read each blessing aloud. This activity encourages kids to think deeply about what they are thankful for, and it becomes a shared family experience of gratitude.
Make gratitude a part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Fill your jar with thanks.
6. Acts of Kindness
Gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks—it’s about giving back. Encourage children to think of small acts of kindness they can do for family members, neighbors, or friends. These could be helping with household chores, sharing toys, or making handmade cards. This practice shows kids that gratitude can be active, and it encourages empathy and thoughtfulness.
7. Grateful Alphabet Game
Play the Grateful Alphabet Game around the Thanksgiving table. Go around with each person naming something they’re grateful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet. This fun challenge keeps everyone engaged and helps kids think creatively about everyday blessings.
8. Thankful Placemats
Create personalized “thankful placemats” for the Thanksgiving meal. Children can design placemats with pictures or lists of things they’re grateful for. These can be as simple or elaborate as they like, adding a heartfelt and personal touch to the Thanksgiving table.
9. Thanksgiving Gratitude Letters
Have children write letters to people they appreciate, such as teachers, friends, or family members. Younger kids can draw pictures instead of writing. Delivering these letters either before or during Thanksgiving can create joy on both sides and teach children the value of expressing their gratitude. https://winniespurehealth.co.ke/2023/12/christmas-holiday-magic-and-traditions-in-kenya/
10. Photo Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is always a hit with kids! Create a list of things they can find around the house or yard that they’re thankful for, like their favorite book, a family photo, or a beloved pet. They can take photos of each item on the list, creating a personalized gratitude photo album to keep and look back on.
These Thanksgiving activities provide a wonderful way to help kids understand and appreciate gratitude in creative, tangible ways. By making gratitude a family focus during the holidays, children can learn that being thankful is a habit to cherish year-round.
