Everyone loves turkey and football, but what about the true meaning of Thanksgiving? This year, instead of bulging waistlines and Uncle Elwyn’s rants, give your family a reason to remember and cherish the season. Here are some easy ways to express gratitude for family and community to create a more meaningful Thanksgiving.

I’m Thankful For…

Start the event with gratitude. This can be as simple as going around the table and having each guest finish the sentence, “I’m thankful for _____.” Or get more creative by placing note cards on each place setting or inside napkins for people to write down their gratitude. Let thankfulness reign all month long by starting a list on the refrigerator or bulletin board and jotting down one thing each day (or as many as you can think of!) and then display it somewhere prominent during the Thanksgiving meal.

Decorate With Tradition

Start a tradition that can be carried on year after year by making a Thanksgiving decoration together. Cut out letters to spell “THANKS” for a wall banner, fold special napkin rings, or use a stencil to etch wine glasses. A fun idea for kids is to start a Thanksgiving table cloth. Spread a light-colored table cloth over the table and grab some permanent fabric markers, telling each person to write or draw a picture of something they’re thankful for that year. Date each addition for a holiday decoration that will grow in gratitude each year!

Write Thank-You Notes

The simple art of the written thank-you note is one that is dying in our modern world, but it is no less poignant and thoughtful today. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just a few short sentences about why you appreciate someone is enough. Write thank-you notes to coworkers, neighbors, faraway family members, or friends and drop them in the old-fashioned mailbox. They will be surprised and delighted that you took the time to write out how much they are appreciated in your life.

Share Favorite Recipes

This is a great way to ease the burden of cooking a giant feast in one day. Make Thanksgiving a special potluck by asking each guest or family member to bring their favorite recipe. It might be Grandma’s pumpkin pie or Dad’s loaded mashed potatoes, but each one will add a special flair to the spread. At the end of the meal, share each other’s recipes to create traditions that will go on to the next generation.

Invite Someone New

Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for someone with no family or friends to share a meal with. Look around your community for people who might appreciate a place to come and share the holiday. It could be college students who are far from home, a brand new neighbor on the block, or a work colleague who won’t be traveling this year. Opening up your home and including them in your family gathering will make them feel cherished and special, and you might even make a new friend!

So enjoy the turkey and stuffing this year, but also remember why the day is a holiday to begin with. There are lots of ways to create a more meaningful Thanksgiving and establish traditions of gratitude that will last an entire lifetime.

Share: