A Thankful Home: Simple Ways to Keep Gratitude Alive This Thanksgiving
Friend, can I be honest with you?
Thankfulness doesn’t come naturally in the rush of motherhood. Not when the sink is full, the schedule is overflowing, or the house feels loud and messy. Gratitude isn’t just something we say... It’s something we practice. It’s a posture we model to our kids long before we ever sit down at the Thanksgiving table.
As moms, we have the chance to set the tone in our homes. Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal, it’s a ministry. It’s a moment to slow down, gather close, and intentionally point our families back to the goodness of God.
If you missed last week’s post on what Thanksgiving truly means, you can read it here: More Than Turkey Day
Today, let’s talk about how to make Thanksgiving interactive, meaningful, and memorable, not just for a moment, but in a way that gently lingers long after the dishes are done.
Bring Gratitude to the Table
You’ve probably done the classic “go around and say one thing you’re thankful for,” and that’s beautiful. But this year, try going a little deeper.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Ask richer gratitude questions
Instead of the usual “What are you thankful for?” try:
“Where did you see God’s hand in your life this year?”
“What blessing surprised you the most?”
“What is something you didn’t expect to be grateful for, but you are?”
These questions help your family reflect on God’s presence, not just their preferences.
2. Create a Thankful Tree or Blessing Jar
You can use real branches, craft paper, or even sticky notes. Throughout the day (or week), each family member writes down things they’re grateful for and adds them to the tree or jar.
It becomes a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness.
3. Write Gratitude Place Cards
At each person’s spot at the table, place a simple card that says:
“I’m thankful for you because…”
Fill in something personal and heartfelt.
It sets the tone for connection right from the start.
Make It Interactive for Kids
Kids learn gratitude by doing, not just listening. Here are a few gentle, simple activities that invite them into the moment:
1. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Challenge them to find:
something God made
something that makes them smile
something that reminds them of someone they love
something that helps them feel safe
This helps them see blessings all around them.
2. “Thank You, God” Crafts
Simple coloring pages, handprint turkeys, or note cards that say “Thank You God for ______.”
Kids love getting creative, and it turns gratitude into something they can hold and remember.
3. Family Gratitude Journal
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, invite your kids to add something to a family gratitude journal each day: a drawing, a sentence, a little memory, or even something they found that reminds them of God’s goodness.
By Thanksgiving Day, you’ll have a full week of gratitude captured in one place. A keepsake you’ll treasure year after year.
Carry Gratitude Beyond the Day
The beauty of gratitude is that it doesn’t have to be confined to one holiday. You can gently weave it into your rhythms in simple, sustainable ways.
1. Weekly Family Prayer Time
Once a week, gather for five minutes and share with each other one blessing from the week.
It doesn’t have to be formal.
It just has to be together.
2. Thankful Thursdays
During dinner each Thursday, ask everyone to share:
one thing God taught them
one answered prayer
one unexpected blessing
It keeps gratitude alive long after the leftovers are gone.
3. Gratitude in the Small Moments
You don’t need a perfectly planned tradition. Some of the most meaningful gratitude moments happen naturally:
pausing in chaos to thank God for the giggles
whispering “thank You” when the house is finally still
thanking Him for the tiny joys He hides in the everyday
Gratitude is a rhythm, not a performance.
A Gentle Word for Your Heart
Mama, don’t put pressure on yourself to create a Pinterest-perfect Thanksgiving. You don’t have to manufacture thankfulness or orchestrate every moment. What your kids will remember the most is the love, laughter, and warmth in your home. The way you slow down, breathe deep, and show them gratitude in your own quiet way.
Let it flow naturally. Let it be simple.
Let it point back to Him.
Let’s Talk
How does your family celebrate gratitude together? Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions?
As always, you can reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you and help you walk this journey. You can email me anytime at [email protected].
P.S.
If you’re hoping to enter the Christmas season with more peace and less chaos, you might love Rooted & Restored, my gentle 30-day journey that helps you clear the clutter in your home and heart.
You can start your Rooted & Restored journey HERE