5 WAYS TO EMBRACE THANKSGIVING

Let our lives be full of “thanks” and “giving.” Breaking down the word “Thanksgiving” into two separate, distinct actions has given this season of gratitude more meaning and focus. But how do you practice this in meaningful and tangible ways? I have included five practical ways you can embrace the whole season with your family and friends. Free printables are included, so feel free to download, print, and share to get the entire experience!

SHARE THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING

Whether you are a history buff or not, I think it is interesting to revisit the origins of Thanksgiving and why we celebrate this holiday here in America. Reading Lincoln’s original Thanksgiving Proclamation is one way to gain some perspective that we may have forgotten over the years. Below is a copy of this Proclamation that you can download, print, and share at your family or friends’ celebration.

SPEAK WORDS OF THANKSGIVING

As we gather around the table, one of my family’s Thanksgiving traditions is to give everyone a chance to speak their gratitude out loud. Sometimes it is hard to think of something when all eyes are on you, so I found these ribbon napkin holders that provide thoughtful questions as conversation starters. Below are the questions you can print, cut, and use at your Thanksgiving dinner, or you can find plain ribbon and write out the questions with a fabric marker. There are two sheets for a total of ten gratitude prompts.

SERVE OTHERS IN NEED THIS THANKSGIVING

My local church has a yearly Thanksgiving basket drive where they hand out Rubbermaid totes and ask us to fill them with all the necessities for a Thanksgiving dinner. We fill these bins up with turkeys, stuffing, pies, rolls, vegetables, and all the fixings so local families in need can enjoy their own Thanksgiving feast. It is a small way to give back and remember the daily blessings that many of us take for granted.

You can do something similar by donating food to a local food bank, serving Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter, or just inviting someone over who may be without family to celebrate with you. Below is a printable list of suggested items if you would like to bless a family with a Thanksgiving Basket this year.

CELEBRATE GRATITUDE EVEN IN THE MIDST OF STRUGGLE & SUFFERING

Sometimes the holidays can be difficult because of loss, pain, and disappointment. Gratitude may be hard to even think of, let alone express. You may be celebrating for the first time without a loved one, you may be far away from those you love, or you may be suffering physically, emotionally, or financially.  How do you give thanks when it hurts? I found this beautiful prayer written by Cindi McMenamin that might help those who are struggling to say thanks for the hard things. Download and print this beautiful prayer when you need to remember to give thanks even during the hard times.

SAVOR THE BLESSINGS OF FOOD, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS AT THANKSGIVING

In the midst of our busy and stressful lives, let’s not forget the simple pleasures of sitting around the table with those we love and enjoying a good meal. Whether your mouth waters for the roasted turkey and stuffing, decadent mashed potatoes, your aunt’s famous green bean casserole, or your Grandma’s homemade pies, savor each bite and morsel. Eat, drink, and be merry, remembering that every perfect gift is from above! Download the share the graphic below on social media or save it as a reminder of God’s continual provision not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the year!

I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU THIS THANKSGIVING

I hope the resources in this post help you embrace both “thanks” and “giving” throughout this season. All of the downloads are my gift to you to show my appreciation for joining me here At the Crossroads. I pray they bless, encourage, and inspire you in every way possible!

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If this post spoke to you in any way, would you mind leaving a comment, sharing it on social media, or even letting a friend know? Please help me spread the attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving!