Creating a Gratitude-Filled Thanksgiving Day
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
– Melody Beattie
Thanksgiving is a day for family, connection, and gratitude. In our home, we use this special day to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the blessings in our lives. Rather than focusing on historical narratives, we center our celebrations around the themes of togetherness and giving thanks. Here are some family traditions that make our Thanksgiving day feel warm, festive, and meaningful.
Family Traditions for a Gratitude-Filled Thanksgiving
Early Morning Turkey Trot
We start our day bright and early by participating in a local turkey trot. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday with some fresh air, laughter, and movement as a family. Whether you walk, run, or jog, it’s all about having fun and feeling energized.Bagels and Macy’s Day Parade
After the turkey trot, we gather around the TV for the annual Macy’s Day Parade with a cozy breakfast of bagels. It’s a simple tradition, but there’s something so nostalgic and comforting about watching the giant balloons, floats, and performers together, snuggled up in our living room.Homemade Tamales Instead of Turkey
In our family, we like to switch things up and make homemade tamales instead of the traditional turkey dinner. The process of making tamales is not only delicious but also a beautiful way to spend time together in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter as we wrap each one by hand. It’s a tradition that feels uniquely ours and adds a special touch to the day.Tablecloth Tradition
When my oldest were toddlers, I bought a plain white tablecloth and some fabric pens to start a special tradition. Each year, we bring out the tablecloth and add our names, the date, and sometimes a small drawing. If we have guests joining us, we invite them to sign it as well. This simple tradition has become a beautiful keepsake, filled with memories and reminders of gratitude that we cherish each year.
Sharing Gratitude
As we gather for dinner, we go around the table and share something we’re grateful for from the past year. It’s a simple act, but it deepens our connection and reminds us of the joys and blessings we sometimes take for granted. This tradition helps us focus on the present and appreciate the people and moments that make life beautiful.Bringing in the Holiday Spirit: The Christmas Elf
After dinner, we introduce our favorite Christmas elf to officially start the holiday season. It’s always a fun surprise for the kids, and it brings a little extra magic and excitement to the evening as we transition from Thanksgiving into the holiday spirit.
These simple traditions have become the heart of our Thanksgiving, grounding us in the spirit of gratitude and family connection. Whether you adopt one of these traditions or create your own, the most important thing is to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful and joyful for your family.
Feel free to explore these activities in a way that suits your family’s rhythm—adapt them, mix them up, or create something entirely new! The beauty lies in making them your own. If you try something different, we’d love to hear your story and share in the journey!
