by Kristina Nelson

Created on: October 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Each November, as Thanksgiving approaches, sharing blessings becomes the number one topic and theme. Colored paper trees are created in homes, and blessings are written on cut out leaves. It's a time referenced to sharing what we are thankful for.

Our family decided to extend our appreciations throughout the year. Every night at our dinner table, we individually express our "high" and "low" of our day. It's our way of connecting and understanding each other, and sharing our appreciations. Many times the children will express their thankfulness for the dinner that was prepared.

If your family says a prayer of thanksgiving before your meals, give each child a turn every night to express their gratitude. My mother would always say our Thanksgiving prayer each year. The prayer she said has become a tradition that I carried on with my family. Starting a tradition is another way to continue showing graciousness throughout the year.

Appreciation or thankfulness expresses a positive state of well-being, which leads to happier and fuller lives. This produces enthusiasm and makes it easier to maintain a healthy, consistent positive attitude.

We often show gratitude through humble gifts, baking a child's favorite meal while recovering from surgery, taking over the yard work while your spouse is at work, or even keeping the house clean. They are all ways to give thanks. Here are some Thanksgiving activities to share with your children, that will help build a more gracious family.

Gratitude bookmarks

On a homemade bookmark, each child writes a list of what they are most thankful for of their parents. You can simply cut strips of card stock or buy pre cut bookmarks in the craft section of your department store. These are wonderful gifts to have and use throughout the year.

Gratitude Garland

Have your children cut leaves from construction paper. After having them write their blessings on each leaf, they can attach them to a piece of string or yarn. Decorate your home with blessings throughout the Thanksgiving season.

Bible Study

Sharing Time: Happy Heart, offers a Bible study lesson and a printable word puzzle with answers. It contains activity ideas as well.

Gratitude Turkey

Craft of the Day Blog offers a printable template to create a construction paper turkey, and write what you are thankful for on each feather you cut out for the turkey.

Thanksgiving Tree

Family Education Web site has a Thanksgiving Tree craft project. Write what you are thankful for on each tree leaf.

Thankful Thanksgiving Tablecloth

Family Education Web site gives directions for this fun idea. Kids will love being able to write all over the tablecloth.

Lesson Plan

Spend time during Thanksgiving school break and teach your kids about the history of Thanksgiving. Teacherlink Web site offers a complete lesson plan for easy teaching

Give to Others

Family Education Web site contains an article on the Top 10 Ways to be Gracious and Giving. Pick one or more tips and involve the kids.

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