As Halloween fades into the rearview mirror, we start running full throttle into the holidays. In our race, we can sometimes find ourselves rushing through Thanksgiving as though it’s a blockade to get to Christmas! And if we’re not careful, we can teach our kids to have that same attitude. Here are a couple ideas to help your kids (and maybe you!) develop an attitude of gratitude!
Cut 2”x11” strips of paper in autumn colors, enough to have one for each day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every night encourage family members to write something that they’re thankful for on one of the strips. Make a loop with each piece and link them together to make one long chain. During all the wanting and wishing as Christmas approaches, this will help remind your kids of everything that God has already provided for them. Option: Cut the strips from Christmas colors and use the chain to decorate your tree.
Make a table runner for your Thanksgiving table by cutting a long section of fabric, preferably a light muslin or something similar. Prior to Thanksgiving dinner, have each child make a handprint, either with paint or by drawing around his hand with a permanent or fabric marker. Ask the child to write something on it that he’s thankful for. (Or, for young children, the parent can write it.) This can become a family tradition as you use it year after year and watch your child’s handprint grow. As you read the things that you’ve been thankful for through the years, this will serve as a great reminder of all that God has done.
What are you doing to help your kids and families develop an attitude of gratitude? Leave a comment and let us know!
Blessings, friends!
