Thankfulness Chain- A Simple Thanksgiving Tradition

keep-your-eyes-open-1024x1024I love Thanksgiving. A holiday that revolves around food is pretty much right up my alley. I also love that it’s a celebration that doesn’t have anything to do with getting stuff! Add in the fact that it’s the one time of year jellied cranberry is acceptable as a side dish, and I’m smitten.

I also love family traditions. However, I am decidedly NOT a crafty mom. I look at all those beautiful things on Pinterest (amazing centerpieces to craft with your kids and whatnot) and sigh wistfully. I can’t wait to see them at your house! But they will not be at mine. We do have one great family tradition that is easy as pie and helps to remind us what Thanksgiving is all about.

THE THANKFULNESS CHAIN

Here’s what you need:

8356042325_770296db27_z-strips of paper (we use a bunch of different “autumn” colors)
-something to write with
-tape or stapler
That’s it!

Every night in November, each person in our family writes something for which they are thankful on a paper strip. In the early days, pre-writers would dictate to mom or dad. Then we go around the table and share them. Some days, they are profound and beautiful thoughts, like thankfulness for friendship, forgiveness, and freedom. Some days they are more mundane, like LEGO and video games. But they are always sincere. After we share, we loop them together to make a paper chain. The chain hangs from the doorway between our living room and homeschool room (formerly a dining room). We add to it each day and eventually it creates a border all the way around the opening. It’s super easy and takes almost no prep time. And it’s one of my favorite traditions because it reminds us that every day, no matter what, we can say thanks.

What are your favorite simple traditions?

3 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.