Incorporating Thankfulness in Your Family Beyond the Holidays

Thanksgiving: A Time to Reflect on Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, but more than that, it’s an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of gratitude within our families. Gratitude is where generosity begins. When you take the time to notice all that you’ve been given, it naturally leads to a desire to share with others. As the week of Thanksgiving unfolds, let’s touch on a few ways to keep the real meaning, the real meaning: 

What Is The True Meaning of Thanksgiving?

One way to start is by creating a simple tradition of thankfulness with your family during the week. Maybe it’s something as easy as taking a few moments each day to share what you each are grateful for around the dinner table or starting a family gratitude journal. These practices don’t have to be elaborate, but they help everyone focus on the good things, big or small. 

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s also meaningful to talk about the true essence of the holiday. As Psalm 107:8 says, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.”. While we often focus on the meal, Thanksgiving is about much more. It's a chance to remember both the historical and spiritual significance of giving thanks. 

Take time as a family to talk about what Thanksgiving means to you—whether it’s rooted in faith, tradition, or simply an opportunity to gather together. These conversations help children and adults alike appreciate the deeper reasons behind the holiday and connect back to what matters most for your family.

Start a Family Tradition of Thankfulness

Including your children in preparing for Thanksgiving can be a wonderful way to teach them about gratitude. When they’re part of the process, they begin to understand all the love and effort that goes into preparing a meal for the family. Talk to them about where the food comes from and the people who work hard to make it possible. It helps turn something as simple as cooking a meal into a moment of appreciation.

Encourage Acts of Gratitude Toward Others

Another way to instill gratitude is by encouraging your family to express it to others. This week is the perfect time to reach out and say thank you to those who have made an impact on your life. Write a heartfelt note or make a quick phone call. Showing appreciation strengthens your relationships and reminds everyone of the kindness they’ve received.

Connect Gratitude and Generosity

As Thanksgiving is a season of giving, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on generosity. Gratitude and generosity go hand in hand. When we’re thankful for what we have, it opens our hearts to give. Take some time to think as a family about ways you can give back, whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering, or simply offering support to someone in need. Thanksgiving can be the start of a season of giving that continues well into the new year.

While Thanksgiving highlights the importance of gratitude, these conversations don’t have to stop when the holiday ends. By weaving thankfulness into your daily routine, you can build a family culture that celebrates gratitude and generosity every day. After all, giving thanks is something we can practice all year long. 

Read more about the importance of family, gratitude, and thanksgiving here.