With every passing year, it seems Thanksgiving becomes more and more overlooked. Even before Halloween, retailers are setting out their Christmas merchandise. I walked into my local Target this week and was met by Christmas signs right at the front door. In the parking lot, our town has already set up their usual Christmas decorations.
I’m all for getting prepared for Christmas, but in due time. Let’s not miss Thanksgiving! Our society has become so much about buying and spending for Christmas that it rushes by Thanksgiving without much thought.
In Spanish, Thanksgiving is translated to El Día De Acción de Gracias. I love the literal translation of those words: the day of the act of giving thanks. In these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, let’s focus on the act of giving thanks.
Here are three fun ideas:
Start a Thankful Jar: Have every member of the family write down things that they are thankful for throughout the week or month and put them in a jar. Pick an appointed day to read through all of them together.
Focus on a verse for each week of November: Read them together as a family and talk about the meaning. Here are a few to get you started (all from the New Living Translation):
Colossians 3:15: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18: Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Psalm 107:1: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever!
Isaiah 12:4-5: In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.”
Write a Letter to God: Have each person in your family write a letter to God telling Him how they are thankful. If the kids aren’t writing yet or prefer to draw, have them create a picture of what they’re thankful for. This is a special way to understand the heart of your child and will be a special keepsake.
Let’s remember that being thankful isn’t just for this time of year, it’s something we can continue every single day.
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