When our kids were small, we started a Thanksgiving
Tradition that has continued to this day, and is a great source of fun and
encouragement. We put each person’s name on a slip of paper and drop in a
basket or hat. After the meal, everyone draws one name from the basket—no
peeking!
Then we sit with pen or pencil and paper—fancy stationery or
plain copy paper—and write that person a note telling them why we are thankful
for them. When the children were too small to write, they whispered their
dictations to us.
When all are completed, we go around the table and read them
aloud. Some bring laughter,
others tears, all a sense of kinship and gratitude.
How amazing it’s been to see the Lord’s hand at work during
these “Thankful Letter” moments. A sister forced to write why she was thankful
for her ornery little brother sees him in a new light for a moment; a dad
suddenly realizes he needs to express his esteem for his son more often; a
spouse receives a compliment for a quality they thought had gone unnoticed.
Hearts stir to new feelings of love and affirmation. God is
proud. We are ministering to each other
Do you practice Thanksgiving traditions in your family?
This is a wonderful idea, Jen! So glad you shared it. We might have to start this one at our house. Our Thanksgiving traditions include dressing up and gathering for a meal, and sharing love and laughter. We also celebrate our grandson's birthday, which is November 27. He will be 8 this year, and I have a little treasure hunt (for his gifts) planned. Actually that's another tradition, I started the treasure hunt thing when he was about 3 or 4, I think, and he asks for it every year now. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I love this! I think I will add it to our Christmas celebration this year. Thanksgiving has already passed for me. So often we do not daily tell what we appreciate about another. A note can be kept too, rather than just words spoken.
ReplyDeleteappreciate you
ReplyDelete