Each year, the month of November ushers in a warm and inviting sense of fond Thanksgiving traditions. As many of us daydream of spice-infused pumpkin pie, the delicate dance of leaves drifting to the ground below, and storefronts glowing in golden hues, our sense of nostalgia is ignited. Until it isn’t anymore.
These magical remembrances might also bring the over-saturation of thankfulness in our inboxes and newsfeeds. And maybe you, like me, have become overwhelmed and fatigued with what is in front of you.
If so, here are ten simple, fun, and unique ways you can practice gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
1. Make Lists
Making a gratitude list is the easiest way you can practice thankfulness. So, before bed, take a few minutes to write down one to three things you are grateful for from the day. This is not only great for your mind as you wind down but is also good for your heart as you reflect on God’s goodness in the small things.
2. Buy a Gratitude Journal
One of my favorite ways to practice thankfulness is through a gratitude journal. The way you use your journal is up to you. Start simply by making a list for each day, or dig deeper by journaling how the Lord spoke to you throughout your day. You can also write down how He has answered prayer and record how that has encouraged your spirit. Having a gratitude journal in your life is a great way to remember the goodness of the Lord when you are walking through a discouraging season.
3. Make a Gratitude Jar
I can’t think of a better way to remind one another of what we are grateful for than with a gratitude jar. Simply place a jar in a central location, along with strips of paper and a pen. Whenever you or someone in your family thinks of something they are grateful for, write it down and place it in the jar. Then, after Thanksgiving dinner, as you are sitting around the table, share the things your family has written down. Not only will this serve as a great reminder of being thankful for the small and big things, but this is also a great way to tangibly show how to record God’s faithfulness!
4. Gather at the Table
Throughout November, cover your kitchen table, coffee table, or wherever you gather with a large sheet of paper. Set out pens, markers, and crayons, and let the fun begin! While gathering for meals or get-togethers with your friends and family, invite them to write or draw something they are grateful for. Then, as you continue to add to it all month long, on Thanksgiving day, you will have a personalized tablecloth customized by the people you are most grateful for!
5. Write on the Mirror
One thing we all use every day is a bathroom mirror. We see our reflection as we brush our teeth, wash our hands, and prepare for our day. You can utilize this space by writing a verse or word on your mirror with a dry erase marker, and each time you are in your bathroom, you will be reminded of the Lord’s goodness and promise over your life.
6. Mindful Breathing
We all encounter things that cause us to feel stress, fear, and anxiety, which can be overwhelming. The next time you feel the tension of a circumstance, I encourage you to take a minute to pause, close your eyes, and take slow deep breaths. As you inhale, focus on something that brings you joy. Feel free to repeat as often as you need.
7. Take Pictures
Chances are, you have a high-quality camera right in your pocket. We live in a world where our cell phones are with us wherever we go. They serve as alarm clocks, to-do lists, and photo albums. For those of you with a creative streak, challenge yourself to take one photo a day of something you are grateful for. For a fun project, post to your Instagram profile and create a hashtag to link your thankfulness posts. And for those of us who like to have actual photos, make a photo book to remind yourself of how you have been blessed throughout the year.
8. Go on a Gratitude Walk
As we are amidst the breathtaking views of a new and changing season, autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of nature when considering what you are thankful for. Get cozy with a coat and scarf, tie up your boots, and go for a walk with the sole purpose of being present. As you are walking, ask God to reveal His beauty around you. What do you see, hear, and smell? Slow down and take notice of the mundane things that you would easily miss otherwise. Then, as you quiet your mind and heart, thank God for the things He reveals to you.
9. Write a Letter
There is nothing quite like opening your mailbox and finding a handwritten letter addressed to you. The way the paper feels in your hand, the delicate lines of black ink, and the heartfelt words scribbled across the paper. Is there someone you are thankful for this Thanksgiving? Write them a handwritten letter expressing your gratitude for them and mail it.
10. Tangible Reminders
Are you sparked with sentiment when you see something that reminds you of your past? If so, you may be a visual person. As you consider what you are grateful for, place trinkets, post-its, and other things that remind you of how the Lord has provided for you in visible places around your house. This will allow you to see what you are grateful for when discouragement or discontentment hits.
With these ten gratitude practices, remembering to be thankful can be simple and redirect our hearts back to childlike faith. For more gratitude ideas that promote contentment during November and all year round, simply subscribe to the blog! Once you sign up, I will send you a downloadable file that features fun gratitude ideas, with a door hanger cut-out to place around in your home!
Practicing gratitude can be simple and spark creative joy. So which gratitude method are you excited to try?
