A Simple Thanksgiving Family Tradition to Cultivate Gratitude

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The last few years have been a whirlwind for so many of us. Between busy schedules, world changes, and everyday stresses, it’s easy to feel emotionally and physically drained. But even in the hardest seasons, there’s still so much to be thankful for — and that’s exactly why I love this little Thanksgiving family activity.

When our boys were younger, we started a simple but meaningful family gratitude tradition that quickly became one of my favorite holiday memories.

Our Thanksgiving Family Tradition

One year, I grabbed some colorful construction paper and cut out a big pile of fall leaves — oranges, reds, yellows, and browns. Every night in November, when we all sat down together for dinner, I handed each person a paper leaf.

During dinner, we each took a moment to share one thing we were thankful for that day. Then we’d write it on the leaf (the boys’ sweet misspellings made it even better!), and I’d tape each one to our dining room window.

By Thanksgiving Day, our window was covered in bright paper leaves — each one a reminder of God’s blessings, big and small. It became the simplest, most beautiful fall decoration and a daily reminder to slow down and give thanks.

From The Mouth Of Babes: 43 Things To Be Thankful For

I thought it would be fun to share some of the exact things our little boys wrote down that year — misspellings and all! (In parentheses you’ll see my notes or the correct spelling… just in case you need a little help decoding.)

1. A bed
2. trees
3. shamboo (shampoo)
4. mony (money)
5. recess
6. tolits (toilets)
7. grandmas (💕)
8. rain
9. lotion
10. USA ARMY (🇺🇸)
11. animals
12. gravity (🤣)
13. music
14. shoes
15. parents
16. cout (coat)
17. Christmas
18. books
19. chairs
20. hollidays (the holidays)
21. sports
22. moon and stars
23. freedom (I’m impressed that a little boy knew freedom was something to be thankful for 💙)
24. our bones
25. teachers!
26. our blood
27. cups
28. freash air
29. mountains
30. our body
31. locks
32. turky (turkey dinner)
33. I know Jesus (my heart ❤️)
34. life
35. the Bible
36. Jesus’s sacrifice (Amen!)
37. water
38. our food
39. toys
40. clothes
41. our house
42. my family
43. frends (friends)

How much better would the world be if we all stayed as innocent and pure-hearted as children? Their gratitude is simple, sincere, and completely unfiltered.

Reading through our boys’ thankful leaves reminded me just how uncomplicated gratitude can be. Kids don’t overthink it — they’re thankful for warm beds, cozy blankets, and even fresh air!

As adults, it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness and stress of everyday life that we forget those simple blessings. But a thankful heart doesn’t have to wait for big moments — it grows when we pause to notice the little things God has already given us.

What the Bible Says About Living With a Thankful Heart

It’s easy to feel thankful when life is going smoothly — when everyone’s healthy, the bills are paid, and the pantry is full. But true gratitude runs deeper than that.

The Word of God reminds us that thankfulness isn’t meant to depend on our circumstances. We’re called to have a spirit of thankfulness in all things — even when life feels heavy.

Maybe this year has brought unexpected challenges — a job loss, health struggles, or the deep ache of losing someone you love. Those seasons are hard, no doubt about it. But even in the middle of them, there’s still much to be thankful for, because God’s love and presence never leave us.

Billy Graham once said it beautifully:

“Even so, we all have much to be thankful for.”

Philippians 4:6–7 encourages us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Did you catch that? In everything. Not just in the good times — but in every season. God is sovereign over all things. Even, and especially, in times of uncertainty.

Just as He was with Job in his suffering, He is with you too.

If you are a follower of Christ, we’re reminded in Ephesians 5:20 to “always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

And James 1:2–4 tells us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

6 Ways to Cultivate a Thankful Spirit

Did you know that gratitude can actually make you happier?
Research from Harvard medical school shows that giving thanks can boost your mood, improve relationships, and even strengthen your overall health.

But more importantly, a thankful heart draws us closer to God and helps us see His goodness in every season.

So let’s look at a few simple ways you can practice gratitude — not just at Thanksgiving, but all year long.

1. Pray Daily

Start and end each day with prayer.

Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, once said, “Prayer is the key for the day and the lock for the night.”

Think like a child again and thank God for everything — the big blessings and the little ones too

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Write it down. There’s something powerful about seeing your prayers and answered prayers in writing.

One of my favorite things to do is flip through my Bible and reread the prayers I’ve written — reminders of all the ways God has shown up in my life.

When you pray or meditate on God’s Word, jot down one thing you’re thankful for or one worry you’re ready to hand over to Him.

3. Write a Thank You Note

When was the last time you wrote a handwritten thank-you note? Try it!

It’s a simple way to practice gratitude and brighten someone’s day. And if handwritten notes aren’t your thing, send a thoughtful text or call someone just to say, “thank you.”

4. Volunteer Your Time

Serving others is one of the most humbling ways to grow a grateful heart.

When we step outside of our own routines and see the needs of others, we quickly realize just how blessed we truly are.

This is something I’m hoping to do more of with my family — because gratitude grows when we give.

5. Be Humble

Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.

When we shift our focus from our own struggles to how we can help or encourage someone else, gratitude naturally follows.

6. Be Content

Contentment is one of the richest forms of gratitude.

In a world that’s constantly telling us to chase more — more stuff, more status, more everything — it’s freeing to pause and thank God for what we already have.

Faith. Family. Health. Freedom.

As Rachel Cruze says, “In a heart filled with gratitude, there is no room for discontentment.”

Final Thoughts: What Are You Thankful for This Thanksgiving?

Through the ups and downs, the dark days and the joyful ones, may we never stop giving thanks.

Whether you’re celebrating this Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones or walking through a quieter season, remember: God’s love and faithfulness remain.

May His peace fill your heart, and may gratitude overflow in your home this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. 🧡