By: Rhiannon Flanagan
Decorative dining ware and a large turkey are placed on the table for all to look at eagerly. The flights back home are booked, and children all across America are begging their parents to look at the messily crafted hand turkey they made. The Macy’s day parade announces its next float, and suddenly you become encompassed in the spirit of autumn. However, as the holiday’s title suggests, it has reached the time to give thanks.
If you are lost on ways to give thanks, or you are bored of verbally announcing your gratitude here are 10 ways you can show your Thanksgiving pride.
- Write a letter: The tradition of writing letters lasts longer than the spoken words “thank you.” Not only does it allow you to express specifics to your graciousness thoughtfully, but you can also find festive cards or even make handwritten ones that will put a smile on the faces of others.
- Volunteer: Take time out of your day to spend with others who need it. Try soup kitchens or rest homes who want to put on their own Thanksgiving dinner; it shows thanks to the community and can even help others to be reminded of the meaning behind the celebration.
- Host your own meal and invite others: Host your own Thanksgiving and try to invite friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and those who do not have somewhere to go. Although hosting your own meal takes a lot of effort, it encompasses the truth behind the occasion
- Form a thanksgiving circle: Join with family and friends to share together what you are most thankful for. Although it’s cheesy, the activity is effective in spreading warmth and kindness
- Donate: Donate items to a Salvation Army or Goodwill; nothing shows gratitude like giving to others what they need most. In addition, getting rid of items can make room for gifts in the coming holiday season.
- Participate in Thanksgiving games: Make your own game out of the national day, create your own “Cards Against Humanity” with fill in the blanks pertaining to what you are thankful for accompanied by creative or silly answers.
- Decorate with your gratefulness: Place themed decor around your home with things that you are thankful for, for example, bhg.com suggests making wine glass tags that say “Family” or “Good health” as a way to remind your guests of the purpose of Thanksgiving.
- Make a cornucopia of thanks: Purchase or create your own cornucopia and fill the inside with note cards of thankful affirmations and pictures of loved ones to place in the center of your table.
- Make a Thanksgiving scrapbook/journal: Use a journal to place pictures of guests or write down your thanks every year. When the next fall season comes around, you can remind yourself of the past and keep the tradition of Thanksgiving alive.
- Start a charity bake sale: Cook pumpkin pie and fall baked goods to raise money for the charity of your choice. Being gracious extends to giving others a helping hand, and who doesn’t like the smell of pumpkin pie!
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