Let me clarify any misconceptions: I am neither crafty nor clever.  For example, I once led a women’s retreat in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In the evening, after my lessons and small-group sharing were done, the women kindly asked me to join them in making beautiful Christmas trees from oyster shells to sell at a holiday bazaar. The proceeds would go to charity. After 30 minutes of frustration, with glue everywhere and broken oyster shells scattered across my workstation, one of the women gently touched my arm and said, “Sherry, you need to stick with speaking engagements and leave the crafts to us.”

I acknowledge my lack of skill, so you can understand that browsing holiday ideas on Pinterest or in a craft store puts me in a tizzy. Why, then, am I the person on our team assigned the topic “Ideas for Celebrating Gratitude This Thanksgiving”? Because if I can create these engaging Thanksgiving displays, so can you.

Throughout Scripture, God instructs us to remember Him. This includes recalling His character, provision, protection, gift of salvation, merciful kindness, and immeasurable love. We read in the Old Testament that the Israelites often forgot, which led them to turn away from Him and to pursue idols. Failing to remember God and His covenantal love always leads to sin—this applies to us as well.

The decorating ideas that I share here are meant to inspire children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors (and anyone else you invite into your home during Thanksgiving) to remember and express gratitude for the blessings they’ve received. Each of these ideas serves as a way to create a written record of remembrance. 

THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN

Each year, our family joyfully hosts an oyster roast and barbecue on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I place a real pumpkin at the center of the dessert table, along with a selection of black Sharpie markers. As loved ones arrive, I invite them to contribute, saying, “Let’s celebrate gratitude together! Please write down what you’re thankful for on our Thanksgiving pumpkin. And for the little ones, feel free to draw your own pictures!” By the end of our gathering, the pumpkin becomes a beautiful testimony of our shared blessings, reminding us of the joy and gratitude filling our hearts.

Since pumpkin don’t last forever, consider taking a picture of it.

BLESSINGS BANNER

Do you have a mantle or a window where you can hang a piece of twine? If so, you can create what I like to call a Blessings Banner. You’ll need a six- or eight-foot length of twine (depending on your desired banner length), a pack of miniature clothespins, black Sharpies, and a stack of paper pumpkin cutouts. Find all these supplies at a craft store or online. 

Start by hanging the twine across your mantle, window, or wherever you decide to showcase your Blessing Banner. Set out the miniature clothespins, paper cutouts, and markers. Invite your family and guests to share their blessings by writing them on the pumpkin cutouts and clipping them to the twine with the clothespins. One blessing per cutout; that way, by the end of the day, your banner will be filled.

Consider storing your banner in a box so you can display it again next year.

GRATITUDE CENTERPIECE

If pumpkins and banners feel too casual for your decor, try a Gratitude Centerpiece for your dining room table. This project is similar to the Blessing Banner, except that the blessings and gifts you’re thankful for are written on leaf-shaped paper cutouts and hung on the centerpiece.

To complete this project, you will need a ten-inch glass vase (I prefer a cylinder vase), tree branches from your yard, one can of gold spray paint, 20 paper leaf cutouts, black Sharpies, a hole punch, and gold yarn. These items can be purchased at a craft store or online. 

Start by collecting several two-foot tree branches from your yard or a nearby park. This is a fun activity to enjoy with your grandchildren during the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Spray paint the branches gold and allow them to dry completely. If you prefer the look of natural wood, skip the spray paint.

While the paint dries, use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each leaf cutout. Cut twenty pieces of yarn, each three inches long. Place the cutouts, yarn, and Sharpies on the table next to the centerpiece. After the branches have dried, arrange them in the glass vase and place it in the center of the table. If you are feeling especially creative, you may want to place pine cones and greenery around the base of the vase.

When your family and friends arrive, let them know you need help with your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Mention that the branches are bare and invite your guests to write down what they are thankful for this year on one of the leaf cutouts. You’ll notice how your centerpiece comes to life when the leaves, hung with gold yarn, fill the tree. 

After Thanksgiving, gather the leaves and store them in an envelope to share next year. 

THANKSGIVING JOURNAL

A couple of years ago, I bought a lovely leather journal for our family to create a written record of our blessings each year. Some family members write just a single word, while others share their blessings in greater detail. Our youngest grandchildren are encouraged to draw pictures, adding their own creativity to the journal. The beauty of our Thanksgiving journal lies in the legacy we are building, which can be passed down through generations. 

It’s never too late to add a new tradition to your holiday celebrations. Let’s kick off this Thanksgiving by creatively expressing our gratitude!