Advent begins next Sunday.
What are you doing to prepare for Christmas through this coming Advent Season?
Last Thursday, many of us went around the table saying what we are thankful for this year.
A few years ago, my mom added a twist to this tradition. (I mentioned this in an earlier post) She had each person write on a paper feather what they are thankful for. At the bottom of the feather, we put our initials. Then, we inserted the feather into the pinecone turkey so our initials did not show.
After dinner, each person chose a feather. We took turns reading the feather and guessing who wrote it.
At first, I thought it might be a bit corny. In the end, we had a great time reading, guessing & laughing. Overall, it was a fun way to give thanks to God for what He has given us.
I don’t want to stop saying “thanks” at Thanksgiving. I want giving thanks to be a year-round activity.
Christmas is a time that our families are bombarded by the “it’s all about me” message. One way to flip that on its head is to keep a things to be thankful for list. On the first day of November, I offered free printables for you to use with your kids. Go ahead and grab your copy right now. Print it out and start a family list of things to be grateful for.
Our “thanksgiving season” should continue into Christmas as we look to Christ and his birth. I’ve been keeping a list of “things to be thankful for” for many years. I added #4676 to my list today. I can’t believe I’m over 6000 things to be grateful for.
If you haven’t been keeping a list through November, now is a great time to start. It will help you stay focused on what God has given you. You can get a free printable to get you started, by entering your name & email below.
How to use our things to be grateful for list
An easy way to use our list is with these three steps.
- Say It
- Write It
- Pray It
Each day let one of your kids “say” what they are thankful for. Then, “write” it on your things to be grateful for list. Keep that list on your refrigerator to remind you all day of God’s blessings to your family. Finally, “pray” that item of thanks. Thank God for what He has given you.
You might also call or write a note telling others “thank you.” Keeping this “thankful list” keeps your focus on God’s gifts to your family, instead of the busy-ness of the Christmas season.
I did not include this idea in my Advent Calendar Countdown but plan to send this idea to everyone who is getting my free Advent Calendar Countdown. I think it is a simple, but helpful activity to encourage gratitude in our kids, as they refocus on thanks-giving instead of what they want to get for Christmas.
What else will my thankful list do?
Over the next few days, I’ll share other ideas to use your things to be grateful for list as you lead into Advent.
