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One of the things that are of utmost importance at Thanksgiving is to teach your children what the holiday is all about. A great way for children to learn and understand he real meaning and why we celebrate the day is to start a gratitude list.

Many of us get so wrapped up in the cooking, family, football, eating and total craziness of Thanksgiving that we forget exactly why we are doing all this. Kids also forget and a little reminder from parents can help children remember why the day is so special.

When the day begins have a notebook at the ready where everyone will be able to see it and use it. As family members pass by have them write one thing they are thankful for on the list. If you have small children who are unable to write help them by writing their thoughts down for them. Be sure everyone writes at least one thing down, including teenagers who feel these types of things aren’t cool. They will when it’s time to eat and they hear all the reasons their family members are thankful.

Many households say grace before they begin their Thanksgiving feast. If you are one of these households then right before or right after the prayer, read your list. For those who don’t say a prayer, be sure to read the gratitude list when you know you’ll have everyone’s attention.

Pick one person to read the whole list or pass it around the table. It is up to your family members to decide if they want the rest of the family to know they are the one that is grateful for whatever they may have written down. Some kids don’t want Mom and Dad to know they are grateful for their CD player. That’s ok and if this is the case then you are better off not letting the rest of the family know who it is.

The important thing is that you have now started a family tradition at Thanksgiving. Not only that but you are reminding your children of why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Teaching them to be thankful for everything we receive in life, including the greatest gift of all, life itself.

Submitted by Christmas Fun

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