two years ago we started our book of thanks.
every Thanksgiving everyone takes a turn writing what they are grateful for in it.
i especially like what the kids have to add to the book.
we also make sure we gather together, put the camera on a timer and snap a quick shot of us all.
i love having the picture because every year there are different people who join us for our Thanksgiving dinner. so it’s fun to look back and see our past guests.
do you have any Thanksgiving day traditions?i did find the book i used here!
(sorry it’s kinda pricey)
(sorry it’s kinda pricey)
Anita@Theycallmejammi says
Love this idea….I might have to borrow a modified version of this. This is something that I know will be treasured, not only by you but by future generations. Great job!
AmieAnn says
This is a wonderful idea.. and what a great way to get the kids involved in thinking about what they are thankful for! Would love it if it you linked it up to my first linky party @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2010/10/pink-hippo-party.html
purejoy says
dude. i love this idea. our kids are grown (well most of them are) but are now flitting in and out with college and will one day be bringing others into the family fold. we have an extended family that ALWAYS gathers for thanksgiving.
one thing we HATE is the thing where we go around the table while our food gets cold and say some stupid thing we're willing to share around the table. i think the written word is so much better… such a lasting legacy.
i'm totally stealing this idea.
sheer brilliance!
Kasey Hunt says
What a wonderful idea! I would love to start this tradition at our home.
Kaitlin says
This is a fantastic idea! We don't really have a Thanksgiving tradition, but we do need to get one
I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar says
This really is a fabulous idea. I think we'll be using it. Thanks ladies!
Cheri
Katie says
This is so cute! We have a family get together once a year it would br great to help the kids remeber everyone.. we are going to be copy catting this! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
J. Marie says
love this idea too.
dawn says
This is a great idea unfortunatly we don't have guests over except my MIL every other year. What I do though is make a tree and hang it somewhere and cut out leaves and thru November we all right down things we are thankful for on the leaves and tape them to the tree so by Thanksgiving the tree is filled with colorful,thankful leaves. The other tradition I do is make up a bingo type paper and while the kids are watching the parade they look out for these things and check them off. This keeps them busy while we cook. The other thing we've done a few times is my husband will surprise the kids and build a fort out of boxes from work the night before so when they wake up they can sit in the fort and watch the parade and we get out the markers and decorate the fort.
Sorry this was so long, just wanted to share are traditions.
Jennifurla says
Not many traditions here, just me and the Navy implants taking turn hosting (we fill in for each others family!)
Sue says
What a great idea! We just go around the table and each say what we're thankful for. I like your more permanent record.
Brittany says
I just totally love this idea, and like so many other people, I might just have to copy you! Thanks for sharing!!
gnee @ Singing With Birds says
Love your fabulous idea for generations to enjoy!
taidyeoriginal says
This is a wonderful idea! What a legacy! Thanks for sharing.
taidye original
Susan Crabtree says
this is such a great idea-I am so borrowing this!
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Marissa says
Love this idea! We do the same thing but we make ours on a giant piece of butcher paper, at the beginning of the month and add to it all month long. We keep it by the front door or somewhere really visible so we have a reminder all month of the things we are grateful for.
Guy and Julie says
I love this. Where did you get your Book of Thanks? Did you make it or order it somewhere?
Becki says
Love this idea! Maybe we will have to start doing something like this in our family.
In our family we do a "Thankful Tukey" Check him out here:
http://fclarkfamily.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-turkey.html
Have a great week!
The Peterson Family says
I totally love this idea – I'm definitely going to start this one this year. And I think it would be a fun idea for my kindergarten class, too. We'll make one big "Book of Thanks" and each kids will have a page to illustrate and "write" on. I'm thankful for this idea:)
Jill aka Fruit Loop says
Oh, I'm inspired! I can't wait to start our "Book Of Thanks!"
Thank you for the idea 🙂
Coastal California says
I love this!!
I've seen it done similar but on a table cloth that is added to every year….but I always like pictures with writing 😉
our Thanksgivings seem to change every year because of so much mixed "family" so last year we invited everyone that was linked to us.
I made a special family tree just for that & posted it
http://ourheartsarefullwith5tolove.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-project.html
this year I think I'll start a book!
~Ada in Coastal Cali
ellie g says
seriously, I think this is beyond genius. I would sit for hours reading through the notes. And then to add the pictures too? Wow. What an amazing tradition. I am kind of feeling jealously over it. (In a "happy for you" kind of way)
Julie says
Thank you for sharing the Book of Thanks! I'm going to institute something similar at my house, too. What a fantastic idea!
Our Thanksgiving traditions include:
1) Making hand turkeys,
2) Roasting s'mores (not sure why this started, but we always do it a week or so before the holiday),
3) Eating our weight in pumpkin custard,
4) Making a gigantic meal and inviting all our friends–especially the ones who would otherwise spend the day alone.
Blooming Homestead says
This is fantastic! Definitely adding this to our month of giving thanks!
Emily says
In my family we have somewhat the same concept, but we write on a large white table cloth using fabric markers. Every year we use a different color, so we can see what we've been thankful over the years! It's a nice reminder to have in front of you (or below you?) while you eat and SO much fun!!! We are running out of room, so I think we'll have to start a new one this year (Year 10!)
sunshinesmilesphotography.blogspot.com
Daydream Believer says
I LOVE this idea! I think we may make a modified version of this! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Grandma Linda says
What is on the front cover?
kate says
No but I'm definitely stealing yours!! What a genius idea! Thank you for sharing, it's a beautiful tradition.
gnee @ Singing With Birds says
Congratulations, your Book of Thanks made this week's Top 5 Hits. Come check it out, grab a blog button if you'd like and thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea here!
StrungByColor says
I love this and am going to create for our family. Starting this year. Done and Done. 🙂
Thanks for the great idea!
http://www.strungbycolor.blogspot.com
Kathleen says
I truly love this, and will be adding it to our Thanksgiving celebration this year. Thanks so much for sharing.
Valerie Lee says
Tomorrow I head out to buy our THanksgiving Tradition Book! Great idea – i am going to showcase it on my blog and link it back here – THANKS so much!
plentyofpicnics.blogspot.com
semicrunchymama says
I clicked over from "Singing with Birds" and I'm glad that I did! This is such a wonderful idea, and what a priceless family memento you're creating each year! I have a blank scrapbook packed away in storage, and now I'm planning on digging it out and creating my own Thanksgiving Book of Thanks. Thank you so much for sharing this great idea!
Elizabeth @ Ucreate with Kids says
Love this idea! Just featured it. Will make sure to show you our finished product!
Kimbo West @ a girl and a glue gun says
I featured this cute idea on my blog today!
kimboscrafts.blogspot.com
Susan C says
I have been meaning to come on here forever to tell you how much I love this idea. I made one this year and it has quickly become my favorite tradition. Just seeing the sweet things my boys wrote down. I know in years to come I am going to cherish that book. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
P.S. Don't know if this will help anyone now but I found a great book to use at Hobby Lobby in there art supply section.
Anonymous says
what kind of book do you use? Where can you get it?
Jamie says
there is a link to the website at the bottom of the post, but it looks like they no longer carry that book. it's just a blank journal that you can pick up at other stores. the above comment says they found one at Hobby Lobby in the are supply section. (it's probably much cheaper there)