Beyond the Turkey: Our Thanksgiving Book Tradition

I'm excited to share a heartwarming tradition I started with my family back in 2016. We now have a Thanksgiving book that has become a cherished part of our holiday celebrations.

The Genesis of the Thanksgiving Book

It all began with a simple idea: why not create a tangible record of our family and gratitude each year? I'd seen the idea of a Thanksgiving tablecloth, where everyone writes what they're thankful for each year. It sounded awesome, but I wanted something that could stand the test of time, something we could pass down through the generations. And that's when the Thanksgiving book was born.

What Goes Inside?

Each year, as we gather around the Thanksgiving table, we take a moment to reflect on the past year's blessings. From the big milestones to the small, everyday joys, we jot down what we're thankful for. Whether it's health, family, friendship, or even just someone signing their name, nothing is too big or small for our Thanksgiving book.

A Snapshot of Memories

But here's where it gets even better—we accompany our written gratitude with two photos. One serious, capturing the heartfelt moments, and one funny, because, let's face it, laughter is a big part of keeping us from being boring. My favorites is when we decided to do "jazz hands" but all end up looking like we are under arrest! Ha. These photos add a personal touch to our Thanksgiving book, making it a true reflection of who we are.

The Evolution of Thankfulness

As the years roll by, flipping through the pages of our Thanksgiving book becomes a journey through time. We see how our family has grown, how our priorities have shifted, and how our laughter lines have deepened. During the pandemic of 2020, when we sadly had to spend thanksgiving apart, my family members emailed me photos and their gratitude list/cards for the book. It truly is a testament to the ever-changing tapestry of life, history, and the constancy of gratitude that binds us together.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

This Thanksgiving book has become more than just a collection of entries; it's a living, breathing expression of our collective gratitude. As our family has grown, the entries and photos have increased too! Children's first scribbles slowly evolve into words, grandparents treasured handwriting warms with their own wisdom and when friends join us for our meal, you can bet they join us in pictures and gratitude entries too!

So, if you're looking to add a dash of legacy to your Thanksgiving celebrations, consider starting your own Thanksgiving book. Wishing you, your loved ones, and friends a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter and thankfulness.