Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition

The Thanksgiving season brings with it one simple tradition we all love. 

The Thanksgiving Reading – or Listening – Review and Discussion 

A week or so before Thanksgiving, everyone chooses a picture book, a poem, a chapter or two from a novel, a sermon, a song, or an audiobook on the theme of thankfulness, gratitude, harvest, or even silly turkey stories. Letting each person choose their own book, poem, or song honors every age and personality as it turns gratitude into personal discovery filling Thanksgiving Day. 

On Thanksgiving Day—while baking pies or while sitting around the Thanksgiving table—each person shares what they chose and one line or theme that stood out to them. The beauty naturally woven into this activity is that every age has a valued voice spotlighting real, heartfelt gratitude. Fill your Thanksgiving Day with words and music that perfectly highlight the season. 

This tradition costs nothing, needs no decorations, and grows with your kids.  

May your hearts and minds be full this Thanksgiving season 

 Books & Poems 

• Thankful (Eileen Spinelli) 

• The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks 

• Sarah Gives Thanks 

• Psalm 100 

• “I thank You God…” e.e. cummings 

• “Wild Geese” Mary Oliver 

• The Hiding Place 

• Little Women breakfast scene, 

• The Long Winter 

• Pollyanna 

Historical Thanksgiving Songs & Hymns  

• “We Gather Together”  

• “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”  

• “Now Thank We All Our God”  

• “For the Beauty of the Earth”  

• “Over the River and Through the Wood”  

• “Simple Gifts”  

• “Thank You” by Keith & Kristyn Getty 

• “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” 

• “Blessed Be Your Name”