As loved ones gather to share a meal, many take time to reflect on the blessings of the past year. These five simple, family-friendly activities invite creativity, connection and gratitude—toward God and one another.
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Build-a-prayer
Before the meal, invite each person to write down:
- One thing they’re thankful for from the past year.
- One way they hope to bless others in the coming year—whether in their family, their neighborhood or their congregation.
Sort the papers into two piles: “Thankful For” and “Hopes to Bless.” Then read them aloud, using this prayer format:
God, we thank you for your goodness and presence in our lives.
We give thanks for [read the “Thankful For” pile].
As we celebrate these blessings, prepare our hearts for what’s ahead.
We look forward to [read the “Hopes to Bless” pile].
May our actions honor you, uplift others and bring us safely together again next year.
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Family story illustration
Share a favorite family story—recent or ancestral. Invite kids to draw what they hear as adults tell the story. When the story ends, ask the kids to present their illustrations. Over time, collect these stories and drawings in a scrapbook or digitize them into a keepsake book, using tools such as Canva, Shutterfly or Artifact Uprising.
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Bible gratitude hunt
Turn Scripture into a game. Choose a few passages from the Psalms or the Gospels that mention giving thanks. Copy them onto paper and hide them around the room or table. Ask the kids (and adults!) to search for them, then read each one aloud and talk briefly about what it means to be thankful.
Ideas to start with:
Psalm 100:4
Luke 17:11-19
Philippians 4:6
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Compliment cookies
Bake cookies together and wrap them in paper napkins or small paper bags. On each package, include a handwritten note with a compliment or kind word for someone in your community. Deliver them to neighbors, church members or friends as a sweet way to share encouragement. Scroll down for an easy sugar cookie recipe!
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Volunteer as a family
Check with your congregation for upcoming service opportunities. If there aren’t any available, look up local nonprofits and choose one to support together. You could also organize a small food or clothing drive in your neighborhood. Serving together is a powerful way to live out gratitude and love.
