So Much To Be Thankful For

Around this time of year, my kids take pleasure in activities at home and school around a theme of "thankfulness". We talked about a few different ideas last week and they decided that they want to make keepsake books that illustrate what they're each thankful for. And boy, do we have a lot to be thankful for. Each morning on my walk to work downtown I'm reminded that there are so many people having really tough times right now.

We took a few minutes for each of them to think about what they're most thankful for. My husband was quick to remind Patrick that last year he was thankful for, among other things, toilets. Yes, we have a darling construction-paper feather hat with one red feather memorializing his honor of the porcelain bowl forever. Nice.

They both told us they're thankful for family, friends, their school and teachers. Marcelena is also happy to have butterflies, flowers, the world and music to dance to, while Patrick added fall leaves, sunny days on the beach, and saints to his list (we started this while they were learning about saints in school). Oh, and did I mention that macaroni and cheese made the list? Yes. Along with a carrot.

We've sat down a few nights since then to illustrate these things. I often save larger pieces of boxes for projects so we're using some of those to make a sturdy cover for what Marcelena is calling her "prayer book". Her prayers often consist of sharing what's she's thankful for so I think that's the connection.

They're both so proud of their books - the work and effort that went into these beautiful creations, for sure. But there's something more. They understand that we have so much to be thankful for and it makes them feel so good (and loved) to talk about how fortunate we are.

So, tell us, what are you most thankful for this year?

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Comments

[jjwalsh]

I'm sad to miss Thanksgiving every year as we live in Japan. As vegetarians, it is not the turkey we miss but the chance to get together as a family and talk about things we are thankful for- I am so happy to see your children's books, I think it is so important for kids to think about their life in comparison to other people around the world. Our annual Halloween party this year organised with a few other families and a lot of kids and families that come to enjoy it- had a focus on raising money for UNICEF this year. It was so touching to hear our 7 year old talking about how he hoped the money we raised would help kids get clean water, food and maybe even allow them to go to school. Yesterday we saw a UNICEF commercial and he made the connection again saying "we helped those kids right mommy?"
I am trying to have family dinners together as much as we can to talk about life and thankfulness what a great theme to have in our minds all year long.

[Gina]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - your Halloween party benefiting UNICEF is a wonderful idea. So original. We try to say our thanks every night at dinner but some nights it's a challenge. We'll start a gratitude journal for each child right after Thanksgiving. It's one of the most valuable messages for kids today. Especially for those who have so much to be thankful for.