As we enter this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, I am so enjoying seeing how everyone celebrates. Each tradition is different, each individual's likes and dislikes and each family building their own. Before my son got married, I was talking with his wife-to-be about how they will find their own way of celebrating the holidays. I would hope some of what we have done will sneek in and be a part of their traditions, but if not, that is okay also. I just hope they enjoy building new ones for their family.
As our first one became engaged, I started looking for new traditions for our transitional family. We began "blessings" cards. During the month of November, everyone takes home enough cards for each person in the family. On the individual cards they put a blessing to that person. Sometimes it is a Bible verse or quote and sometimes it is a very personal word of encouragement for the year. We put them in individually-marked envelopes to be given at Thanksgiving. Even our youngest dictates his "blessings" to the older siblings. I have been encouraged by the words that I have received, while watching one child carry her cards around throughout the year in her athletic bag. This has allowed the younger ones to stay connected to the older ones. I hope through the years, the cards are kept and looked back on with cherished memories. This year I hope to find small boxes for each person to store their cards in.
Love those ideas Janette. What happy traditions.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning! What wonderful ideas..I love the cards one. It is so hard sometimes for young sibblings (all age really) to say/bless someone aloud. A written message is perfect, plus it can be re-read for years to come. Have a wonderful day. HUGS
ReplyDeleteI also like these ideas. We should probably do more of that kind of thing when our family gathers for Thanksgiving but to be honest, the last time I tried something like that, it seemed to make people uncomfortable so I haven't done it again. Maybe it's worth another try though.
ReplyDeleteVery good ideas that I need to try and incorporate into our family again. We used too but with all of the additions to our family, I guess I got away from it. I am praying for you too.
ReplyDeleteamazing! i am so stealing both of these
ReplyDeleteideas from you. they are brilliant. i love
the idea of a thanksgiving book that we
could flip back through to see the Lord's
goodness over the years.
you just MADE my thanksgiving so much
more special.
thank you!
Love the idea of the "blessing cards". After all, that's what it's all about, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYour decorating looks great!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas. Something they can treasure. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteI was blog hopping and found your blog. It sounds like we have some things in common! I'm going to 'borrow' your card idea! Thanks for sharing it! I'm also a new follower!
ReplyDeleteYou've devised such a creative way to connect the diverse ages in your family! Such a clever Mom!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the blessing
ReplyDeletecards. I wonder if I could get
my guys to go along with some-
thing like that? A written message
is just so sweet.
Blessings,
Sandy
You inspire me! What wonderful famiy traditions. You are such an awesome Mom!!!
ReplyDeleteJanette,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading some of the ideas that you use in your family in order to provide thanks and/or encouragement to family members. I think these are very precious and help to build family togetherness and trust.
Blessings,
-Lady Rose
Beautiful intentional living, Janette! We open our Ebenezer Box that we keep throughout the year on Thanksgiving Day. (We write what we're thankful for on index cards throughout the year and toss them in the box.) It's wonderful to remember God's mercy and kindness to us throughout the year. I'm amazed at how much we forget.
ReplyDeleteMay you enjoy a Thanksgiving full of much joy this year, friend!
I love your creative side!
ReplyDeleteI always feel good just to get the turkey safely out of the oven, and "done" (raw turkey is never a hit).
This year we'll add to our traditions since we're "home" for the first time in ten years. I'm thinking I'll add a "Gingerbread House Making" contest for the grandkids. They're old enough to have a blast, and never forget it.
Be blessed,
Kathleen
ah Janette... you are one special gal! Just think of the wonderful memories these kids will have way down the road... wish I'd thought of this years ago, but... it's not too late! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and memory making ideas Janette, to be enjoyed for many years, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sue
just came over to say, "hi!"
ReplyDeleteoh yeah! my place or yours?
ReplyDeletei'm thumbing through a cath
kidston catalog. heaven.
What wonderful ideas, Janette. You describe a very practical idea, but you also manage to capture the spirit of a beautiful holiday. Thanks for this lovely post - and giving me some great advice for making this chaotic time more peaceful....
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Day. It isn't something most Australian would relate to as it is an Amercian celebration.
ReplyDeleteThose ideas are lovely.
ReplyDeleteRecently my mom digged up a notebook that belonged to my sister when she attended kindergarten. She was so happy to see that my mom kept this treasure for her.
I think making memories like these keepsakes you mentioned are priceless!
Oh, I'm gonna hafta copy the idea with the wonderful cards! THANKS!!! You are in my prayersm Hope it's been an easier week.
ReplyDeleteHugsn
Leslie
I love Thanksgiving, and your traditions. I hate how Thanksgiving can get lost because everyone wants it to be Christmas already!! Thank you for this post. It inspired me and encouraged me! I am here from Theresa's blog! =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I love your Thanksgiving blessing notes. Nothing like focusing on the positive for each person.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Debbie
The scrapbook page is "inspired" (as I clicked on the options this morning). I think I'll do this in what time remains before Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete