By Karol Ladd

Back to school, football games, changing colors, crisp cool air all seem to blend together when we think of Autumn.  As we slowly change directions from the care-free spirit of summer, we begin to enjoy the warmth of a new season. Certainly Thanksgiving is one of the highlights of the season and an important one for us to celebrate together as families.  Here are some ways to build wonderful family traditions and fall memories. 

Create a Thankful Poster.  Place an orange poster board in a prominent place in the kitchen at the first of November.  Write at the top of the board, “I am Thankful for…” You may even want to add a verse from the Bible such as I Thessalonians 5:18, “Always be thankful.”   Encourage all of your family members to write their thoughts on the board.  Younger ones can draw pictures.  Try to fill the poster board up with thoughts of gratitude to God.  At Thanksgiving dinner read the poster together.  Talk about the importance of having a grateful spirit and how it blesses you and others.

5 Kernels of Corn.    Place five kernels of dry corn at each place-setting for Thanksgiving dinner.   These serve as a reminder of the winter many years ago when the pilgrims barely had enough to eat, in fact at one point their rations were down to five kernels of corn each.  The next year, when the harvest was bountiful, the pilgrims celebrated with the native Americans.  In remembrance of all God had provided and their gratitude to Him, they placed five kernels of corn at each place setting.

Cook Together.  Allow each of your kids to choose one of their favorite recipes for the Thanksgiving meal.  Set a time to cook with each child, so you can prepare the dish together.  Boys and girls of all ages can enjoy cooking with mom.  This is also a wonderful and productive one-on-one time as you create a part of the Thanksgiving meal together. 

Fall Decorations.  Decorations can be a part of your family tradition as you bring out special reminders of the season each year.  Fall leaves, acorns, nuts and apples make a wonderful, natural way to decorate.  You can also use strands of silk leaves and plastic or wooden apples in the center of your table.  You may want to start a collection of pilgrim figurines, cornucopias or decorative pumpkins.  Picture books which tell of the first Thanksgiving also make a delightful display.

As moms, let’s display an attitude of gratitude through our actions and words.  Our attitude sets the tone for the season and permeates the home.  Take time each day to thank God for the many blessings He has brought into your life.  Enjoy the season with a spirit of thankfulness in all you do.  Grumbling and complaining tend to drain you emotionally, but gratitude will energize you!

Karol Ladd is a best-selling author of over 20 books and Christian communicator to women around the world. One of Karol’s greatest joys is to encourage and inspire moms to be a positive influence in their homes.  She is a frequent guest on radio and television programs and serves on several ministry boards.  Karol is best known for her Positive Power series including The Power of a Positive Mom which is translated into five different languages.  Her most valued role is that of wife to Curt and mother to daughters Grace and Joy. Visit her website at www.PositiveMom.com.  Read Karol’s blog on Precious Moms.com