With a few simple tips
What is it about Thanksgiving?
Do you think Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on God’s grace and blessings? I think it should be a time of gratitude and of praise to our Lord. It can be awe-inspiring if we don’t try to do too much on that day and prepare and decorate beforehand.
A short few years ago, the day did mark the start of the Christmas season. The start of shopping on black Friday. The marketing gurus are pushing our seasons together until we can lose our peace and joy. That is if we don’t take time to be still and know. (Psalms 46:10)
Here are some ways to make more lasting memories for your family and friends.
First, two or three days ahead, create a centerpiece for your amazing food.
The open space in the center of the above photo could hold candles, lanterns, flowers, or even the turkey or ham.
Use a few well-placed mini-sized pumpkins if this looks too large for your table. Or some mini-Indian corn and some leaves from outside or the craft store to make your table appealing. It’s creating things with the children or others that build memories for them and you. So, invite others to help share this decorating experience with you.
You can use leaves or small pumpkins as place cards. Simply write the names with a fine Sharpie.
If you have a dessert table, elevate some of the pies with a book or two placed under your tablecloth or runner. Elevating a few dishes on a buffet adds a lot of interest. If you are adding a new dish to the table this year, you might add interest this way.
Also, make a marker that tells the name of the dish and if it’s gluten-free or contains nuts might be helpful.
Use your God-given imagination to make it as festive as you want. Our imagination makes empathy possible, which we should display daily, especially on Thanksgiving. How do you show kindness to those who are struggling this season? Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that grows as we grow more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. (Romans 12:15 TPT)
Second, Decorate your entrance with some seasonal things similar to your centerpiece.
You can make a wreath for your door to greet your guests with things you find in your fall yard. Or a few small items can make your entrance table festive and say welcome to our Thanksgiving day. We are glad you are here.
No yard? Then, a trip to a craft store like Michael’s or Holly Lobby can supply what you need. Buy or fashion a grapevine circle, add nuts and berries, and tie or glue them on, along with some colorful leaves. Again, let others share this time with you; create with laughter and joy.
Third, this bold move can create some great memories.
Relocating your table outside under the trees. You can’t go wrong with the outdoors as your backdrop, as long as you have the weather for it. Be it a picnic table covered with a sheet or a quilt. Sprinkle a few fall leaves, and add your Thanksgiving food and smiling faces. Our first year in the country, we did this, and I had someone cut the (canned) cranberry sauce into moons and stars. It was an awe-inspiring day, which we still remember with joy.
Fourth, have each person share a Thanksgiving day memory, true or not, with everyone else.
A small hidden recorder is not a bad idea. You can make a game of these memories, as everyone guesses whether they are true or not. Sometimes, it is good to hear someone else perspective on our shared memories. Remember, you are making good and loving memories.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about sure things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Finally, my last tip is to choose the person who doesn’t want to share or who talks the least to help clean up.
As a result, it is the perfect opportunity to get to know this person better or impart wisdom into their life. If nothing else, you may learn how to pray for them. They may need you to listen and have empathy for them. This could be a troubled teenage grandchild or a new mother who needs an ear.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4–5 NIV)
Keep these scriptures in mind as you go through this wonderful week. I am sure some great memories will be made. Joy will find you in your decorating and sharing this time of gratitude with others.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
