Thanksgiving traditions hold a special place in our hearts, grounding us in gratitude amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. For years, our family has cherished the unique custom of filling our homemade “Thanks Jar” with notes of appreciation throughout November. It’s a simple yet profound practice, allowing us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the countless blessings in our lives. Each year, as we gather around to read these heartfelt notes, we’re reminded of the joy and richness that gratitude brings. However, this year presented a new challenge. Our demanding book tour kept us on the road for most of the month, making it difficult to maintain our cherished tradition in its usual form. We found ourselves nearing the end of November, with our Thanks Jar still waiting patiently, largely empty.
But traditions, much like life itself, are meant to evolve and adapt. Instead of letting the month pass without our customary expression of thankfulness, we decided to embrace a creative solution right at the eleventh hour. This past weekend, inspired by a fresh wave of DIY enthusiasm and the recent addition of our new chalkboard, we gave our annual gratitude practice a delightful new spin. This wasn’t just about catching up; it was about reimagining how we could celebrate thankfulness in a way that fit our current rhythm, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved family ritual.
Crafting Our “Give Thanks” Chalkboard Centerpiece
The first step in our revamped tradition was to transform our brand-new chalkboard into a central display for our gratitude. This wasn’t just any chalkboard; it was a large, magnetic, wood-framed canvas awaiting our creative touch. The word art at the top of the board became a collaborative masterpiece, blending different styles and personalities. Sherry, with her keen eye for aesthetics, took on the task of designing the word “Thanks.” She scoured Pinterest for inspiration, searching for “pretty script” examples, meticulously studying elegant flourishes and graceful curves. With focused determination, she did her best to imitate the delicate artistry she found, adding a subtle curlicue here and a charming flourish there, bringing a touch of refined elegance to the phrase.
Then it was my turn to contribute. I stepped in, armed with different colors of chalk, ready to add depth and dimension. My role was to shade in Sherry’s beautiful script, giving it a more robust and dimensional appearance. Following that, I added the words “Give” and “2012” in what Sherry affectionately calls my “man font” – a more straightforward, blockier style that provides a sturdy contrast to her whimsical script. The blend of our styles, from her delicate calligraphy to my bolder lettering and shading, resulted in a truly unique piece of art. While we might not be professional chalk artists, we were both moderately successful in bringing our vision to life, creating a header that perfectly captured the spirit of our renewed Thanksgiving tradition.
Conquering a Chalk-Phobia: A Personal Victory
You might be surprised to hear this, especially given my recent chalk-wielding endeavors, but I actually have a significant aversion to chalk. Yes, a full-blown chalk-phobia that gives me the “heebie-jeebies” in a major way. As someone who genuinely enjoys doodling different letters and fonts – I’m a self-proclaimed type geek, after all – this particular medium presents a curious challenge. It’s not the visual aspect, but rather the sensory experience that gets to me. The distinct sound of chalk grinding against the board, the peculiar gritty feel of it in my hand, and the ever-present potential for that ear-splitting screech all combine to make it an experience I typically avoid at all costs. It’s strange, because when Sherry or Clara are happily scribbling away, I don’t feel it. It seems to be specifically the sensation of holding the chalk myself, feeling its texture, and anticipating its noise, that triggers my discomfort.
However, this “Give Thanks” project became an unexpected form of therapy for my long-standing chalk-phobia. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and in this case, a challenging DIY project served as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Facing my aversion head-on, carefully drawing each letter and shading each stroke, allowed me to slowly desensitize myself to the very sensations that used to make me cringe. By the end, I could honestly say it wasn’t THAT bad. I can now confidently check “chalk use” off my list of things I’d prefer never to do in this lifetime. It’s a small victory, perhaps, but a victory nonetheless, proving that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from stepping just a little outside our comfort zones, even if it’s just to draw on a chalkboard.
Transforming the Board into a Gratitude Display
With our hand-lettered header proudly displayed, it was time to move beyond the artistry and get down to the real business: showcasing our gratitude. The beauty of our new magnetic chalkboard, coupled with some simple supplies, allowed us to quickly transform it into a vibrant “Thanks Board.” We invested about $10 in a variety of fun magnets from Target, ensuring we had a diverse collection of shapes and sizes to hold our notes. Alongside these, we utilized some spare, colorful cardstock that we cut into small, manageable cards. By the end of the day, our chalkboard, which had started as a blank slate, was bursting with vibrant notes, looking more like a tapestry of thankfulness.
A special touch came from a few unique magnets you might spot: round disks of wood adorned with stylish stripes of paint. These weren’t just store-bought; they were thoughtfully handmade by Megan, a talented crafter who generously gifted them to us at one of our book signings. Megan’s DIY genius is evident in their simple yet charming design: small wood disks, a bit of tape for clean lines, a splash of paint, and a magnet glued to the back. Aren’t they absolutely awesome? We cherish these handmade pieces the most, not just for their aesthetic appeal but for the personal connection they represent, reminding us of the wonderful community we’re part of.
We deliberately chose to write our notes of gratitude on separate paper cards for a couple of practical and sentimental reasons. Firstly, this approach allows us to easily collect and store them. We can later transfer these precious notes from the board into our original thanks jar, seamlessly integrating them with our collections from 2010 and 2011. This ensures that our growing archive of gratitude remains intact and accessible for future reflection. Secondly, and perhaps more personally for me, using cards meant I could avoid having to write directly on the chalkboard any more than absolutely necessary. It was a strategic decision for my chalk-phobia recovery – baby steps, people, baby steps! This method offered a comfortable compromise, allowing us to fully participate in the tradition without pushing my boundaries too far, too fast.
Tiny Hands, Big Hearts: Clara’s First Gratitude Notes
This year marked a particularly special milestone: for the very first time, we involved our daughter, Clara, in the gratitude-writing process. At two and a half years old, explaining abstract concepts like “gratitude” and “feeling thankful” to a toddler can be a delightful challenge. We tried to simplify it, encouraging her with phrases like, “Think of things or people that make you happy or glad!” It required patience and a gentle approach, but her innocent perspective brought a whole new layer of joy to our tradition. And her efforts paid off handsomely, as she managed to spit out a few absolute gems that melted our hearts instantly.
Her most heartwarming contribution was undoubtedly, “Mommy and Daddy make me happy!” It was a powerful reminder of the simple, profound love that forms the core of our family. Beyond that, her little list included other things that brought a spark to her toddler world: a bright balloon, the exciting bookstore, and, of course, Bridget’s party. Bridget, our wonderful next-door neighbor, who famously rents a moon bounce for her parties, clearly holds a special place in Clara’s heart – #bestneighborsever, indeed! Involving Clara not only taught her the beginnings of thankfulness but also enriched our own understanding of what truly brings joy, often through the simplest things seen through a child’s eyes.
Here’s a small collection, or “smattering” as we like to call it, of some of the cards we each contributed to the board. Since Clara is still too young to write her own thoughts, I transcribed her gratitude for her. To help distinguish her contributions from mine, we had her color on her cards herself using crayons. The vibrant scribbles and energetic strokes made it clear which notes belonged to her. For example, a note expressing thankfulness for Skype (which was especially crucial last week for staying connected with family far away!) was clearly mine. In contrast, Clara’s card, dedicated to Bridget’s aforementioned party, featured those unmistakable festive crayon scribbles, making it uniquely hers. These little artistic touches not only added charm to the board but also visually represented her active participation in our family’s gratitude practice.
Full disclosure: Clara, as toddlers often do, got a little distracted before we managed to finish our gratitude session. So, for the record, I want to make it absolutely clear that I am not the one who is thankful for her Play-Doh cookie cutters. That particular gem of gratitude? That’s entirely, and unequivocally, all hers. It’s a humorous reminder of the unfiltered, simple joys that captivate a child’s world.
Safety First: A Crucial Note on Magnets and Little Ones
Oh, and a crucial warning for any parents considering a similar project: kids and small magnets can be very dangerous. This is not a detail to be overlooked. We had a very firm and serious conversation with Clara about the magnets, emphasizing that they are not toys and, most importantly, not food. While she’s fortunately past the phase of putting absolutely everything into her mouth, we were still concerned that the colorful, often shiny magnets might look like candy or other enticing treats. We wanted to leave no room for misunderstanding.
It was both a relief and a source of amusement when we later overheard her diligently explaining the rules to Burger, our beloved dog. “Burger,” she said with a tone of serious instruction, “you can look but not touch them because they’re not yummy and they’re not food. Ice cream is yummy, and that is food.” We had a good laugh, but her earnest explanation underscored the importance of our initial conversation. Nevertheless, safety remains paramount. In the end, after we had finished taking all these photos and documenting our gratitude board, we took extra precautions. We moved all the smaller, round magnets up on the board, placing them completely out of Clara’s reach. For the lower area, which was more accessible, we exclusively used larger, non-swallowable magnets. This simple adjustment ensures that our family gratitude tradition can continue safely, giving us peace of mind.
The Profound Power of Giving Thanks
Despite the initial time crunch and my personal battle with chalk, we are incredibly glad we took the time to squeeze this little tradition into our busy schedule this year. The process of consciously writing out what we’re thankful for, from the monumental blessings to the seemingly simple everyday joys, is profoundly satisfying. It forces a moment of introspection, shifting our focus from what might be lacking to the abundance that surrounds us. It’s a powerful exercise in mindfulness, reminding us that gratitude can be found in every corner of our lives, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem at first glance.
Our notes reflected a wide spectrum of appreciation. Of course, family, health, and our home featured prominently, as they always do. But alongside these big themes were delightful surprises, like my personal nod to “Dexter,” the good TV show that serves as a weekly escape. Yes, even a compelling television series can be a source of genuine gratitude! It truly highlights how broad and inclusive the practice of thankfulness can be. It’s not just about grand gestures or life-altering events; it’s also about recognizing and appreciating the quiet comforts and small pleasures that enrich our daily existence.
While I’m sure we could have easily filled the entire board with an endless list of things, people, and events that we deeply appreciate, we made sure to leave a good chunk of the bottom open. This reserved space was specifically for Ms. Chalks-A-Lot, our enthusiastic little Clara. It was important for us that she had her own dedicated area to express herself freely. And judging by her uninhibited scribbling, it’s safe to say she clearly didn’t inherit her father’s peculiar aversion to chalk. Her joyous engagement with the board, completely unburdened by any apprehension, was a wonderful sight to behold and a testament to the pure, unadulterated pleasure a child finds in creative expression.
Watching her happily draw and color without a care in the world, embracing the very medium that once gave me pause, was a full-circle moment. It’s a beautiful reminder of how children inspire us to see the world with fresh eyes, to let go of our hang-ups, and to find joy in the simplest of activities. Her pure enjoyment solidified the success of our adapted tradition, proving that flexibility and a little creativity can keep the spirit of thankfulness alive and thriving in new ways.
Spreading Thanksgiving Cheer and Embracing New Traditions
As Thanksgiving week unfolds, we sincerely hope that everyone celebrating experiences an abundance of wonderful food, safe travels, and loving company. May your homes be filled with warmth, laughter, and countless reasons to be grateful. For those who aren’t celebrating an official holiday this week, we extend the very same wishes – may you too find moments of joy, comfort, and deep appreciation for the blessings in your life. Gratitude knows no calendar or specific occasion; it’s a universal sentiment that enriches every day.
And with that heartfelt sentiment, I can’t help but share a little piece of our Thanksgiving past, a greeting from last year that never fails to bring a smile to our faces and hopefully, yours too. It’s a humorous, light-hearted reminder of the joy our furry family members bring.
Oh, Burger, you truly slay me! His antics are a constant source of amusement. Happy face-stuffing and joyful celebrations to one and all! May your tables be laden with delicious food and your hearts full of thanks. We encourage you to find your own unique ways to celebrate gratitude this season, whether through time-honored traditions or innovative new approaches like our gratitude chalkboard.
Looking for more ideas to enrich your Thanksgiving traditions or dive deeper into gratitude practices? Explore these related posts for inspiration and DIY projects:
- Discover a free Thanksgiving printabledesigned to help you mail thoughtful messages of gratitude to your cherished friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to extend your thanks beyond your immediate household.
- Learn how to create a lasting family keepsake with our DIY Thanksgiving craft guide for a beautiful glass-etched Thanks Jar. This project offers a more permanent and decorative way to collect your gratitude notes year after year.
- Relive the heartwarming experience of our daughter’s first year writing Thanks Jar messages. This post captures the innocence and joy of introducing young children to the practice of thankfulness.
Update: If you’re inspired to refresh your holiday decor or simply looking for budget-friendly ways to add festive touches to your home, you can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here. Many of these stylish and seasonal items are surprisingly affordable, often under $15, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the holidays.