12 Ideas for a Life-Giving Thanksgiving
WELCOME to Issue #219 of The Seedhead from Alex and Hannah at Dandelion Resourcing - a weekly confidence booster to help you step into naturally supernatural discipleship and mission!
As relative newcomers to this holiday (no, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in UK - you won’t believe how many times we’ve been asked!), it is one of our favorites! There’s something wonderful about pausing our lives to focus on gratitude.
This is such an easy time to celebrate and give thanks, both personally and with a group of others.
Here are some ideas of things you could try. As you read through the list, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one or two of these, and then customize them for your context.
Send notes of gratitude - Friends/ neighbors/ teachers/ colleagues/ those who need encouragement will love to receive these. Go a step beyond and practice the prophetic by asking God for a word from Him to put in each card. NB If the recipient isn’t a believer, don’t write that “this is from God for you!” Just write it in a normal way, e.g. “I’m grateful for you, and in particular XYZ”, or, “This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for XYZ that I see you are full of!”
Thankful chalking - On your driveway or sidewalk, write “I am grateful for…” and then start a list underneath: “this neighborhood, my family, sunshine” etc. Leave chalks there so that others can add what they’re thankful for.
Give a plate of cookies, gift card, etc - Neighbors/ firefighters/ delivery people/ teachers, or whoever you feel led to give to will be so encouraged. Add a hand-written note saying “I’m grateful for you” and why.
Make up baskets of goodies - Share these with someone who is struggling at this time.
Bless a needy household - Is there someone in your community that you could rally others to adopt?
‘Love in Action’ days - Love neighbors who are going through a tough time. Challenge your people to look on your block for an act of love you can do to bless a specific neighbor, e.g. raking leaves or simple home repairs.
Perform random acts of kindness - Pay for someone else’s drink or groceries, surprise someone with a plant or gift, and find other ways to be kind to those around you.
Give out Thanksgiving meals or gift cards to local needy families - If you’re not sure where to look, the counselors at your local school will be able to help.
Host a friendsgiving, potluck, or progressive dinner party - Everyone brings contributions of food. Include a time when everyone shares what they’re thankful for from the past year.
Reach out to those who are alone for Thanksgiving - Let them join in for some part of your Thanksgiving day, e.g. brunch, the main meal, or wine and dessert in the evening.
Do a leftovers meal - On the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving share your leftovers with your people of peace. Say what you’re grateful for.
Host a Thanksgiving trivia night - Ask guests to bring a gift, toiletry item, coat, or loose change for someone in need.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Next Steps
What specific things are you - and your household - going to try this year?
Put them on the calendar now, so that you don’t run out of time!
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to represent Jesus in loving thankfulness. Seize the opportunity!With love,
Alex + Hannah
ALEX AND HANNAH ABSALOM
P.S. If you have other ideas, please email us back and share them, so that in the future we can share with others!
