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Pumpkin season has come and gone, and it is time to count our blessings… what a fantastic season this is! Have you ever considered combining the two? While most of us are putting away the Halloween decor and finalizing Thanksgiving menu plans, there is a great way to recycle our porch pumpkins while ringing in the next holiday: Thankful pumpkins.
As the name suggests, thankful pumpkins allow participants to record what they are grateful for via traditional decor (AKA a pumpkin). The concept is simple, but here is everything you need to know:
Supplies
- A medium to large pumpkin
- Permanent markers in various colors (fine-tip ones work best for more detailed writing)
- A protective covering for your work area
- Ribbon or twine (optional, for decorative purposes)
- A notebook or list (for pre-writing thoughts, especially helpful for younger kids!)
1. Setup
Lay down the protective covering on your chosen work area to ensure any accidental marker stains don’t end up on your table. Set your pumpkin on top and have your markers and notebook ready.
2. Brainstorming session
Before you begin, spend a moment with your grandkids discussing what being “thankful” means. Talk about the things that you’re grateful for in your lives, which can act as a gentle guide, especially for younger kids, about what they might want to write.
3. Daily writing ritual
Each day in November, gather around your pumpkin with your grandkids and share something you are thankful for. It could be something big, like family, or something simple, like a sunny day. Write it down on the pumpkin, dating each entry. (For little ones who can’t write yet, they can tell you their thought, and you can jot it down for them.)
4. Decorate (optional)
To give your Thankful Pumpkin an added touch of festivity, you can tie a ribbon or twine around the stem and/or add decorative leaves or other embellishments.
5. Display
Place your Thankful Pumpkin where the family frequently gathers, such as the living room or dining table. I pray your pumpkin serves as a beautiful reminder of the things you hold dear and the shared moments of gratitude throughout the month!
6. Reflect
On Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to read through all the things written on the pumpkin. It’s a beautiful way to start your holiday and reflect on the many blessings in your lives.
Conclusion
I hope this simple yet powerful activity makes an impact on both you and your grandkids! November is a wonderful month and the perfect time to reflect on and give thanks for all of your blessings. Enjoy – as always, let me know how it goes. 🙂
