Thankful Traditions
Thankful Traditions
Ideas from Fun Grandma Podcast Episode 2
Read for some “fun ideas” for your next family gathering - who knows you might find a new tradition.
1. Thankful Dice Game
A Dice Game of Gratitude for Family Gatherings
This dice game is designed to encourage everyone at your family gathering to reflect on the things they’re thankful for in a fun and interactive way. Each roll of the die corresponds to an expression of gratitude or a thoughtful sharing moment that can bring your family closer together.
How to Play:
Gather Your Supplies:
One die (or a dice app if you prefer a digital version).
A space where everyone can sit comfortably in a circle (or spread out if needed).
Optional: a notepad or whiteboard to keep track of any funny or meaningful moments that arise.
Assign the Numbers: Each side of the die represents a different expression of gratitude or a family-themed prompt. Here’s an example of what you could assign:
1: "Share one thing you’re thankful for about a family member sitting here today."
2: "Share a place you are grateful for."
3: "Share something you are thankful for a family member not here"
4: "Share an opportunity you are thankful for."
5: "Something God has done your are thankful for."
6: "Share something that has been hard your are thankful for"
Game Rules:
Decide who will go first (youngest or oldest, or just the first to roll the die!).
On your turn, roll the die and read the corresponding prompt.
Take a moment to reflect on your answer and then share it with the group.
Optional Variations:
Sharing Gratitude Objects: For each roll of the die, if someone feels particularly moved by their prompt, they can share an object or picture related to what they’re thankful for.
Memory Jar: After each round of sharing, you can write down any funny, touching, or surprising responses and put them in a "memory jar" to read aloud at the end of the gathering.
End the Game: When everyone has had a chance to roll the die (or several times, if desired), close out with a final round of sharing. You could use this time to reflect on any particular gratitude that stood out, or for everyone to say one last thing they’re thankful for.
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2. Creating a Thanksgiving Communion Tradition:
Gather the Family and Set the Tone: Thanksgiving often brings extended family together, making it the perfect opportunity for a moment of spiritual reflection. You don’t need a big, formal ceremony—just a quiet space with your loved ones will do. Consider gathering around the dining table or setting up a special area where you can focus on the sacrament.
Use Special Glasses for the Communion Elements: Choose glasses that hold meaning for you—whether they are crystal, fine china, or cups that have been part of your family’s traditions for years. These glasses will be used to hold the wine (or grape juice) during communion, and the act of using them can transform a simple moment into a time of sacred reflection.
Tip: You don’t need a large set of identical glasses. It’s perfectly acceptable for each person to have their own special cup—this adds a personal touch and allows everyone to participate in their own way.
Prepare the Elements of Communion: For communion, you’ll need bread (or crackers) and wine (or grape juice). You can break a loaf of bread and serve it to each person, or use individual pieces like crackers for ease. The wine or juice should be served in the special glasses you’ve chosen. Prepare these elements ahead of time so you can focus on the moment of communion itself.
Take Time to Reflect on God’s Blessings: Thanksgiving communion offers a unique opportunity to pause and remember the ultimate gift of Jesus’ sacrifice. As you hold the special glasses and prepare to partake, take time to reflect on the ways God has blessed your family, your life, and your faith. This can be a quiet time of personal prayer or a shared reflection as a family.
Read Scripture: Sharing a passage of Scripture before communion can ground the moment in the Word of God. A fitting passage could be 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, which recounts the Last Supper and Christ’s instructions to His disciples. Alternatively, you can read from the Gospels, such as Luke 22:14-20, to remind your family of Jesus’ sacrifice and the meaning of communion.
Example Scripture to Read:
“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
(1 Corinthians 11:23-25)Pray Together: Offer a prayer of thanksgiving, both for the blessings of the year and for the gift of Christ’s sacrifice. This prayer could be led by one person, or you can invite each family member to share a short prayer of gratitude before partaking in communion.
Partake in the Communion Elements: After reading Scripture and praying together, take the bread and wine (or juice) and share the elements as a family. As you break the bread and drink from the cup, take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning of Christ’s body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Close with Gratitude: After everyone has partaken, close your family communion time by expressing final words of gratitude. This can be an opportunity for each person to share something they’re thankful for this year, either spiritually or personally
