Our Favorite Family Thanksgiving Game | Ways To Show Kids To Give Thanks

One tradition I’ve created for my family is a Thanksgiving game I make sure my family participates in each year.  It’s more of a chance for everyone to reflect on the past year and express the things they are grateful for at Thanksgiving.  Plus, it’s super easy to prepare even in the midst of Thanksgiving meal preparation.

First, write or type up a list of challenges for each person to reflect on. I’ve come up with about 13, including a few specifically for my kids:

• What act of kindness has made the greatest difference in your life this year?
• What challenging experience this year has ended up changing your life for the better?
• Is there a personal limitation or flaw that you’ve come to appreciate?
• Describe a time this year that you forgave someone.
• Name 5 days in your life that you feel especially grateful for.
• Name a prayer God has answered for you this year?
• Tell the person to your right 3 things you love about them.
• How did you see God at work today?
• What gifts or talents do you think God has given you? How can you use that gift to help others?
• Describe a time you laughed the hardest this year.

Thanksgiving game cues for kids: 

• Name a game or toy you are most grateful for?  Pick a toy you would like to share with another less fortunate kid.
• Which teacher are you most thankful for and why?  What did you learn from him or her?
• What do your loved ones do to show you love on Thanksgiving? Are there things you do to show love to others?

Next, just print this list up and separate them into individual sheets.

Third, fold each question and have a Thanksgiving guest select one. They shouldn’t be able to see the questions beforehand.

It’s totally up to you as to when you want to play this Thanksgiving game.  I usually have everyone select their question right before Thanksgiving meal and then answer it after we’ve all eaten, so that it doesn’t hold up Thanksgiving dinner.

Does your family have a special Thanksgiving game you play each year?

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See Also: 5 Awesome Thanksgiving STEM Activities