Photo by woodley wonderworks
Less than one week to go until the US holiday Thanksgiving. Are your plans in order?
Previous posts in this series discussed Thanksgiving stories to read with your family as well as menu planning for the big day.
Today let's chat about what can help pull the holiday together--mindful, intentional family traditions.
A wonderful tool to help along these lines is a book I've enjoyed reading recently, The Joy of Family Traditions, 
I discovered this book when I was doing research for Steady Days - looking for a resource that could inspire mothers to be more intentional in planning and considering family traditions.
Besides the lovely book itself, what endeared the author to my heart is that she is a fellow adoptive mama, with both a biological son and a daughter born in Guatemala.
The Joy of Family Traditions is filled with over 400 potential traditions to pick and choose from throughout the year. So it's a one-stop place to get ideas no matter what season or holiday is coming up. Check out Jennifer's website to find out more.
Jennifer's approach to tradition-making is informal and relaxing. In the introduction, she advises, "Don't feel obligated--the tradition should never overshadow the spirit of an event. If a tradition feels like a chore, don't do it."
Here are a few specific Thanksgiving traditions she mentions:
* Apparently the story goes that the pilgrims were desperately awaiting supply ships bringing food, and that their rations were down to three kernels of corn per person when ships were finally sighted.
Jennifer suggests placing three kernels of corn next to each plate at your table as a reminder, and stating three things you are thankful for.
* Place an index card & pen at each place setting. Write something you are thankful for about the person on your left and pass it so everyone does the same. Then read the responses together.
* Have each person light a candle, then lift it in a toast to what you are thankful for.
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Jennifer's publisher, Ten Speed Press, has passed along a copy of The Joy of Family Traditions for me to give away to one lucky Steady Mom reader.
To enter, just leave a comment below, letting us know what your family's favorite Thanksgiving tradition is. US Addresses only. (Sorry, international friends!)
I'll close the comments on Monday, November 23rd at 8pm EST. The winner (chosen at random) will be announced shortly afterward.
Thanks so much, and have a wonderful weekend!
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Comments are now closed.
And the winner is:
My grandmother made a beautiful harvest tablecloth for me. I use it once a year at Thanksgiving. Thank you for the chance to win.
