One year before Thanksgiving, I stumbled upon what I thought was a great idea to help spark dinner table conversations and introduce my family to the concept of gratitude. I grabbed a small tin, covered it with Thanksgiving-themed craft paper, and added pens and small cards in festive fall colors.

That evening, I explained the idea and pulled out a few cards I’d already written—like “Share something you’re thankful for.” I told everyone that, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, anyone could add a question, comment, or note of thanks to the tin. Each night at dinner, we’d pull one out to read and discuss.

Some cards were heartwarming, like being thankful for having a warm home—or the one my youngest drew with a picture of what she was most grateful for: our dog. Others inspired conversation, such as “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?” or “What dish reminds you of a special memory?”

And then there were the silly ones—usually crafted by my giggling daughters when they thought no one was looking. “Would you rather have it rain mashed potatoes or turkey?” “If you had a pet named Potato, what kind of animal would it be?” “Would you rather eat dirt pie or mud pudding?” Their faces lit up as they waited for one of their goofy questions to be drawn and read aloud by Mom or Dad.

Then there were the true head-scratchers, the kind that made us laugh even harder: “Are you more thankful for your family or your couch?” and “Would you rather be a turkey or a pumpkin?”

Maybe the lesson of gratitude snuck in along the way. Mostly, though, those cards encouraged conversation, silliness, and plenty of laughter. And now, each time we pull out the seasonal decorations, that little tin is there—a reminder to be grateful for all the joy and togetherness we’ve shared around the table.

Maya Angelou once said, “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” In hindsight, I may have been the one who learned the most from that tiny tin filled with handwritten notes.

The next time you’re gathered around your own table, you don’t need a special tin or fancy cards. Time spent listening and laughing with the people you love makes even an ordinary Thursday feel like Thanksgiving. But just in case you need a prompt to start – turn to the person next to you and tell them one thing you appreciate about them.

~Article by Stacy Turner