Gratitude Pumpkin

 It's hard to choose just one tradition, but if I had to, I would say our gratitude pumpkin is my favorite. Admittedly, I cannot take any credit for this one! My cousin shared the idea via Facebook and said that she immediately thought of me. As soon as I saw it, I knew we'd make this one our own, and seven years later we are still loving this fall tradition. 

Making it even better is that it's probably one of the easiest traditions to pull off. All you need is a pumpkin, a Sharpie, and a family with some gratitude. The first year, we didn't begin until November, since it definitely has a Thanksgiving feel to it. But since then, we have been starting earlier each fall, because it's just that much fun! Plus, we usually pick a nice-sized pumpkin, so we have plenty of room to fill with our thankfulness.

For us, it's a dinnertime thing, but whatever works with your family's schedule will be perfect. One of the boys has always brought the pumpkin to the table, and after our prayer, we each share what we are thankful for. Big, small, serious, or funny, it doesn't matter; if it's heartfelt, it goes on the pumpkin. Being somewhat of a control freak, I choose to do all the writing on the pumpkin. But hey, if you don't mind the different and perhaps not-so-perfect handwriting on your pumpkin, I think that could make it even more meaningful (note to self). 

Sometimes, if we are video chatting with Ida, she'll have something to add to the pumpkin. So even from hundreds of miles away, the gratitude pumpkin still works. However you choose to do it, I have no doubt you will love hearing what is on your family's hearts and minds. It's also a great reminder on rough days that we truly do have so much to be grateful for. So why not write it on a pumpkin!