Thankful or Tacky? The Truth about Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities

Thanksgiving gratitude activities may feel cheesy, but they’re a heartwarming way to connect, reflect, and make memories worth savoring.

Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey, pie, and watching football in stretchy pants (though those are all excellent perks). It’s also a time to pause and reflect on the good things in our lives. Enter the Thanksgiving gratitude activity—a tradition that has families sitting down, sharing what they’re thankful for, and often feeling a bit awkward or overly sentimental.

Is this tradition heartwarming or just plain cheesy? Let’s dive into the pros, the cons, and some tips to make it less awkward, so you can confidently decide whether this gratitude activity deserves a place at your table.

The Case FOR the Gratitude Activity

1. It Creates Connection

When everyone shares what they’re grateful for, it opens the door to meaningful conversations. Hearing what matters to your loved ones—whether it’s a new job, good health, or even just the mashed potatoes—brings everyone closer.

2. It Fights Holiday Stress

Holidays can be overwhelming, with all the cooking, cleaning, and family dynamics in full swing. Taking a moment to pause and reflect on gratitude helps shift the focus from chaos to calm. Gratitude has even been shown to reduce stress and boost happiness. It’s like a tiny mental vacation before the pumpkin pie arrives.

3. It Teaches Kids Gratitude

For families with children, this activity is a gentle way to instill the value of gratitude. Kids may not always articulate it well (“I’m thankful for…uh…video games!”), but the practice helps them notice the positives in life.

4. It’s a Memory Maker

Years down the line, you might not remember every dish on the table, but you’ll remember Aunt Carol tearing up as she expressed her gratitude for the family. These moments are often the glue of family holidays.

The Case AGAINST the Gratitude Activity

1. It Feels Awkward

For some, expressing feelings of gratitude feels too personal or even performative. “What am I supposed to say? What if mine isn’t good enough?!” Cue the side glances and nervous laughter.

2. It Can Feel Forced

Not everyone feels comfortable being on the spot, especially in a big group. Plus, if someone’s having a tough year, this activity might unintentionally add pressure.

3. It Can Get Cheesy

Let’s be honest—gratitude activities can feel like a Hallmark card come to life. Even with the best intentions, the activity can slide into eye-roll territory if it feels overly scripted or insincere.

So, Is It Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it! Gratitude activities can absolutely feel cheesy, but their benefits outweigh the awkwardness. Science even backs it up—studies show that practicing gratitude increases happiness, improves relationships, and even enhances physical health. Plus, Thanksgiving is the perfect time for a little extra warmth and reflection.

Still, you don’t have to go full sap-fest to make this tradition enjoyable. A little creativity can go a long way.

Tips for Making the Gratitude Activity Less Cheesy

1. Add Humor

Let people share both heartfelt and humorous things they’re grateful for. Grandma can say she’s thankful for family, while your cousin might chime in with, “I’m grateful the turkey didn’t burn this year!” To get the laughter rolling, you might have to be the first one to break the ice.

2. Make It Interactive

Instead of just taking turns around the table, turn it into a game! Write prompts on slips of paper like, “What’s a small thing you’re grateful for today?” or “What’s something funny you’re grateful for this year?” Pass them around and see where the conversation goes.

3. Keep It Short

If people dread long speeches, set a timer or limit answers to a sentence. Quick and meaningful can be just as powerful as lengthy and poetic. You could even make it a game to see how fast you can go around the table more than once.

4. Write It Down

If public speaking isn’t your family’s vibe, have everyone write their gratitude on a notecard and place it in a jar. Read them aloud anonymously, or keep them for a future tradition.

5. Do It Casually

You don’t need a formal ceremony. Sprinkle gratitude moments throughout the day—while cooking, during the meal, or even over dessert.

Tips for Getting Everyone to Participate

1. Set the Example

Kick things off with your own gratitude to show how it’s done. Keep it light and genuine to encourage others to share.

2. Frame It Positively

Instead of announcing, “Now it’s time for everyone to share something they’re thankful for,” try asking people individually.

3. Include Everyone

Make it clear that all responses are welcome—serious, silly, or somewhere in between. This lowers the pressure to come up with the “perfect” answer. You can also use this time to give kudos to family members and friends, which will help open them up and make the activity feel more inclusive.

4. Make It Fun for Kids

For younger kids, turn it into an art activity. Have them draw or write their gratitude on paper leaves and hang them on a “thankful tree.”

5. Respect Boundaries

If someone really doesn’t want to participate, don’t force it. Gratitude is personal, and pressuring someone might make them feel uncomfortable.

A Gratitude Activity for Every Table

If your family already embraces the Thanksgiving gratitude activity, lean into it! If you’re new to the idea or have skeptics in your group, start small and make it fun. With a little creativity, this tradition can evolve into something everyone looks forward to year after year.

Cheesy? Maybe. Valuable? Absolutely. After all, isn’t Thanksgiving the one day we’re allowed—even encouraged—to get a little sentimental? So grab your turkey, your stretchy pants, and your gratitude, and dig into Thanksgiving.

Discover More Ways to Practice Everyday Gratitude

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in Editing and Publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}