Updated 2018
Thanksgiving has arrived faster than expected, so we decided to revive a favorite tradition from last year and introduce a new one. First, a quick reminder about our simple Thanksgiving craft from last year: a thrift-store jar we found for less than a dollar that became our family’s gratitude jar.
We transformed that small jar with an inexpensive bottle of etching cream and a homemade tape stencil to create a “Thanks” jar that we use throughout November. The project was easy, affordable, and produced a charming keepsake that looks great on a table or shelf.
Throughout the month we each wrote something we were thankful for on little cards and placed them into the jar. We agreed not to peek at each other’s notes until the end of the month. When we finally opened the jar, reading the gratitude notes together was almost as joyful as opening presents on a holiday morning. It became a highlight of our family’s Thanksgiving season and a tradition we saved to enjoy again this year.
After that lovely ritual, we tucked the stack of cards into a ribboned bundle with the year written on it. We plan to do this every year so we can revisit old notes and reflect on what changed and what stayed the same. Keeping those little memories has made the tradition even more meaningful.
This year we’re filling our thanks jar again, and we added another tradition to reach loved ones who live far away. Since some relatives can’t travel for the holidays, we designed a small printable “thankful card” to send to them. The card reads: I’m thankful for you and here’s why, and is meant to be filled out with a short, personal note.
We created a printable sheet with two cards per page and a simple instruction card. That layout reduces paper waste and makes it easy to print on cardstock at home. We plan to send one filled-out card and one blank card so the recipient can pass the kindness along to someone else, along with the instruction card explaining the idea.
Our hope is that this small gesture will encourage a ripple effect of gratitude: people receiving a note may be inspired to reach out and tell another friend or family member why they are thankful for them. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to spread warmth during the holiday season, and it can brighten someone’s day even from a distance.
We also want to express our appreciation to everyone who follows our little house diary. Your visits and comments feel like family to us, and we’re genuinely grateful for your ongoing support. As a small token of thanks, we prepared a downloadable version of the printable cards so readers can easily print, cut, and share them with friends and loved ones.
After you print the sheet on cardstock, cut out each of the three cards, fill one out, leave one blank to pass along, and tuck an instruction card into an envelope. It’s a quick and thoughtful activity that takes only a few minutes but has the power to connect people and create meaningful moments this season.
Then reward yourself with a little early turkey, some stuffing, or whatever holiday treat you prefer. If you still have leftover Halloween candy, you’re not alone—many of us are still indulging. Time seems to fly in November, so take a moment to slow down and savor the small things.
Want More Thanksgiving Crafts And Traditions?
We love celebrating Thanksgiving at home and enjoy trying new ways to honor the season. Here are some of our favorite holiday crafts and family traditions to inspire your own celebrations:
- A DIY glass-etched “Thanks” jar that you can customize with stencils and etching cream
- A Thanksgiving gratitude chalkboard display that invites family members to share what they’re thankful for
- Memories from our daughter’s first year of writing messages for the Thanks Jar, a sweet reminder of how traditions evolve over time
Update: We’ve also rounded up a selection of favorite holiday decor finds that are budget-friendly and easy to incorporate into seasonal decorating—many items are affordable and make festive additions to any home.