5 Ways to Make Thanksgiving About More Than Food

Simple ways your family can give thanks, grow in faith, and share God’s love—near and far.

When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? Turkey and mashed potatoes? Football? Family gatherings? Those are all wonderful blessings—but Thanksgiving can also be so much more.

This year, invite your family to celebrate with grateful hearts and helping hands. Here are five meaningful ways to make Thanksgiving about more than food.

 

1. Color, Create, and Pray for Alan

Instead of just talking about thankfulness, experience it together! Our free online activity journey, Color, Create, and Pray for Alan, takes your family to Indonesia to meet a young boy with disabilities. Through coloring, crafting, and prayer, your kids will learn about Alan’s family, their faith, and how gratitude grows when we notice God’s blessings and care for others.

Even though Alan’s family lives far away, God’s love connects us all. It’s a simple, fun way to help little ones practice gratitude and compassion this Thanksgiving.

Kid Activities

 

2. Write Thank-You Cards to Volunteers

This Thanksgiving season, take a few minutes to recognize the people who give their time and energy to serve others—church volunteers, Sunday school teachers, neighbors, or local community helpers. Encourage your kids to get creative by decorating homemade cards, drawing pictures, or writing short notes expressing their gratitude.

As you work together, talk about why serving others is a way to show God’s love. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day, remind them that their service matters, and show that kindness has a ripple effect.

Consider delivering the cards in person, leaving them in a mailbox, or mailing them to spread joy even farther. This small act teaches children that gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s something we can show in action.

 

3. Set Aside a Family Offering

Before the pies come out, take a moment as a family to set aside a small offering together. Talk with your children about how even a little gift can make a big difference. Share that your offering can help children with disabilities in Indonesia—like Alan—receive care, therapy, and, most importantly, the love and hope of Jesus through Kingdom Workers.

Use this time to teach your kids about generosity and compassion. Explain that giving isn’t about the size of the gift, but the heart behind it. No amount is too small—every dollar, given with love, helps share hope across the world and reminds others that God sees them and cares for them.

You can even make it fun: decorate an offering envelope, pray together for Christ to bless the gift, or create a small “thankfulness jar” where each family member places their contribution and a note of gratitude. This simple practice turns giving into a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition that nurtures both faith and gratitude.

 

4. Pray for Children with Disabilities

During your Thanksgiving prayer, include families like Alan’s. Pray that God gives them strength, comfort, and hope in every challenge. You can even use the prayer from our children’s activity:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving children all over the world. Please be with Alan and his family. Help them feel Your love every day. Teach me to share Your kindness with others too.

Amen.

 

5. Count Your Blessings—Together

Before dinner, take a moment to gather your family and go around the table. Ask each person to share something they’re thankful for—big or small. It could be your family, a favorite friend, a cozy home, or even God’s creation in nature. Encourage everyone, especially kids, to think about both everyday blessings and the ways God shows His love.

Bring your gratitude to life with a craft! Write or draw each blessing on a paper feather to create a “Thankful Turkey.” As you attach the feathers, talk about how each blessing is a gift from God. Hang your turkey somewhere visible as a reminder that gratitude grows when we share it—and that our hearts are filled with God’s love.

Download the free “Thankful Turkey” activity sheet to guide your family through this fun and meaningful tradition.

Download Activity

 

A Thanksgiving Filled with Purpose

When your family takes time to give thanks, create together, and pray for others, you’re doing more than celebrating a holiday—you’re living out God’s love. This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude doesn’t end at our own tables. It reaches across oceans, into homes like Alan’s, and into hearts that need encouragement most.

Volunteer with Kingdom Workers - Learn More

Make A Lasting Impact - Donate Today

Stay In the Loop - Subscribe for Updates