Updated 2018

Thanksgiving has arrived sooner than expected, so we decided to bring back a tradition from last year and add a new one. Last November we made a simple Thanksgiving craft: a small thrift-store jar we bought for less than a dollar that we turned into a “Thanks Jar.”

We etched the jar using an inexpensive etching cream and a homemade tape stencil to create the word “Thanks” on the glass. The process was quick, affordable, and produced a charming piece that works as both decoration and a family activity.

During November, each of us filled out a small card every day with something we were grateful for and dropped it into the jar. We agreed not to peek until the end of the month, when we finally opened the jar and read all of the gratitude notes together. It felt almost like opening presents on Christmas morning—surprising, warm, and funny at times—so we plan to continue the ritual each year.

We kept every year’s stack of cards tied with a ribbon and labeled with the year. Looking back through those notes is a wonderful way to remember milestones, small joys, and the everyday things that mean a lot. Saving them has become part of the tradition, and we enjoy seeing how our lists change over time.

This year we repeated the Thanks Jar idea and added another tradition aimed at including relatives who can’t travel. We wanted to let long-distance family members know that they are in our thoughts, so we created a small “thankful card” they could receive in the mail. The card reads, “I’m thankful for you and here’s why,” and gives space for a short, heartfelt note.

We designed a printable page that contains two thankful cards plus a simple instruction card. Because both cards fit on one printed sheet, it minimizes waste when printed on cardstock at home. The plan is to send one filled-out card and include a blank card that the recipient can complete and forward to someone else, along with the instruction card explaining the idea.

Our hope is that this will create a ripple effect of gratitude, with people sharing appreciation with others in their own circles. It’s a small gesture that can brighten someone’s day and encourage more intentional expressions of thanks throughout the season.

We also want to say how grateful we are for you, our readers. You’ve followed this home diary and shared in the ups and downs of projects and family life, and that means a lot. As a way to share the idea, we made the printable page available for download: print it on cardstock, cut out the three cards, fill out one, leave another blank to pass along, and include the simple instruction card in the envelope.

After you finish your cards, reward yourself with a bit of early turkey, leftover Halloween candy, or whatever treat makes your day. November does fly by—so take a moment to slow down, write a note of thanks, and share it with someone you care about.

Want More Thanksgiving Crafts And Traditions?

If you enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving with crafts and small traditions, try a few other simple ideas that bring the family together and focus on gratitude:

• A glass-etched “Thanks Jar” made from a thrift-store jar and an inexpensive etching cream.
• A gratitude chalkboard display where family members add notes throughout the month.
• Encouraging children to write their first “thanks” messages and save them each year as a keepsake.

Update: We also share favorite holiday decor ideas and finds each season—many budget-friendly—so consider browsing our holiday posts for more inspiration.