Thanksgiving and Being Thankful

     Have you ever heard of Thanksgiving? It’s a special holiday when we celebrate all the things we are grateful for. Thanksgiving usually happens in the fall, when the weather gets chilly and the leaves turn pretty colors like orange, yellow, and red.

Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

     Thanksgiving started a long, long time ago! Some people called Pilgrims came to America from far away, and with the help of Native Americans, they learned how to grow food and survive. They shared a big meal together to celebrate their friendship and the good things they had. Now, every year, we have a big meal with family and friends to remember and celebrate, too!

What Does Being Thankful Mean?

     Being thankful means feeling happy for the people and things that make us feel loved, safe, and happy. It’s like saying, “Wow, I’m so glad to have this!” You can be thankful for things big and small, like your family, friends, food, toys, a nice home, and even just being able to play outside!

How Do We Show Thankfulness?

     On Thanksgiving, some people share what they are thankful for by going around the table and saying it out loud. Some people make cards or draw pictures of the things they are grateful for. You could even give someone a big hug or say “Thank you!” to show your appreciation.

Things I'm Thankful For

Here are some ideas of things to be thankful for:

• Family who love and take care of me

• Friends who play with me

• Teachers who help me learn new things

• Food that fills my tummy

• Nature, like trees, flowers, and animals

• A safe place to sleep

Let’s Celebrate!

     Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to enjoy yummy food, spend time with people we care about, and remember all the good things in our lives. So when you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, think about the things that make you smile and share them. Happy Thanksgiving!