On the third Thursday of November, many countries celebrate Thanksgiving Day. In the United States, this important holiday originated from a gratitude feast between the Pilgrims and Native Americans after their first harvest upon arriving in the "New World."

In other countries, such as Brazil, this day is not as widely celebrated, but it is officially recognized as a special day, as the story below explains. For us Christians, however, every day is a day to thank God for His blessings, so why not take advantage of this date and make it more special as a family by studying its origin?

Study HISTORY by learning about the origin of Thanksgiving Day.

Study GEOGRAPHY by analyzing the Pilgrims' route from Europe to the United States. Note the planned route (in blue) and the actual route (in red). Note the name of the city they departed from (in England) and where they arrived (in the United States).

(click on the map to the side to enlarge)

Do ARTS and crafts with a gratitude theme

• Pilgrim Hat (for boys and girls)

• Gratitude Wreath (with a Bible verse)

• 3D Card (for older children)

Study the BIBLE by reading stories about gratitude

• Story of the 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

• Story of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-44)

Sing SONGS to praise and thank God (and memorize Bible verses!)

• Every Good Gift

• The Lord Is Good

• Rejoice!

Make traditional Thanksgiving RECIPES

• Dishes include vegetables that the pilgrims and natives planted: Corn, pumpkin, potato, green beans, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

• The traditional dessert is Pumpkin Pie (or Squash)

Photo Credit: Freepik

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