The Thanksgiving Gratitude And Connection Activity

Thanksgiving Gratitude And Connection Activity

Just a quick Thanksgiving gratitude and connection activity to use at your Thanksgiving Holiday to focus on the good and being together.

Idea:
Instead of just going around the table saying what you’re thankful for (which can be intimidating or shallow), this activity gently invites everyone to reflect, share, and connect in a deeper but safe way. Each person randomly picks a card from the prompt pile and shares their answer—stories, memories, hopes, humor, or wisdom. No pressure. Just connection.

Thanksgiving Gratitude And Connection Activity Instructions

Print or write the prompts on slips of paper, fold, and place in a bowl or basket.
Each person pulls one prompt to answer. They may trade if it feels uncomfortable.
Listen with curiosity, not judgment. No fixing, debating, or interrupting.
After each person shares, respond with a simple:
“Thank you for sharing.”
Take a breath. Notice how gratitude changes the energy.

Gratitude Prompts

Warm & Easy Starters

What’s one small thing you’re grateful for today that others might overlook?
Who made you smile this year? Tell us how.
What’s something you have now that younger-you wished for?
A smell, sound, or taste that reminds you of home or comfort?
What’s one thing you’re grateful for that doesn’t cost anything?

Heartfelt & Meaningful

Share a challenge from this year that taught you something important.
Name someone who helped you this year—even in a small way.
What’s a boundary you set this year that protected your peace?
What’s something you healed from or are still healing from that you’re proud of?
Who is missing at the table this year—but still sits in your heart?

Hopeful & Forward-Focused

What are you looking forward to in the next year—big or small?
What’s a new tradition you’d love to start (even if it’s just with yourself)?
If you could give your future self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Something you’re ready to let go of—and something you’re ready to welcome in.
What’s something you didn’t know you were capable of until this year?

Fun & Unexpected (lighthearted sharing)

What’s your comfort food and why?
If gratitude were a color, what would yours be today?
Share one hilarious holiday or family memory (keep it kind!)
If you could invite any fictional character to Thanksgiving—who and why?
What’s your quirky but harmless holiday opinion? (Pineapple on Thanksgiving dinner? Paper plates allowed?)