A Thanksgiving Game for Families

"Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances."

—I Thessalonians 5:16-18

At this year's Thanksgiving table -- or even in your classroom -- put the "giving thanks" back into Thanksgiving!

Encourage your students to:

1. A day or two before Thanksgiving find out how many people will be seated at the dinner table.
2. Cut enough slips of paper so that each person will have one. Then cut five extra slips.
3. On each slip write a noun. They may be funny or serious.
4. Fold the slips and put them into a bowl or basket
5. After dinner, read the Bible verse I Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances."
6. Announce that you will be playing the "Thankful Game."  Pass your bowl or basket around the table and let each person draw one slip of paper. They are not to be opened yet.
7. Each player starts by saying: "I am so thankful for my (opens the slip of paper and says the word) because…" The player must then explain why he or she is thankful.
8. If the word doesn't work, let the player draw another slip.

Here's an example: Word: "socks." "I am so thankful for my socks because they are fuzzy, heat my feet, and soothe my tired toes."  Players may speak for as long as they like.  Other guests may join in, adding their own comments and thanks. 

Students and families can also try to play the "Thankful Game" in Armenian, with all words or responses in Armenian.

The "Thankful Game" is not just good for Thanksgiving.  Play it on birthdays, family reunions, holidays, or any time family and friends gather with thankful hearts.  That way, we can "give thanks in all circumstances."