Thanksgiving is a holiday that is traditionally dedicated to expressing gratitude. Beyond the warmth of shared moments with loved ones and the aromas and flavors of the Thanksgiving feast, the expression of gratitude has been shown to have tangible benefits for our mental and emotional health. Studies have indicated that incorporating gratitude into our daily lives can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress levels, a feeling of connectedness, better relationships, better sleep, greater health, and a stronger immune system!

Similarly, the creative process, specifically crafting, can serve as a valuable mindfulness practice that demands focused attention on the task at hand, resulting in a meditative state that promotes stress relief and relaxation. The act of creative expression also fosters a sense of accomplishment, contributing to positive emotions and self-esteem.

In the spirit of gratitude and mindfulness, we’d like to share a few DIY craft ideas for you to share with your family this weekend. Incorporate one or more of these activities into your family gathering to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday .

Thankfulness Tree Centerpiece

Materials needed: Small branches, vase, scissors, construction paper, markers, hole punch, and yarn or string.

Preparation:

• Cut leaf shapes from a variety of colors of construction paper and punch a hole in the end.
• Cut pieces of yarn into 6-8” lengths
• Arrange the branches in a vase. Place the leaves, markers, and yarn

Instructions:

• When guests arrive, instruct them to choose a leaf (or two or three), and write down something they are thankful for on each.
• Have them take a piece of yarn and tie their leaf to one of the branches.
• Watch the centerpiece blossom with color and shape as leaves are added.
• Once everyone has arrived, move the tree to the center of the table.
• After dinner and before dessert, read the leaves aloud (or go around the table and have everyone share what they wrote on their leaves.) 

Gratitude Collage

Materials needed: Old magazines, scissors, glue, individual small posterboards

Preparation: Gather old magazines or have people bring with them.

Instructions:

• Before diving into the magazines, have everyone take a moment to reflect on the things they are grateful for, including relationships, achievements, nature, and personal experiences.
• Have everyone cut out words, images, and phrases that represent things they are grateful for. Suggest they remain open to unexpected finds and let intuition guide their choices.
• Have them arrange the cutouts into a visually pleasing layout, and glue them onto their boards.
• When complete, ask each person to share their collage, explaining why they chose each image, word, or phrase on their board.
• When everyone has shared, explain how their gratitude collage can serve as a continual source of inspiration and positive energy as they reflect upon each element in the collage. Each carries personal significance, representing moments, people, or aspects of life that evoke feelings of appreciation.
• Encourage everyone to continue to add to their gratitude collage at home.

Gratitude Ribbon Bookmark

Materials needed: Cardstock, hole punch, satin ribbon, decorative beads, fine-tipped and medium-tipped colored markers or crayons.

Preparation: Cut cardstock into bookmark shape and punch a hole at the end of each.

Instructions:

• Have everyone use markers and/or crayons to write things they are thankful for on a bookmark and add decorative designs.
• When complete, attach a satin ribbon through the hole and string decorative beads onto the ribbon. Tie a knot at the end so the beads stay in place.
• Have everyone show off their masterpiece, sharing what they are thankful for.

Gratitude Journal

Materials needed: Blank notebooks/Journals, art supplies.

Preparation: None needed.

Instructions:

• Encourage everyone to personalize their journal/ adding color and design to the cover, if possible.
• Inside the journal, they can create prompts for different days such as: “Three things I’m thankful for today” or “A moment that brought me joy.”

• Discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of consistent gratitude journaling. (See our blog post on “Gratitude” to learn about these benefits and  to download and print a free three-month gratitude journal.)

Gratitude Mandala

Creating a gratitude mandala is a meditative and mindful process that allows you to visually capture the elements for which you’re grateful. It becomes a unique and personal work of art, a testament to the positive aspects of your life.

Note: This project is a little more complex and may be better suited to a small group or to individual reflection.

Materials needed: Paper or canvas for each person and markers, colored pencils, or paints. Optionally, a compass or large round object to trace for the mandala’s outer circle.

Preparation: Set up a clean and comfortable workspace with all the materials within reach.

Instructions:

• Create the Mandala Base: If you’re using a large canvas, you can leave it as is or paint it with a background color of your choice. Alternatively, if you’re using paper, consider creating a circular outline for your mandala. You can use a compass or trace around a round object to achieve a symmetrical circle.
• Center Point: Choose a central point in your mandala from which all the elements will radiate. This could be a specific theme or idea that represents the core of your gratitude.
• Select Gratitude Symbols: Identify symbols or images that represent things you are grateful for. These could include symbols from nature, personal achievements, relationships, or experiences. For example, use a sun for warmth, a heart for love, or a tree for growth.
• Color Selection: Assign colors to different categories of gratitude. Choose a color scheme that resonates with you and complements the overall mood of your mandala. Consider warm and vibrant colors for positive energy.
• Start Creating: Begin from the center point and work outward, adding your chosen symbols and shapes. Use your selected colors mindfully, allowing the process to be intuitive. Feel free to repeat certain symbols or patterns to create harmony.
• Add Details and Patterns: Within each section of your mandala, add smaller details or patterns. This could involve intricate lines, dots, or additional symbols that add depth and complexity to your design.
• Reflect as You Create: Take breaks to reflect on the significance of each element you add to the mandala. Consider the emotions and memories associated with each symbol, fostering a deeper connection to the gratitude expressed.
• Complete the Mandala: Continue working on your mandala until you feel a sense of completion. There’s no right or wrong way to create a gratitude mandala; it’s a personal and evolving expression of your thankfulness.
• Display and Reflect: Once your gratitude mandala is complete, find a special place to display it. Whether on a wall or in a frame, having your mandala in a visible location allows you to regularly revisit and reflect on the gratitude it represents.

We hope you enjoy these 5 ideas for DIY gratitude practices this weekend. Fostering a sense of gratitude can contribute to overall well-being and positivity, especially during the Thanksgiving season.

We’d love to see your creations! Post them on Instagram and tag us at @DrRussellJaffe, or share on our Facebook page here.

We are grateful for you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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