Updated 2018
With Thanksgiving suddenly upon us, we’re reviving a tradition from last year and adding a new one. Last year we made a simple thrift-store jar for 99 cents and turned it into a “Thanks Jar” with etching cream and a homemade tape stencil.
We used a small jar, etching cream from the craft store and a DIY stencil to etch the word “Thanks” on the glass.
Once finished, the etched jar became a place to collect short notes of gratitude throughout November.
Each day in November we wrote a small card with something we were thankful for and dropped it in without peeking. At the end of the month we opened the jar and read all the notes together—an experience almost as joyful as Christmas morning.
We saved that first year’s stack of notes, tied with a ribbon and labeled with the year, and plan to add a new stack each year to look back on over time. We’re doing the Thanks Jar again this year and also adding a second tradition to include friends and family who can’t be with us.
To let distant relatives know we’re thinking of them, John designed a simple printable “thankful” card that reads, “I’m thankful for you and here’s why.”
He laid out two cards per page along with a small instruction card. The idea is to print on cardstock so there’s minimal waste, fill out one card for the recipient, slip a blank card into the envelope for them to pass along, and include the instruction card to encourage a ripple of gratitude.
Because everything is arranged on a single page, printing at home is quick and efficient. We plan to tuck one filled card and one blank card into an envelope along with the instructions so the recipient can forward the blank card to someone they’re thankful for. We hope it spreads small acts of appreciation through our family and friends.
We’re also grateful for you—readers feel like extended family, and we love that you follow along with our little house diary. As a small token, we included a downloadable version of the printable so you can use it at home: print the page on cardstock, cut out the three pieces, fill in one card and tuck the second blank card and instruction card into an envelope to send.
Then reward yourself with a little early turkey and stuffing—or leftover Halloween candy if that’s still around. Time flies in November, so take a moment to share thanks.
Want More Thanksgiving Crafts And Traditions?
We love celebrating Thanksgiving at home. If you’re looking for more ideas, here are a few projects we enjoy:
- A DIY Thanksgiving glass-etched Thanks Jar
- Creating a Thanksgiving gratitude chalkboard display
- Our daughter’s first year writing Thanks Jar messages
Update: You can also explore favorite holiday decor finds for budget-friendly ideas.