Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not just because of the food (although I’ll be first in line for stuffing and second helpings), but because it reminds us to pause. To give thanks. To look at our life and say, “God, I see Your hand in all of it. Thank You.”
In our house, Thanksgiving is loud, busy, and beautiful. Ten kids, family all around, food in the oven, pies cooling on the counter, and voices bouncing off every wall. And right in the middle of it, we try to anchor the day in what matters most — gratitude to God.
The best way to give thanks to God is not with a perfect turkey or the cleanest house. It is with the Mass. The word “Eucharist” actually means thanksgiving. Every time we attend Mass, we are offering the ultimate thanks to God — through the sacrifice of His Son.
As Psalm 116:13 says,
“I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”
That’s not just poetic. That’s liturgical. That’s the Eucharist.
So while we are passing mashed potatoes and breaking out board games, we also try to remember what thanksgiving really is. Not a once-a-year holiday. A daily attitude. A posture of the heart.
And listen, I get it. Life is messy. The kids spill stuff. The dog eats the pie. You forget the rolls in the oven. But even in the chaos, there is always something to be thankful for. Breath in your lungs. Faith in your home. Grace that keeps showing up again and again.
This year, try starting the day with Mass. Offer your table as a place of prayer. Thank God before the meal. Thank Him after. And then thank the people around you too — the ones who cook, clean, serve, and love you through every season.
And if you need a little help focusing your heart, here’s a simple Thanksgiving prayer:
“Lord, thank You for every gift. Thank You for the crosses too. You are good in it all. Help me live this day in joyful gratitude. Amen.”
Happy Thanksgiving. May your heart be full, your table be loud, and your soul lift the cup of salvation.
Gratitude in Action: A Few Ideas
- Attend daily Mass at least once during Thanksgiving week
- Say grace before every meal, even when eating alone
- Text or call someone you’re thankful for
- Start a gratitude journal with your kids
- Offer a Rosary in thanksgiving for answered prayers
- Volunteer or donate in honor of your blessings
