As we prepare for a day focused on reflection and gratitude, our team at Mountain Laurel Chalets is giving thanks for each and every member of the MLC family, including you! Without your loyalty, enthusiasm, and support, we wouldn't exist; thank you for choosing Mountain Laurel Chalets again and again.
As you gather with friends and family over the coming days, we hope you, too, find time to reflect on your many blessings. To make it easy for you, we've compiled a few fun ways for you to do so.
I'M THANKFUL FROM A–Z
Gather your loved ones, both young and old, and take a moment to reflect on the many things that warm your hearts with gratitude. Check out this delightful (and free!) printable that allows everyone join in to create an A–Z list of all the things they're thankful for. Pass it around or work on it together throughout the day—whichever you choose, it's a wonderful way to center your thoughts on the true meaning of this special holiday.
THANKSGIVING WORD SEARCHES
This website offers printable word searches in a variety of levels of difficulty. They're great to have on hand for younger guests to enjoy, and the more challenging options will even appeal to the adults in your crew. They are also a great thing to have on hand for dinner time. Lay them out on your family table, along with some crayons or pencils, and ta-da, you've got entertainment on the ready for the little ones in your group who might need something to keep them engaged at the table.
LEGEND OF THE 5 KERNELS
In their first harsh winter, the Pilgrims had little food. Some days there was only enough for everyone to eat five kernels of corn per person. When spring came, they planted, and the following year's abundant harvest led to a joyous Thanksgiving celebration with their Native American friends. As a symbolic reminder of their blessings, the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving by beginning their feast by placing five kernels of corn on each plate. Each kernel represented a different aspect of gratitude upon which they could reflect while gathered together. Consider including five kernels of corn at each place setting at your table this Thanksgiving.
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
Many of us join hands and bow our heads with our loved ones before we partake in the Thanksgiving meal, taking time to thank God for his provision and love for us. This year, consider reading one of these beautifully-penned liturgies as well. The practice of using liturgies can seem a bit archaic, but there is such beauty to be found in taking time to read aloud a prayer that has been so carefully and lovingly written. Or, take time to read a portion of scripture that focuses on gratitude.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a day filled with love, joy, and overwhelming gratitude. We are so very thankful to call you part of the Mountain Laurel Chalets family, and we wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving!
