Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicle 16:34

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving Season, some key items to keep in mind are the importance of having a spirit of Gratitude and a real understanding of Christian Hospitality. Recently, at our All-School Children’s Mass, the priest told the children– Gratitude is a gift and ingratitude is a disease that spreads from one person to the next. So we need to counter the lack of Gratitude, bitterness, and even resentment with giving thanks to the Lord. This thanks is more than just thanking God for the food we eat- but giving God thanks for everything! Thanksgiving is more than just the food we serve or prepare, but rather it is an important day of “Giving Thanks and Showing Thanks”!

We read in 1 Chronicles 16:34, “Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” How easy it is for us to forget this important lesson. As a mother of seven children and busy running from here to there for my family, I can forget about why I serve, why I open my home, and the purpose of the day is not to appear perfect and pulled together, but rather to serve others out of love for God.

My mom and I always try to map out Thanksgiving and who will prepare what. What matters most is not that the food is perfect and that we have every yummy dish, but rather the attitude with which we prepare and serve the food. 

1. Don’t forget to say “Thank you” to Jesus! May we thank Jesus for all we are blessed with each and every day. A great way to do this is to start Thanksgiving Day off by going to Mass. No matter how much cooking I need to do, this is a great way to put everything into perspective. The Holy Eucharist means “Thanksgiving” in Greek, so may we seek to be grateful and allow Jesus to touch our hearts.
2. Let us remember our Past Family Members- November is the Month of the Poor Souls- a great time to pray for loved ones who have passed on. Recall these loved ones by putting up images of them around your Sacred Heart image (visit www.WelcomeHIsHeart.com) or just recall them in family prayer and know that even if they have passed on, we are people who remember and pray for them. Include simple prayers like, “May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, Rest in Peace”, and recite their names.
3. Don’t get the little things to get you down! Our attitude needs to reflect that day! If you are the chief in the kitchen or the child cleaning the house for company, your attitude influences your hospitality. 
4. Getting past “Pinterest Perfect”: Hospitality has been ruined over the years to think that our house needs to be “perfect” to host big events! The truth is, a willing spirit is where we need to begin.. And maybe get some “mentors to help teach you.” Hospitality has nothing to do with being or appearing perfect! Hospitality means openness to what guests and strangers bring to us and being attentive to their needs out of the desire to serve them with love and warmth. Your home takes on a whole new feeling when you desire it to feel warm and welcoming. You can’t do it all. Choose what matters most to you to focus on! This is true with all big holidays; choose a few items that mean the most, such as table decorations and meals. But you can care less about the dessert tray (such as buying a few pies) or if the house is “amazingly” clean! 
5. Put the phones down and create fun- Can I say it once or twice, make it a phone-free fun day! How many times do people pull out their phones and start to scroll instead of enjoying time with the people right in front of them? Create the fun– What are you going to do when people come? Could you set up a little schedule, so it helps your guests and family to know what to expect, such as instructions, as we are going to eat dinner at 3:00, feel free to come early for football in the yard, and a bonfire after dinner?  Crafts like making cards for the Home Bound that can be donated at the Parish, create a thanksgiving card for your pastor or teachers, and set up card tables for cards and games. This is a great day to engage and have fun. 
6. Many hands make light work- Don’t forget to ask others to help you with the meal! From cleaning up and doing the dishes to preparing dishes to share with the group. It might not be your favorite sweet potato casserole, but it is always wonderful to include others.
7. Don’t know what to talk about? Consider having some guided Dinner Conversation Starters– Set your family up for success, and have fun topics to discuss, such as My favorite Thanksgiving memory includes:__________________ or print off Scripture and sprinkle it on the table. Or even ask everyone to go around the room and share what they are most grateful for this year. 
   1. The best side dish I ever had. 
   2. I recall a Thanksgiving where…
   3. I remember when my mom used to prepare… get the elderly to share their memories at family gatherings.
   4. What is something you appreciate about the early pilgrims?
   5. What daily convenience do you take for granted?
   6. How can I be generous with others during this Thanksgiving Season?
8. Lastly, like the old Nike Commercial used to say, “Just Do It”– You will. Never get good at providing hospitality until you try, and try again. Don’t give up on opening your doors and welcoming others! 

(Based on my Catholic Pro-Tips for Parents that runs on Spirit Catholic Radio and Relevant Radio for the month of November, 2025.)