Prepare For Thanksgiving With This Simple Gratitude Garland

This post may include affiliate links in which we earn a commission, as we are supported by our users. All opinions expressed are always our own and any commissions earned are of no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Somehow the month of November always gets away from me. From the anticipation of Halloween to stores suddenly launching into Christmas, I find that, most years, Thanksgiving is here before I know it. I haven’t quite yet broken out my Christmas décor (although I am not sure I will be able to hold out THAT much longer!), but recently it hit me that Thanksgiving is almost here and I certainly don’t want to miss celebrating this special time! That being said, I am not always the best at treating November as a full month of gratitude, but this year I wanted to be a bit more intentional. As this Thanksgiving will mark a full year since Charlie finished chemo and was declared cancer free again, Thanksgiving is all the more special to us as we truly have SO much to be thankful for. So, now that we are exactly two weeks away, if you are looking for a way to prepare your heart and home for Thanksgiving, join me in creating this simple gratitude garland to reflect on this year and celebrate the season! 

The Power Of Gratitude 

Like Julie Andrews sings in the famous song “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music, I believe that gratitude has immense power. Like the song implies, it has the power to change our mood, perspective and outlook on life. Reflecting on things that we enjoy as well as blessings we see both big and small can really help to put problems into perspective and give us an appreciation for all that we are blessed with. Even beyond this, gratitude is strongly linked to recounting God’s faithfulness in which we are able to lean into and enjoy His character, gifts and goodness in tangible ways that ultimately bring us to a spirit of worship. This in turn, gives us new eyes to not only really see both the minute and grand joys in life that we are given, but also the gracious giver of those gifts. 

Creating A Gratitude Garland 

So, how do we embrace this spirit of gratitude? Well for this season, let’s create a gratitude garland! To do so is quite easy, you’ll need:

• 14 cards – I believe my cards came from TJ Maxx, however here are a few similar options (option 1, option 2, option 3), or you could even use index cards, sticky notes or other notes you have on hand
• A pen
• 3 mini Command hooks
• String, twine or ribbon
• Clothespins or paper clips

To start creating your garland, gather your supplies and pick out the area in which you would like to display your garland. It could be on a wall, on your mantle, under a window, or anywhere else you have good space, but be sure it is easily accessible as you will revisit it each day. 

Next, write your first card. I used Scripture Cards that had a gratitude prompt and space to write on the back for making daily lists, thoughts or prayers. Whatever you are using though, write your first card and set that on top of your stack. 

To make into a garland, first hang your three small Command hooks on the wall with space between each hook (I left about 3 feet between each). Then, cut a piece of string, twine or ribbon about 1.25 -1.5  times the length of your total distance to create your garland. For example, my total garland distance is 6 feet (2 – 3 feet swags) and I cut my string about 95 inches to allow for enough string to both drape and be tied into small loops at each end to attach to the hooks. The amount your swag drapes is totally personal preference, but I find that 1.25 – 1.5 times your total distance is about the right amount. 

Finally, create a small loop at each end of the string and attach to the outside Command hooks. Slip the center of the twine through the center Command hook and pull the string gently until each swag is even. Attach your gratitude cards with your clothespins or paper clips to the string, starting with your first completed card on the very left. Space the cards appropriately and your garland is finished! 

Each day, from now until Thanksgiving, simply work left to right, taking down one card at a time to write a prayer or list of things you are thankful for. Return the card to your gratitude garland to count down the days and enjoy each one! 

Final Thoughts

While not an elaborate DIY, this simple gratitude garland can bring such intention to these busy days. I cannot wait to decorate for Christmas and that is very soon around the corner, but for now, I am enjoying soaking in these last days of fall and looking for ways to be mindful of each one. So, tell me… do you have ways to dwell on gratitude this season or are you already leaning into Christmas? And who says you can’t live in both worlds?! Thanksgiving gratitude and Christmas décor, sounds like a dream. Who knows, that just might be me in the coming weeks! 

Happy diying!

Chloe

– Pin for later –