A Thanksgiving Acrostic For The Family Gathering

Whether it is the annual Thanksgiving dinner, a birthday or holiday celebration, it is always an auspicious occasion when the extended family comes together. There are always trips down memory lane, rounds of laughter and – of course, a bountiful spread which necessitates a prayer of thanks. For that special moment, a traditional thanksgiving acrostic would certainly add good taste.

What if beforehand, certain family members are assigned one letter of T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G and requested to contribute one to four simple lines (inform them of any specification) as family members sit or stand around the table offering thanks? It would add expectation and excitement, and also present the opportunity for those with the potential, to exercise their gift of oratory.

Feel free to start the tradition this year by making use of the acrostic below. If there are less than twelve around the table, more than one letter can be assigned to one person. Edit the lines, if necessary, to fit your family situation and enjoy adding poetry to your thanksgiving.

T—for Thanksgiving—and for Together

Tells a glad tale at this time of year;

Family gathering around the table,

Naming our blessings for all to hear.

H—for Homecoming from near and from far

To share food, faith, hope, courage and love;

We start by joining our hands and hearts,

In praises to our dear Lord above.

A—for Ancestors both living and past—

They deserve mention, respect and applause;

Watching their spirit of gratitude,

Is why we join the Thanksgiving cause.

N—for Newcomers by birth or marriage,

Add to our family as years roll on;

Our number increases, and that’s good proof

Of the favor our family has won.

K—for the Kindness we hold in our hearts,

Outwardly showing in ways that we care:

In patience, forgiveness, companionship,

Appreciation when occasions appear.

S—for Sharing—and Strength—and Support;

Family virtues we have in each other,

Enabling us to lighten the burdens

And stresses of each sister and brother.

G—for the Gifts we do not take for granted:

Our lives, our health, the love we all share,

The reasons we smile, the goals we achieve

Our various talents, some of them rare.

I—for Ideas we have learned in passing

Through our struggles and everyday fights;

Then comes today when we all give thanks

For insights which shed light on our nights.

V—for the Values we teach to our young,

Thankfulness among the top of the list;

If we pass on what we learn from our elders,

The worst of the vices our youth will resist.

I—for Intimacy, family closeness

Expressing affection, connecting minds,

Building relationships on the right premise:

Love centered in godliness never unwinds.

N—for the Names by which we are known;

Some change when our females get married.

Still we take pride in holding each one

To the standards our family established.

G—is for God, His Grace and His Goodness,

And Gratitude we owe Him all of our days;

For all He has done, and will do for our family

We give absolute thanks now and always.

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