20 Gratitude Questions for Thanksgiving

Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course.  Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. --Albert Schweitzer

It can be challenging to create rich and meaningful family conversations about gratitude.  I know I’ve felt disappointed when my “What do you feel thankful for?” questions are met with quick, predictable responses that bring the conversation to a close soon after it’s begun. 

This Thanksgiving season, I’m taking a different approach by coming up with 20 gratitude questions to help enliven our sharing.

May these questions help to spark the spirit of Thanksgiving! 

1)     What teacher are you most thankful for and why?  What did you learn from him or her? 2)      What season are you most thankful for, and what is your favorite part of each season? 3)      What electronic device are you most grateful for, and what does it add to your life? 4)      What musician or type of music are you most thankful for? 5)      What are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life? 6)      What form of exercise or physical activity are you most thankful for? 7)     What foods are you most thankful for? 8)     What local store or restaurant are you most grateful for?  How does it contribute to          your quality of life? 9)     What book are you most grateful for, and why? 10    What act of kindness has made the greatest difference in your life? 11)    What challenging experience has ended up changing your life for the better? 12)    What form of art are you most thankful for: music, acting, writing, painting, drawing .            something else? 13)    What place do you feel most grateful for and why? 14)    Name three days in your life that you feel especially grateful for. 15)    What color do you feel most thankful for—is there a color that you can’t imagine living  without? 16)    Is there a personal limitation or flaw that you’ve come to appreciate? 17)     What vacation are you most grateful for? 18)     What philanthropic cause or organization do you feel thankful for? 19)     What product do you use on a daily basis that you most appreciate? 20)     What, from this year, do you feel most grateful for?

Feel free to borrow these questions or come up with your own. 

Download the what are you thankful questions as question cards   and invite family members or friends to each choose one for everyone to answer.

This article has been published with permission. Karen Horneffer Ginter is co-founder of the Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness and the author of 'Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit: Nourishing the Soul When Life’s Just Too Much'.