Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a time to gather around with your friends and family and celebrate the things in life we are most grateful for. It’s the perfect way to usher in the holiday season, centering us on the things that matter most.
We are grateful for family and chosen family, good jobs, health, and a million other things. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the past and remembering all the wonderful surprises the year has brought us.
This year, create a lovely Thanksgiving gratitude jar to hold all the things you and your family are grateful for! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mason Jar
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Cotton Pad
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Acrylic Craft Paint
- Foam Brush
- Popsicle Sticks
- Different Colored Sharpies
Optional materials for further decorating:
- Lace
- Faux feathers
- Glitter
Step 1
First, clean off your mason jar with rubbing alcohol. Wet the cotton pad with a little alcohol and scrub the outside of the jar to remove any residue or oils that would prevent paint from sticking.
Step 2
Then, paint your mason jar using the foam brush and acrylic paint. Use any color you like, maybe even a couple different colors! Paint at least 3 coats - depending on your color choice, you may need more coats to get a desired look. Make sure the jar is completely dry before each coat.
Step 3
Next, distress the mason jar using the sandpaper. Use the sandpaper on the raised parts of the jar to make them more pronounced and to give the jar a vintage look. This step is optional depending on the look you are going for.
And that’s it for the jar! It really is that easy. If you want to dress your jar up a little more, use lace, faux feathers, glitter, or any other decorative addition you wish to personalize it. You could use a stencil and a sharpie to write “give thanks” on the jar as well!
Step 4
Finally, lay out some blank popsicle sticks for your friends and family to write on. Write things you are thankful for - your house, your loved ones, your dog, etc. - and put the popsicle sticks in the jar. When it’s time for the feast, pass the jar around the table and read what everyone is thankful for!
It’s a simple, sweet idea that your guests on Thanksgiving are sure to love. Plus, you’ll have made a cute decoration that you can use for years to come!
Another great way to remember good times and be thankful is to watch old home movies with your loved ones. With Southtree, you can digitize your tapes and film so that your cherished memories can be kept in one easy and accessible place. This Thanksgiving, let Southtree present your memories in a whole new format to your family.
