How to celebrate Thanksgiving the Catholic Christian way?
As the leaves crunch beneath your boots and the scent of cinnamon candles fills the air, it’s time to prepare for one of the most beloved American holidays.
But for Catholic families, Thanksgiving celebration isn’t just about food comas and football.
Nope—it’s also a golden opportunity to live out gratitude, faith, and love with a joyful spirit.
If you’re ready to blend the sacred with the sweet potatoes, here’s how to celebrate Thanksgiving 2024 with some fresh, Catholic-inspired traditions.
Bring your appetite—and your faith! Let’s dive into activities for friendsgiving (or Thanksgiving)!
1. Kick Things Off with Morning Mass – “Fuel Up” Your Soul First
There’s no better way to start Thanksgiving 2024 than by hitting up your local parish for a special morning Mass.
It’s a way to center the day on God, the giver of every good gift.
Picture this: You roll out of bed early (after bribing the kids with promises of pumpkin pie), and head to church.
The air is cool and crisp, the pews are packed with families bundled up in their Sunday best, and there’s a cozy buzz in the room.
The priest’s homily hits home, maybe talking about how gratitude doesn’t need to be grand—sometimes, it’s found in the smallest moments, like a friend’s hug or the sound of children laughing.
You leave feeling lighter, blessed, and ready to face the busy day ahead.
2. A Heartfelt Family Prayer – Setting the Tone for the Feast
This is where Catholic families shine.
Take a moment before everyone grabs their forks, hold hands, and say a prayer that truly reflects the spirit of gratitude.
You can go around the table, with each person naming one thing they’re thankful for.
Pro tip: Be prepared for some wild ones from the kids.
“I’m thankful for mac and cheese!” “I’m grateful my brother didn’t break my LEGO castle this week!” (Small miracles, right?)
And if you want to keep it extra Catholic, consider saying the Prayer of Thanksgiving or reading a Psalm.
Psalm 100—“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise”—is a classic for the day. Just don’t be surprised if someone sneaks in and whispers “Thank you, Lord, for pie!”
3. Bless the Feast – Yes, Even That Mystery Casserole
Blessing the food is a tradition that turns even the simplest meal into a sacred act.
Have the head of the household or a “volunteer prayer warrior” bless the food before the American thanksgiving dinner – turkey – meets its fate.
Got some holy water? Sprinkle a little over the table (lightly, though—no one wants soggy dinner rolls).If Uncle Joe looks puzzled, you can say with a grin, “It’s not seasoning, Joe—it’s spiritual insurance.”
And hey, even the cranberry sauce could use a little blessing. You never know.
4. Sprinkle Your Decor with Meaningful Catholic Symbols
Your Thanksgiving table doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest masterpiece to feel special.
A few simple Catholic symbols can weave faith beautifully into your setup.
Try placing a small crucifix at the center of the table, or add a statue of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals) to honor the turkey’s… ahem, “sacrifice.”
Looking to engage the kids in a fun way? Create a “Thankful Jar.”
Hand out slips of paper before the meal, have everyone jot down what they’re grateful for, and toss them into the jar.
After dinner, gather around the fire (or the football game) and read each note aloud. Watch out for Grandpa—he’s the guy who writes “I’m grateful for pumpkin pie” five times.
5. Acts of Charity – Give Back, Because That’s What It’s All About
Thanksgiving isn’t just about counting your blessings—it’s about sharing them.
And, honestly, sharing is the best way to celebrate thanksgiving day.
This holiday season, try starting a new family tradition rooted in giving.
Donate food to your parish pantry, volunteer at a shelter, or make care packages for people experiencing homelessness.
Better yet, extend an invitation to someone who might be spending the day alone.
Got a quirky neighbor or an elderly friend who could use some company?
Pull up an extra chair at the table—hospitality is holy!
Who knows, Gary-from-down-the-street might show up with one of his famous pies and a crazy story about his garden gnome collection.
6. Wrap the Day Up with a Rosary or Evening Prayer
After the dishes are done (or at least hidden in the dishwasher), wind down with some quiet family time.
Praying the Rosary together or saying a simple night prayer helps bring the day full circle, grounding it in gratitude and peace.
If the thought of a full Rosary seems daunting (especially with little ones who are running on sugar and vibes), try just one decade focused on the Joyful Mysteries.
It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the blessings of family, faith, and community.
Even if half the family falls asleep on the couch halfway through, it’s still a win.
Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
The Sweet Spot: Balancing Faith, Food, and Family Fun
Celebrating thanksgiving with family is when you realize that life’s best moments are often found in the simplest things:
…the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven, the sound of loved ones gathered around the table, and the joy of sharing stories, prayers, and laughter.
As Catholics, we know that every good thing is a gift from God, and Thanksgiving gives us the perfect chance to pause and appreciate it all.
So, to celebrate thanksgiving day 2024, go big. Attend Mass. Say a prayer that makes people smile.
Bless the food—yes, even the green bean casserole.
Welcome someone new to the table, and, most importantly, enjoy every precious moment with the people you love.
And when Uncle Joe starts ranting about how his team got robbed in the football game, take a deep breath and remind yourself: This too shall pass.
Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and lots (and lots) of pie.
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving 2024!
