4 FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO GROW GRATITUDE
Enjoy quality time together this Thanksgiving with these fun ways to practice gratitude.
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or spending fall break with just your children or grandchildren, it’s important to make the most of the holiday season.
Here are four activities perfect for families.
1. Make a Gratitude Journal
Counting our blessings reminds us of God’s goodness. It also helps us realize how blessed our families are. Studies show that when we grow in gratitude, we grow in happiness.
To get your family on board with counting their blessings this Thanksgiving, try starting a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal helps you focus on the good things in your life, which can make you feel happier and less stressed. Writing down what you’re thankful for can also help you appreciate the people around you more.
2. Consider Making a Life-Changing Gift Together
A family can grow in gratitude by deciding to make a meaningful gift together. By giving to the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL), you can make a significant difference for Christians who struggle to access food, jobs, education and basic resources in the Holy Land. Christians are at risk of leaving their homeland, where Jesus was born and walked. Without support, Christianity may disappear from this sacred region.
Next month is GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that encourages people to support charities and causes they care about. It takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is a chance to focus on generosity, especially during the holiday season. GivingTuesday helps raise awareness for important issues, brings communities together, and allows people to make a positive impact through donations, volunteering or acts of kindness. It’s a powerful reminder that even small contributions can make a big difference.
An early GivingTuesday gift can help families can help future generations of Christians remain in their homeland.
3. Cook an Israeli Recipe Together
A fun way to broaden your family’s perspective is by learning about other cultures. Food is a practical way to get a taste of life in another country.
While you pray before eating the meal, everyone in the family can take turns asking God to provide for Holy Land families in need of basic life necessities such as food, water, medication and safe housing.
Here is a widely recognized Israeli dish to try:
Israeli Falafel Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
½ onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare Chickpeas: After soaking the dried chickpeas overnight, drain and rinse them well.
2. Make the Falafel Mix: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Pulse until you have a coarse paste. The mixture should hold together when shaped but should not be too smooth.
3. Add Flour and Baking Powder: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, stir in the flour and baking powder, and mix until everything is combined. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
4. Shape Falafel: Once chilled, take a spoonful of the mixture and shape it into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
5. Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking (around 350°F).
6. Fry Falafel: Gently place the falafel balls in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches if needed and avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serving Suggestions: Serve falafel in pita bread with chopped veggies (tomato, cucumber, onion) and tahini sauce, or alongside a fresh salad with hummus.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Israeli falafel!
4. Pray for Struggling Holy Land Christians
FFHL believes prayer is very important for our mission to keep Christianity alive in the Holy Land. Prayer brings families together and helps us appreciate our blessings. This Thanksgiving, your family can pray for Christian families who don’t have enough to make ends meet. While you celebrate, remember those who are struggling.
No matter what activities you do this Thanksgiving, we hope they remind you of God’s goodness and help you feel more thankful. Thank you for supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ, giving them reasons to be thankful too.
