When your family gathers together to share a meal you have so much to be grateful for. Why not show your gratitude at being together in some new and unique ways that bring the whole family closer together? Mealtime is a great opportunity to show how much you appreciate one another and how much your enjoy being together. Here are some unique ways to give thanks before a meal:
Pass around some photos
When everyone gathers at the dinner table, take the time to pass around a few photos of the family doing something special together. This is sure to bring back old memories and lighten the mood of the meal. It's also a great way to get a lively conversation started. Hold hands while saying grace
Instead of saying grace in the usual manner, have everyone join hands during the blessing of the meal. This small move can help to bring your family closer together. Recall family memories
Go around the table and have each family member describe their favorite family memory to the group. This is sure to bring lots of smiles and laughs to the meal as pleasant experiences are relived. Play the appreciation game
Put the names of all the members of your family in to a crystal bowl. Before the meal, have each member of your family select a name. That person then describes what they most appreciate about that particular person. Read from a favorite book
Find a book that the whole family enjoys and read some passages before sharing the meal together. This book could be anything from the Bible to a book of favorite poems. Include a small gift at each place setting
Prepare a small gift to be placed at each family member's place setting. This can be something as inexpensive as a piece of fine chocolate exquisitely wrapped in gold foil. Really listen
When someone is talking at the dinner table, take the time to really listen to what they're saying. This seems to be a lost art among modern families. Don't rush the meal
Show you care by not eating your meal quickly and heading off to do other things. Meal time may be one of the few times your family spends together. Make it count.
Doing little rituals at meal times can be a great way to give thanks for the opportunity to spend time together. Why not make it special?
