The Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a wonderful time for family and friends to gather around the table and enjoy a feast fit for a king. At most of the Thanksgiving gatherings I’ve been blessed to be a part of, there always seems to be a lot of laughter and tears as we share our stories. One tradition we’ve shared over the years is to go around the table and share a blessing we’ve received this year.
Ten years ago we started a new tradition thanks to my friend and former writer here at Laced With Grace, Lynn Donovan. The year before she shared a tradition they started in their home a few years earlier –a Tablecloth of Thanks. I used to make sure the table place setting was just right and the table would be beautifully adorned with candles, pumpkins, and gords. I still like to have a pretty centerpiece, but now I want the table to be as clear as possible so they can enjoy the tradition of the Thanksgiving Tablecloth. I make sure there are plenty of permanent markers available and a throwaway plastic tablecloth under the Thanksgiving Tablecloth (permanent markers tend to bleed).
This tablecloth is extra long. In the early years, two tables were pushed together so everyone could sit around the table together. Either before or after the meal each guest is invited to share their blessing on the tablecloth, sign it and put the year next to it. There are a few gaps in the years. Either we went someplace different for dinner, or like last year, I forgot to take the tablecloth with me to my daughter’s house. But it’s out now. I’ll give it a quick pass with the iron and it will be ready for the 16 of us to share new blessings and enjoy reading some of the old ones.
The first year our then youngest granddaughter was only 16 months old. All she could do was scribble. A few years later she drew a picture of everything she was thankful for because that’s the way she expresses herself. And then there are the fun notes between family members. Most years, someone is missing around the table, so a note gets left for them. The next year they get to see the note that tells them they are loved and missed. It’s really turned into a fun way to count and recount our blessings. I’ve washed it a couple of times but I don’t think I’ll be doing that anymore. The marker fades with each washing. It’s more important to me that the memories be preserved along with a few gravy stains here and there.
Five years ago my Mom got to join us around the table for Thanksgiving. When I got the tablecloth out this week I found what she 
wrote and drew a box with hearts around it so we can all see it. She went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2018, and we all miss her terribly. But we will be blessed to have her namesake at the table this year, my 3-year-old granddaughter, Eleanor. I will be sure my son helps her write (or draw) her blessing next to her great grandmother’s blessing from 2014. Mom would love that and be the first to help her.
Four generations of our family have sat around the table along with some dear friends. I hope the legacy will continue over the years. Maybe another generation will start the tradition with their family and friends and recount the special times they’ve shared around and on the Thanksgiving Tablecloth.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34
If you were to join me around the table this year, what would you write on The Thanksgiving Tablecloth? Share it in the comments below by 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 27th and I’ll enter you into a drawing for a gratitude journal and a few little crafty surprises will be thrown in to make your journaling fun. I will announce the winner in my post on Thanksgiving Day.
I am so thankful for our good health. My husband and I have had some scares in the last two years,but now we have recovered. God has blessed our children as well.
Health scares – I can so identify. We’re still trying to get hubby well, but we can be thankful he made it through the worst of it and is improving.
Welcome to the table. You are entered into the drawing. <3
Blessed Thanksgiving this season.
I am so thankful for The Lord being in my life and for allowing me and my family to serve Him; The King of all Kings.
Love your table thoughts.
Hi Karen! I’m blessed that you and Jack are two of the friends that sat around our table the year Mom was here. You signed this tablecloth then and you always welcome around our table. (You are entered into the drawing.)
I am grateful that our board has granted us a 3 month sabbatical for rest & renewal, starting Dec 1st, after the past few years of loving & supporting church family & other community members through much grief & trauma, helping our parents downsize and face their new seasons of life, and battling health changes of our own. Looking forward to all that He has in store for all of us & so grateful for His care no matter what!
Welcome to the table. What a wonderful blessing — the gift of rest. May you be renewed and refreshed during your 3 months. You’ve been through so much. Happy Thanksgiving! (You are entered into the drawing.)
I am thankful for blessings in life..especially children and grandchildren. And that we hav another year to celebrate together especially after health scare with Jim this year.
Welcome to the table, Barbara. You and Jim have been through it these last few months. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. (You are entered into the drawing.)
I have a thankful heart for many things this year…health, friends and family, two grown children who have blessed me with ten grandchildren. And, I am especially thankful for you, Facebook friend. I look forward to and so enjoy your meditations, devotions, and pictures. I loved the story on your Thanksgiving Tablecloth.
Oh sweet friend, you humbly encourage me so! Thank you for your kind words. And yes, health, friends and family are definitely blessings that I also share. Welcome to the table and thanks for leaving your thanks here for us to share in your blessings. (You are entered into the drawing.)
I love the Thanksgiving Tablecloth idea, Marsha. I have lost several family members this year. I am thankful for those that remain and the time I had with those who are no longer with me.
Sweet Bernadine, I understand the grief you bear this holiday season. I’ve also lost family this year as you might know. And then there are the health issues. What an encouragement to see you being thankful for the time you had with the loved ones who have passed. Welcome to the table. Your gratitude is written upon my heart. (You are entered into the drawing.) Have a blessed Thanksgiving.