Thanksgiving is here!
We all begin to reminisce about family, friends and feasts from years past. We begin to think about all the blessings and challenges we’ve overcome throughout the year. We begin to think of all that we are thankful for in our lives. Now, let’s take that one step further. Let’s go from the internal thoughts of gratitude to the external, and show our loved ones just how thankful we are for each of them.
As a photographer I am always thinking of ways to use photos to help tell a story. So, here are 3 easy ways that you can incorporate photos to show gratitude to your loved ones.
1) A simple thank-you card
I am still of the mindset that a handmade card with a handwritten note goes a long way. Focus on what has made your relationship special or a specific act for which you are grateful to that person. Include a photo of you and your friend or loved one. The photo can be the main image or even just include it in the card.
These thank-you notes can also be used as name place cards for assigned seating at your Thanksgiving meal. Instead of just writing the person’s name on a card, personalize it with a thank-you note to create a keepsake they can treasure.
There are also many options online for creating a digital card or using online designs to create a card you can print. One site that I have come across for creating cards online is www.canva.com.
2) Gratitude in a Jar
Take a favorite photo of each of your guests and place it (facing outward) inside a clear mason jar as a way to identify to whom the jar belongs. On small strips of paper (perhaps in fall colors if you want to be seasonal) write different characteristics or actions taken by that person for which you are thankful. Eg. I am grateful for your giggles., or I am grateful to you because you lent me your car for the day when mine broke down.
Your short statements should be just the starters. Invite each of your guests to write short gratitude statements and place them in each other’s jars. Your guests can then take their jars home, and anytime they need a boost they can pull out a reminder of why others appreciate them.
3) A coffee table book of memories
Looking back through photos with your loved ones is an easy way to reminisce about good times, but also to say, “I am so grateful you were there to be my maid of honor” or whatever the photograph may show. With that in mind you can put as much or as little time and energy into this idea.
You could create an extensive scrapbook of memories you have shared with your loved one with notes of gratitude alongside the photos. However, a quicker an less expensive option is to simply take 4×6 prints of your loved one and write a thank-you on the back of each one. Then create a hole in the corner with a hole-puncher and bind the photos together with a ribbon. You can also cover with cardstock and attach it in the same manner.
There are also many online digital ways to create a photo book. One that I recommend from personal use is www.blurb.com
The book(s) can be set out on your coffee table providing for a conversation piece during your Thanksgiving gathering. You can also create a space in each book for others to leave their own reasons why they are grateful. The signed book can then be a great keepsake party favor.
BONUS IDEA:
Show your gratitude with the gift of photography. Book a photography session for your loved ones in gratitude for all they have done for you. Refer friends and loved ones to EternityBound Media to capture all the memories for which they are grateful.