Close up photo of Thanksgiving place setting with brown tag around silverware that says "Happy Thanksgiving" and pumpkin and candle in background. — Journal prompts for Thanksgiving reflection

Photo fedorovacz/stock.adobe.com

Thanksgiving journal ideas

Happy Thanksgiving! Journal through the holiday with me with these Thanksgiving journal prompts. These journal prompts are designed to help you reflect on Thanksgiving memories and traditions and what you’re thankful for, and to help you have a little Thanksgiving fun. Check out the Thanksgiving gratitude prompts for a fun way to practice giving thanks in your journal or around the Thanksgiving table with others.

Thanksgiving journal prompts

Closeup photo of Thanksgiving place setting with pumpkin, gourds, and white candles. — *Photo LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com*

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory from childhood? Write about this memory.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory from adulthood? Write about this memory.
What’s your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? Why is this a favorite? What emotions does this favorite thing evoke? What was your favorite thing about Thanksgiving as a child? Why was this a favorite as a child? What emotions did this favorite thing evoke as a child? Are there any similarities between your adult and childhood Thanksgiving favorites?
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? How have your traditions changed over time? Are there any Thanksgiving traditions from the past you’d like to bring back? Are there any new Thanksgiving traditions you’d like to try?
Start with the word “stuffing” and write down the first word that comes to mind next. Now write down the first word that comes to mind after that word. Try to feel rather than think the next word. Continue until you’re at the bottom of the page. Look back at the page; which word association was the most surprising to you? Why do you think you made that connection?
What sound do you most associate with Thanksgiving? What emotions do you associate with this sound?
Write out your ideal Thanksgiving food menu. What memories and emotions do associate with these foods?

What’s your favorite thing to do after the Thanksgiving meal? Write about why you enjoy doing this.

What are you most thankful for this year?
Read a poem about Thanksgiving. What emotions do you connect to this poem? What memories do you connect to this poem? Why do you think you made those connections?
Write a short story about Thanksgiving in your journal. Why do you think this is the story that came into your mind? Try interpreting the story like you would interpret a dream. What can the story you wrote tell you about yourself? Need some dream interpretation tips to help? Check out this dream journal example.

Thanksgiving gratitude prompts

If you want to focus your Thanksgiving journaling on gratitude, here are a few Thanksgiving gratitude prompts. Write your responses out in your journal, or share your Thanksgiving gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. If you plan to share these Thanksgiving gratitude prompts around the Thanksgiving table, check out the free printable with these Thanksgiving gratitude prompts.