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    Home » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    If You Want To Be Happy- A Thanksgiving Story

    Last updated: May 11, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Want to know the secret to being happy? This Thanksgiving story will tell you what it is! Cheerful and colorful illustrations make this a great thankful story for children!  

     

    IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY- A THANKSGIVING STORY 

    I learned the secret of being happy very early on in my life.

    Each November, my mom would pull out her version of "If You Want To Be Happy...A Thanksgiving Story." (I know I mention my mom quite a bit on this blog, but hey, she is the reason I started this blog in the first place.  She made holidays so special and meaningful for us growing up.)

    There was nothing fancy about this story. She found the story from an article and then found pictures from magazines that she carefully cut and glued on to construction paper.

    After years of reading this story to her 7 children, the "book"  became tattered and torn. But we all loved this Thanksgiving tradition so much that we would read it each year.

    SWEET THANKSGIVING TRADITION 

    When my own family started to grow, I knew I wanted to make my own copy of this Thanksgiving story.

    My talented friend and graphic designer Michelle illustrated this darling story. I hope you love it as much as we do!

    It is a sweet story and shares a little secret of how we can be happy this holiday season.

    Easter Ideas

    Here's a preview: 

    thanksgiving-story-happiness (1) this awesome idea!

    grateful-story (1)

    thankful-story (1)thanksgiving-thankful-story (1)

    Keep reading the story to find out what happens...............

    For best results:

    • Print the story at your favorite print shop. There is a lot of color involved, so I'd hate for you to drain your ink at home!
    • Place each page in a sheet protector or laminate each page for it to hold up each year.
    • Read the story a week or two before Thanksgiving.
    • Challenge: invite your family members to think of something they can give away before Thanksgiving. Then discuss how it made them feel.

    FREE PRINTABLE

    Get this free download in our Free Printable Library here. (You'll need a password. If you don't have access, click here to get instant access.)

    *The original poem titled, "A Good Thanksgiving" was written by Marian Douglas. This is an adaptation with original graphics and text changed. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Marilyn Albertson says

      November 06, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Loved the story. Thanks for sharing your special memories of your mother. I loved her so dearly as a "sister" and miss her. Your story will go in my stash of wonderful memories of this day. I love your contest. I am going to work hard this month to cherish the moments more. Love you,
      Thank you for teaching that wonderful class with me. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
    2. Hadlee Grace says

      November 23, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      I am always on a search to find intentional family traditions to make a more bonded family!! I love that you constantly teach simplicity with your ideas and how a mom can make such a positive and loving impact on her children!!

      You’re such a doll and I adore your website!!

      Reply
      • melissa says

        November 23, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        thank you for your compliment! my goal is to share meaningful ideas and I'm glad you enjoy them!

        Reply
      • melissa says

        December 03, 2020 at 4:12 pm

        Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I'm so happy you find the ideas helpful and simple since that is my goal!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Melissa! I share simple holiday and family fun ideas so you can create more memories together.

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