Sometime this week I want you to throw your family a surprise party. There is very little preparation you need to do. You can definitely go all out and make it a huge grand affair but with this surprise party, simple is better.

First, print off the following banner {click on the image}. Punch two holes at the top of each triangle and string onto a ribbon. Hang it up the day of your party. Try to hang it in a place where you can then hang the gratitude lists below it.

The banner will read “See what God hath done” like ours below.

Second, download and print off the Gratitude list {click on the image}, one for each member of your family. Make sure you have enough pens or pencils for each person to fill out their list.

Third gather all the ingredients to make your family’s favorite dessert. Make sure to have enough to make TWO desserts.

Now that your preparations are complete here’s how the party will work.

Gather your family into the same room where the banner is hung. Ask them what they think it means. Give everyone a chance to answer. Then sing the first verse to Count Your Blessings:

Now ask if they understand what the banner means. When we count our blessings we are throwing ourselves a surprise party! As we learn all the things the Lord has blessed us with and what he has done for us we are surprised by the magnitude of His love.

Watch the following videos about gratitude.

Pass out the gratitude lists and have everyone fill theirs out. Share with one another what you wrote. Hang the lists up below the banner. You can either hang the entire paper or cut out each smaller list and hang them from the banner. Gather to the kitchen and make your desserts together. Before eating yours, share the other dessert with another family or neighbor. Part of giving thanks is giving. Serving others also helps us to see the many blessings we have been given.

Keep your banner and lists up until Thanksgiving is over as a reminder of all the blessings your family enjoys.