God calls us to be a thankful people (1 Thess. 5:18), and such thanks was powerfully modeled to us by the Pilgrims in Plymouth in 1621. Following a harsh start where half their number died due to sickness and starvation, they gathered the next Fall to celebrate God’s goodness. Joined by local Indians such as Chief Massasoit and Squanto, they feasted, played games, and gave thanks to their Maker for blessing them with an abundant harvest.

In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Al Burke, give practical tips on how to celebrate Thanksgiving Day as a family. Along with fitting songs to sing, they suggest fun games to play rooted in Pilgrim history, special Psalms to rehearse, and Thanksgiving Proclamations and other period accounts to read aloud—all designed for families to enjoy a rich and memorable day of thanks together.

Check Out These Resources as you Plan Your Thanksgiving Day Celebration:

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
Resource on the Pilgrims history and early Thanksgiving celebrations
Read Online / Purchase Online

Magnalia Christi Americana by Cotton Mather
Explores the blessings of God on early America

First Thanksgiving Account by Edward Winslow
An eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving

Continental Congress “Thanksgiving Proclamation” (November 1, 1777)
A one-page proclamation for Thanksgiving

George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation” (October 3, 1789)
A historical thanksgiving proclamation

Abraham Lincoln’s “Thanksgiving Address” (October 3, 1863)
A thanksgiving and repentance address during the Civil War

The Ainsworth Psalter
Used by Pilgrims for singing Psalms, historically tied to early Thanksgiving.
Download PDF / Purchase Online