10 Thanksgiving-Themed Writing Prompts to Spark Gratitude and Creativity

As we get closer to the month of Thanksgiving, a time of reflection, family gatherings, and giving thanks for the blessings in our lives, it’s also a time to dive deeper into themes of gratitude, connection, and abundance. Whether you’re working on a novel, short story, or journaling for personal growth, these Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts will help you channel the spirit of the holiday, encouraging creativity and an attitude of thankfulness.

1. A Letter of Gratitude to Someone You’ve Never Thanked

Think about someone who played a significant role in your life but you never had the chance (or courage) to thank them. Write them a gratitude letter explaining how they impacted your life and what they mean to you. This prompt can lead to surprising realizations and emotional depth.

2. Thanksgiving Dinner from an Unlikely Perspective

What if you could write about Thanksgiving dinner from the point of view of an unexpected guest—perhaps a family pet, a ghost, or even an inanimate object like the kitchen stove? This Thanksgiving-themed writing prompt will encourage your creativity and help you break free from traditional storytelling methods.

3. The Recipe for Gratitude

Imagine if gratitude was a recipe. What ingredients would go into it? How would you mix them? What would the final dish look like? What would it taste like? Write an essay or short story that describes your recipe for gratitude.

4. A Thanksgiving of the Future

Fast forward to a Thanksgiving in the future. Are you thinking about one 10 years down the road? Is it 20 or 30 years away? What will that Thanksgiving look like? Will your family still gather around a traditional table? What cultural or technological changes will influence the way you express gratitude? Let your imagination run wild as envision and craft a Thanksgiving of the future.

5. The Stranger at the Table

Write a short story about an unexpected guest arriving for Thanksgiving dinner. This person is a stranger who changes the dynamic of the gathering in surprising ways. Who is this person? What impacts do they have on the characters around the table?

6. Giving Thanks for the Unseen

We often take the little things for granted—the warm cup of coffee first thing in the morning, the quiet moments we have before bed, or even the way the morning light fills a room. Write a short story, poem, or journal reflection on the unseen things in life that you’re grateful for.

7. Gratitude for the Journey

Think about a significant journey (physical, emotional, or spiritual) you or a character has undertaken. Reflect on moments of hardship, growth, and triumph, then write about how the journey shaped you (or your character) into who you are today.

8. A Thanksgiving Tradition Gone Wrong

Every family has Thanksgiving traditions, but what happens when something goes hilariously or disastrously wrong? Whether it’s an overcooked turkey, a forgotten guest, or a family feud, write a comedic or dramatic short story or scene about a Thanksgiving tradition that takes a wrong turn.

9. The Thing You Didn’t Want to Be Thankful For

Sometimes the hardest experiences in life end up providing the most valuable in hindsight. Write about a challenge, hardship, or loss you (or a character) didn’t want to face but are now grateful for. How did the experience shape your life?

10. The Thanksgiving You Wish You Could Have

Is there a Thanksgiving gathering you dream of having? Write a piece imagining that perfect Thanksgiving. Who is with you? What’s on the menu? Where are you? And how does the day go?

TL; DR

Are you feeling inspired? Share your responses to these Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @millcitypressbooks. If you’re ready to turn your Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts into a creative idea for a book, check out our free self-publishing guide to help you take the next step on your writing journey.

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