Thanksgiving 2008 – The Curious Case of the Thankful Walnuts

Across the pond in the newly elected US of A they are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a huge celebration over there and although we don’t recognise it over here as a national holiday I don’t see that there is anything wrong with giving thanks.
So, in honour of all the wonderful Americans who live in our delicious country and are away from home and for my fellow countrymen, here’s a little crafty idea to encourage us all to think about the act of giving thanks.

Thankful Walnuts are made in four stages and begin thus…..

• Split open a walnut carefully, keeping both halves intact and whole

• Empty the nut from the shell and re-fill with angelina (available from most craft stores online) and the question that you wish the recipient to answer, displayed on a tiny rolled up piece of decorated paper. Remember – the question has to enable the recipient to give thanks. So write questions such as ‘What person are you most thankful for?’ or ‘In what situation do you find yourself most thankful?’ ……you get the idea.

• Glue the two halves of the shell back together with the question inside and a ‘hanging loop’ from ribbon sticking out the top.

• Place on top of a bud vase as I have done or hang on the back of each guest’s chair if you are throwing a Thanksgiving supper. Crack them open using traditional nutcrackers and enjoy going round the table and hearing everybody’s answers.

The conscious act of giving thanks is actually a rather powerful way of bringing much joy and abundance in to our lives. Recognising the good, however insignificant, in amongst the harder times we may be facing is a great first step and has an incredible way of being an instant mood lifter.

If you find that you’re not quite prepared enough to get my ‘Thankful Walnut’ idea to your table in time for Thanksgiving then add them to your Christmas prep or try bringing them out with the Champagne as the clocks strike twelve on New Year’s Eve. As I said, ANY opportunity to give thanks is a moment in time that is very well spent.

THANK YOU for reading!