Grateful Pig: Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition

Meet Grateful Pig — our favorite Grateful Pig Thanksgiving tradition. Many years ago my mom gave us a sparkly piggy bank and shared a sweet poem with us about gratitude. Now, each November we pull out Grateful Pig. Most years he sits in a prominent place with scraps of paper and a pen next to him. As family members walk by, they think of a blessing, quickly scribble it down, and stuff it into Grateful Pig.

At Thanksgiving dinner, we open Grateful Pig and read all that we have been blessed with aloud. The kids love emptying the pig and hearing what everyone is most grateful for. People can sign their names or leave it anonymous, but the kids love hearing their special moments called out for all to hear. Such a fun and easy way to bring more gratitude to the season.

How to Share This Grateful Pig Thanksgiving Tradition

This tradition was such a wonderful gift from my mom. We especially love starting what often becomes a “gimmie” time of year with a way to remember all that we already have. There is always a sweet spirit of gratitude in our home during the month.

My mom gave us a fun glittery piggy bank but over the years our Grateful Pig has taken on many different shapes and sizes. He once made an appearance on vacation with extended family over Thanksgiving — even in just a few short days he was filled to the brim, and everyone had such a fun time sharing their gratitude moments at dinner.

The Grateful Pig Poem

Here is the poem my mom shared with us all those years ago. Consider writing or printing this out for a friend or family member. The best thing about a fun Thanksgiving tradition is sharing it with others.

Meet your family member for November
His name is grateful pig.
All month long slip in notes of thanks
For things little or things big.

Think of people who help you
Be who you want to be,
And those who teach you every day
Or keep your country free.

Think of things you love to eat
And songs you love to sing,
Be specific, really think
And be surprised with each new thing.

Think of good friends, fun places
And homes that keep you warm
Then stuff that little piggy
With every happy bit.

One a day or even more,
Filling him up is not a sin.
Then on Thanksgiving dump him out
And read how blessed you’ve been.

Helpful External Resources

Greater Good Science Center — the science of gratitude

Frequently Asked Questions: Grateful Pig Thanksgiving Tradition

How does the Grateful Pig Thanksgiving tradition work?

Place a piggy bank in a prominent spot in November with scraps of paper and a pen next to it. Throughout the month, family members stop and stuff in a blessing they scribble down. At Thanksgiving dinner, open the pig and read everything aloud. Kids can sign their names or leave notes anonymous. The moment of emptying the Grateful Pig and hearing what everyone is most thankful for is one of the sweetest parts of our Thanksgiving.

What kind of piggy bank do you use for Grateful Pig?

Any piggy bank works for this Grateful Pig Thanksgiving tradition — my mom gave us a sparkly one but it has taken on many shapes over the years. A jar with a lid, a box with a slot cut in the top, or any container your kids love works just as well. Don’t let finding the perfect pig stop you from starting this tradition.

Can the Grateful Pig tradition work with extended family?

Yes — the Grateful Pig Thanksgiving tradition works beautifully with extended families even away from home. One year we brought it to an out-of-state Thanksgiving and it was filled to the brim in just a few short days. The more people participating, the more love gets read aloud at the table.