Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. For Catholics it is more than a holiday: giving thanks is at the very heart of our faith. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek word for "thanksgiving", so every Mass is the Church's greatest act of gratitude. Here are simple ways to keep God at the center of your Thanksgiving table.
Why Gratitude Is a Catholic Habit
Scripture invites us again and again to give thanks: "In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude helps us see every good thing, our family, our health, our work and our food, as a gift from God. It is also a remedy against worry and comparison, because it turns our eyes to what we have already received.
Start the Day at Mass
Many parishes in the United States celebrate a special Mass on Thanksgiving morning, often with a blessing of bread or food. Bringing the whole family to Mass before the big meal is a beautiful way to offer thanks together. If that is not possible, take a few minutes in the morning to pray the Rosary or read Psalm 136, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever."
Prayers for the Thanksgiving Table
Grace before meals:
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grace after meals:
We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy benefits, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
En español: Bendícenos, Señor, y bendice estos alimentos que por tu bondad vamos a recibir. Por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén.
A simple family tradition: before eating, ask each person to name one blessing from this year, and pray together for those who have less, for the sick and for loved ones who are no longer at the table.
Ideas to Bring Faith to Your Table
- Use a Holy Family image as the centerpiece. Browse our Holy Family statues.
- Light a candle during grace as a sign that Christ is the light of the home.
- Bless the house with a Catholic home blessing or a wooden door blessing plaque.
- Find more pieces in our religious table accents.
Thoughtful Gifts for Your Host
If you are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, a small religious gift is a meaningful way to say thank you: a rosary, a wall cross or blessing plaque, a Catholic book or a small statue of the host's favorite saint.
From Thanksgiving to Advent
This year, the First Sunday of Advent is November 29, 2026, just three days after Thanksgiving. It is the perfect moment to set up your Advent wreath while the family is still together. Our Advent wreath set with candle holders and 4 candles and the Advent candle set of 4 are ready for the season, and you can see everything in our Advent collection.
From all of us at The Faith Gift Shop and Nuestra Fe in Miami: Happy Thanksgiving, ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! We are grateful for every family that has trusted us since 1982.
