How to Creatively Say Grace Before a Meal

Love the concept of saying grace before a meal--but want it to have meaning for your family--instead of just reciting a few lines taught to you in grade school? Here's how to get creative with the tradition.

Things You'll Need

• Song
• Poetry
• Craft supplies
• Scrapbook

Instructions

1. Sing for your supper. Challenge the kids to create a song to perform before dinner. It can be a rap, have a country twang--whatever. It just has to include an element of thanks.

2. Channel your inner poet. Take a cue from the iconic show "Def Poetry Jam" on HBO and say what you really want to say--word! Break up the duties and invite each family member to write a line or two to recite in their own voice and actions.

3. Be an artist. Break out the craft supplies and ask the kids to create their own versions of name tags for everyone. They read "I'm thankful for _____." Each family member fills in their answer and wears it throughout dinner.

4. Go global. Ask everyone to research and explain one way people in other countries say "thank you." It can be the actual words "thank you" in a foreign language or the explanation of a thankful tradition.

5. Create an heirloom. Gather and save the mementos (name tags, written thank yous and poetry) along with photos from family meals as your "Family Gratitude Journal."

Tips & Warnings

• These ideas are meant as an "every once-in-a-while" activity, not every night. Weekends, holidays and special occasions are perfect, as everyone may have a bit more time than during the week.

Resources

• Def Poetry Jam