10 Junk Journal Prompts for Thanksgiving Pages
- Colleen McCarthy
- Oct 18
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving has a way of slowing everything down. The table gets a little louder. The kitchen smells like cinnamon and pie, and everyone seems to linger a bit longer. It’s the kind of day that’s easy to tuck away in your heart but even better to capture on paper.
Junk journaling is a lovely way to hold onto the details that make the season feel so special. It doesn’t need to be fancy or polished. A few gathered bits, some personal words, and your favorite pens are all you really need.
Below, you’ll find ideas for what to collect. And ten simple prompts to help you fill your pages with memories, gratitude, and a touch of cozy fall magic.
Things to Collect for Thanksgiving Pages
Part of the fun of junk journaling is collecting little pieces that tell the story of a moment. Thanksgiving gives you so many to choose from. These don’t need to be perfect or polished. Just look for things that feel like the season to you:
Fall leaves or pressed foliage
Recipe cards or handwritten family recipes
Bits of wrapping or packaging from treats or gifts
Place cards or napkin rings from the dinner table
Tags or labels from seasonal food
A copy of the menu or grocery list
Old Thanksgiving greeting cards
Doodles or handwritten notes from loved ones
Fabric scraps, ribbon, or lace in fall colors
Photos or printed snapshots of the day
You can tuck these pieces into pockets, layer them behind journaling cards, or tape them down with washi. Let them bring texture and warmth to your pages.
10 Thanksgiving Junk Journal Prompts
These prompts are meant to be simple and open. There’s no wrong way to use them. Pick one or two, or work through the whole list at your own pace.
Gratitude List
Write down five things you’re grateful for this year. Big or small, they all matter.
Favorite Memory
Describe a Thanksgiving memory that stands out to you. It could be something from this year or from the past.
The Table Setting
Sketch or describe the table, including candles, flowers, or heirloom dishes. Little details often hold the most meaning.
A Family Recipe
Paste in or handwrite a special recipe and why it matters. You can also add a splatter or stain to give it some character.
A Cozy Moment
Capture a quiet moment that felt warm or joyful. It might be a laugh, a hug, or a cup of coffee after dinner.
Who Was There
Make a list of everyone around the table or in your home. Names on a page become a sweet reminder over time.
Smells and Sounds
Describe what the day smelled and sounded like. This brings your page to life in a different way.
A Thankful Heart
Write a short note or letter to someone you appreciate. You don’t have to give it to them—just let it be honest.
Seasonal Colors
Create a mini collage with colors and textures that remind you of the season. Ribbons, paper scraps, or paint swatches work well.
Looking Ahead
Write a few words about what you hope for in the coming year. This is a gentle way to close out your Thanksgiving reflections.
Simple Ways to Make Your Pages Feel Special
A few small touches can make your Thanksgiving pages feel warm and personal. You don’t need a lot of supplies. Just a few thoughtful layers go a long way:
Layer leaves, tags, or photos behind journaling cards.
Use warm tones like burnt orange, deep red, gold, or cream.
Add hand lettering or stamped phrases like “thankful” or “gather.”
Tuck in a folded note with a personal reflection or quote.
Let the pages feel real, not perfect. A smudge or crooked corner can tell its own story.
Thankful Moments
There’s something sweet about keeping the real moments of the season close. The quiet talks after dinner. The smell of spices that lingers in the kitchen. The people who show up, year after year.
Your Thanksgiving pages don’t have to look perfect. They just need to feel true to you. Take your time. Let it be a mix of words, scraps, and feelings. Enjoy the moment.
Pin this article to save it for later:
