There's something magical about combining classic poetry with the art of handwriting, especially during the holiday season. This Thanksgiving, I'm excited to share a brand new freebie with you—a beautiful practice page featuring John Greenleaf Whittier's timeless poem "The Pumpkin" from the 1800s, complete with charming vintage-style illustrations.
A YouTube Tutorial to Guide You
I recently filmed the entire process of creating this Thanksgiving poetry page, and I'd love for you to watch along! In the video, I walk you through my warm-up routine, the importance of preparing your hand and arm before tackling a display piece, and how I transform a pencil draft into a finished work of art using orange gel pens and sepia ink for those vintage fall details.
You'll see firsthand how I center the text, adjust spacing, and add those charming cross-hatched pumpkins and wheat sprigs that give this piece its cozy, nostalgic feel. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how poetry practice pages come to life, from first draft to final flourishes.
Why "The Pumpkin" is Perfect for Thanksgiving Practice
While Whittier's full poem is quite lengthy, I chose stanza three because it beautifully captures the warmth and nostalgia of Thanksgiving gatherings. The verse speaks of "the care-worn man" seeking his mother once more, "the worn matron" smiling, and of course, "the rich pumpkin pie" that calls back cherished memories. It's the perfect sentiment for this season of gratitude and family connection.
The download includes a tracing page so you can practice the flowing cursive script, plus a sheet of doodle embellishments—pumpkins, wheat stems, and decorative borders—that you can add to personalize your piece.
Making It Your Own
One of my favorite things about this project is how versatile it is. In the video, I used orange gel pens for a fun pop of color, but this poem would look absolutely stunning on parchment paper with black ink, or created in brown sepia tones for a more vintage aesthetic. You could even use cotton handmade paper and tear the edges for a rustic, frameable piece perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
The beauty of cursive penmanship is that it can stand alone as a work of art. When we take the time to write something by hand with focus and consistency, paying attention to the flow and rhythm of each letter, we create something truly special. Add a few decorative flourishes, and you have a personalized piece that's uniquely yours.
Why Warm-Ups Matter
If you watch the video, you'll notice I spend time warming up before diving into the actual poem. This isn't just busywork—it's essential! Without warming up, my writing at the beginning of a piece often looks less consistent than by the end. Those practice strokes get my arm moving fluidly so I can start strong right from the first line.
This is especially important when you're creating something for display, whether it's a framed piece for your home, a handwritten letter, or a decorative element for your holiday table. The warm-up makes all the difference in achieving that smooth, consistent flow from start to finish.
A Handwritten Letter is Like a Hug
I recently saw a post from the United States Postal Service that said, "A handwritten letter is like a hug." This resonated so deeply with me because it captures exactly why we do this work. In our digital age, taking the time to write something by hand—whether it's a letter, a poem, or a piece of art—communicates care, thoughtfulness, and intentionality in a way that typed text simply cannot.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to use your penmanship as an art form and share it with those around you. Maybe you'll create this pumpkin poem for your Thanksgiving table, frame it as fall decor for your home, or even write it out as a special card for someone you love. However you choose to use it, you'll be participating in the beautiful tradition of handwritten expression.
Perfect for The Cursive Connection Community
This Thanksgiving poetry page complements The Cursive Connection curriculum beautifully, offering seasonal practice that goes beyond basic letter drills. It's meaningful content that makes every stroke purposeful while celebrating the literary and cultural traditions that make this season special.
If you're looking to improve your penmanship and want structured guidance, The Cursive Connection offers 40 weeks of expert instruction that will transform your handwriting while connecting you to centuries of written tradition.
Download Your Free Thanksgiving Poetry Page
Ready to add some handwritten beauty to your Thanksgiving celebration? Watch the full YouTube tutorial to see the creative process unfold, then download your free practice page complete with tracing sheets and decorative embellishments.
Whether you're already confident in your cursive or just beginning your penmanship journey, this project offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, practice mindfully, and create something beautiful for the season of gratitude.
Tag me on Instagram when you create your version—I absolutely love seeing how you make these poetry pages your own! From different color choices to unique embellishments, every interpretation brings something special to this classic poem.
Happy writing, and happy Thanksgiving!