For most people, pumpkins are simply a sign of fall. They line porches, accent doorsteps, and signal the change of seasons. But for Sheilah Tritt, pumpkins tell a much bigger story. They are symbols of gratitude, abundance, and faith—and the foundation of a movement she calls Praise Pumpkins.
The idea came to Sheilah in a Sunday church service. As she listened to a sermon about the power of praise, she found herself reflecting on the way autumn décor often leans toward themes of darkness. What if, she wondered, porches could instead tell a different story—one of light, joy, and thanksgiving?
“I remembered reading that pumpkins symbolize gratitude, harvest, and abundance,” Sheilah explains. “Pumpkin seeds represent growth and multiplication. As we praise God for our blessings, our faith grows. As we encourage each other, we plant seeds of growth.”
That seed of inspiration stayed with her until one night during a church revival. A visiting pastor encouraged the congregation to seek wisdom from mentors a generation ahead. The words struck Sheilah deeply, and she immediately thought of Barbara Williams, her longtime spiritual mentor and friend. Over lunch just days later, Sheilah shared her dream of creating faith-centered porch displays that would celebrate the season while honoring Christ. Barbara’s joy-filled encouragement gave Sheilah the confirmation she needed—and Praise Pumpkins was officially born.
More Than Décor
From the beginning, Sheilah wanted Praise Pumpkins to be more than just pumpkins on a porch. Each display is intentionally designed to transform a home’s entrance into a space of gratitude and connection.
Every package includes a curated selection of colorful pumpkins, anchored by a gold cross pumpkin that reflects light and faith. Families also receive a “Count Your Blessings” activity to help them pause and reflect on the season, writing down the things they’re grateful for. To encourage generosity, each package comes with a gift pumpkin and a special card meant to brighten the day of a neighbor, teacher, or friend.
“It’s about creating a tradition that stirs the spirit,” Sheilah says. “We want porches to shine with beauty, yes—but also with love, joy, and praise. In a world that can sometimes feel dark, even something as simple as a porch display can be a beacon of light.”
Sheilah describes porches as more than just entrances. “They are invitations,” she says. “Invitations to pause, reflect, worship, and share the light of Christ with neighbors, family, and friends.”
A Mission Rooted in Faith
Faith isn’t just part of Praise Pumpkins—it’s the heartbeat. “Jesus saved my life, and it’s my deepest desire to share His love, joy, peace, and blessing,” Sheilah shares.
Her partnership with Barbara has made the journey even more meaningful. “She is enthusiastic, joyful, and always encouraging,” Sheilah says with a smile. “It’s exciting to share blessings, pray through challenges, and watch God build our faith.”
That encouragement has helped Sheilah pour beauty and purpose into every display. For her, it’s not only about elevating curb appeal, but also about creating spaces that encourage reflection, inspire faith, and build family traditions that last year after year.
A Season of Gratitude
Having just completed the 2025 season, Sheilah reflects on the journey with joy and looks ahead to welcoming families onto the wait list for 2026.
“First, we are most grateful for God and His stunning creation of beauty,” she says. “We’re also grateful for the families and businesses who are enthusiastic about supporting the mission to bring Fall back to a season of light.”
It is that gratitude that gives Praise Pumpkins its glow. Every display becomes a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness, a reason to pause and count blessings, and an opportunity to turn a porch into a place of praise.
A Wink from Heaven
Sheilah carries many memories of Praise Pumpkins, but one stands out as especially profound. The very first time she decorated a home, it poured rain throughout the setup. As she pulled away, she stopped to capture one last photo.
“One sunray was shining a beam of light directly onto the pumpkin with the gold cross,” she remembers. “I had just posted about porches being a beacon of light on your street. It felt like God winked at me.”
That simple moment—a sunbeam piercing the clouds to illuminate a single pumpkin—remains a vivid reminder for Sheilah. To her, it was God’s way of affirming that the mission matters, and that even the smallest acts of praise and gratitude can carry great light.
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, Praise Pumpkins is more than decoration. It is an invitation—an invitation to pause, give thanks, and let gratitude spill out onto the front steps and into the hearts of families, neighbors, and communities.
Contact Information:
Order: praisepumpkins.com
Instagram: @praise_pumpkins
Facebook: facebook.com/praisepumpkins
“Pumpkins symbolize abundance and gratitude. With praise, our faith grows and our blessings multiply.”
“Every Praise Pumpkins display is designed not only to elevate curb appeal but also to stir the spirit and create a legacy of faith.”