How to Practice Gratitude during the Holiday season

When the holiday season rolls around, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season before us. We can forget to take time, enjoy the season ahead, and appreciate what is going on before us. It can even be nice to sit down with everyone and practice the gift of gratitude. Here are some steps/ideas on practicing gratitude this year with everyone and how to practice it all together.

Organize family discussions or activities that emphasize gratitude. Share stories where appreciation played a significant role. Here are some questions to ask everyone:

1) What are two things you are grateful for this year? Why those two things?

2) What is something you were not looking forward to, but then it changed, and it wasn’t as bad as you thought?

3) Who has helped you this year? What did they do to help?

4) When was there a time of kindness someone showed you? What did it look like? How did you feel after?

5) How do you want to continue to be supportive of others?

Lead by Example: As a parent or older family member, lead by example. Express gratitude openly and regularly. When others witness your thankfulness, it can encourage them to do the same.

Create a Gratitude Collage or Scrapbook: Compile photos, drawings, or magazine cutouts representing things each family member is grateful for. Assemble these into a collage or scrapbook to visually celebrate gratitude.

Volunteer Together: Volunteer as a family for a cause that resonates with everyone. This shared experience of giving back can instill a more profound gratitude for what you have and the ability to help others.

Thank You Notes: Encourage writing thank-you notes or letters to each other, expressing gratitude for specific things that have made a difference in their lives. Here are some prompts for support:

1) What particular characteristic does this person show that you appreciate?

2) What has this person done to help you out this year that you appreciate?

3) When you meet with this person, what is one thing you look forward to that they do?

This can be an excellent way for everyone to take time and think about what they appreciate about each other and for everyone to feel valued and supported by others. This also encourages everyone to form a deeper connection without touching on the spot.

Create a communal gratitude board or Jar for family members to write and share what they're thankful for, then read them together periodically.

Remember, the key is to make gratitude a regular part of your family's routine and interactions. By incorporating these practices, you can create an environment that nurtures appreciation, positivity, and strong familial bonds.