Welcome to our Character Trait for December – Gratitude! Although this holiday season is shaping up to be a little more festive than last year’s, it is still good to remember despite everything we still have much to be grateful for.
Gratitude: Being thankful and showing appreciation for those in our lives and for what we have and receive.
Catch Phrase: Say thank you as much as possible.
Forging Gratitude:
- Make a list of all the people and organizations you are thankful for. Think – teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement, local businesses, mail carriers, etc. Many have stepped it up during these challenging times and found creative ways to still meet the needs of those they serve. Find ways to acknowledge them and show your gratitude. Write notes, makes signs, donate, buy gift cards or holiday gifts from local businesses, etc. Share your ideas in the comments below!
- Cut out complaining. This is a tricky one as there is a lot out there to complain about these days. Make it a game. For every complaint made you must think of two things you are grateful for. This is an excellent way to forge an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude must be intentional, it will not necessarily come naturally.
- Write “thank you” notes. When we take the time to write out our appreciation, it challenges us to truly reflect on what was done for us or given to us.
- Share something you are grateful for every day. Maybe make a “Blessing Board” or have a jar with notepaper and a pen nearby to encourage your family to write down things they are thankful for. Share them at mealtimes, in the car, at bedtime, or whenever. Challenge your family to think of something different each day.
- Do something for someone in need. Volunteer, make a meal for a neighbor, donate coats or blankets or toys for tots.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Just like writing a note causes you to pause and reflect, cultivating a grateful heart can be as simple as writing down what you are thankful for. The best thing about a journal is that you can always read back through it and be reminded.
- Challenge yourself and your family to “say thank you as much as possible”. Find fun ways to make gratitude a habit. Take it a step further — be specific in your thanks (as well as sincere). “Thank you for taking out the trash.”
Gratitude Coloring Page
Gratitude Character Trait Poster
