Gratitude changes things and things right now need to change! With my Gratitude Project I suggest writing in a gratitude journal each day, but what if that doesn’t sound interesting to you? Here are some activities that you can do to share your gratitude in other ways. I’m all about individualizing and being the protagonist in your own story so do what works for you!
- Gratitude Tree. When my kids were little (and I had more wall space) I made a tree out of construction paper and taped it up on my wall. Each day of the month of November I helped each boy make a leaf and write what he was grateful for on it. He then got to tape his leaf on the tree. By Thanksgiving, we had a tree full of leaves and full of gratitude! When I googled “gratitude tree” there were lots of examples out there. Even some kits! One that looked interesting was a branch that you stick leaves onto. With only one kid left at home, I’m thinking this one might be better for us.
If cutting leaves isn’t your thing HERE are some leaves that are already cut out. - Gratitude Jar. This one leads up to a fun activity on Thanksgiving day. Each day each person writes down something they are grateful for on a piece of paper and folds it up and puts it in a big jar. When you sit down for dinner on Thanksgiving, as part of saying grace, someone reads all the pieces of paper. It is easy and fun!
- Thank You Cards. This activity focuses on people that you are thankful for. I love this activity because it can really brighten other people’s day. Each day you write a simple thank you card to someone that you are grateful for. If you have young children you can do this as a family but older kids can do this on their own.
- Thank You Gifts. Pick one or two people each week to thank. This could even be public servants like police officers, firefighters, or letter carriers. Make cookies or quick bread as a family to gift to your chosen person. I know of a few older people that are living alone right now that my son and I are going to make some little loaves of pumpkin bread for.
- Appreciation Notes. This one is really good for teens who may be too busy or just not interested in doing other activities. Each day write a reason you are grateful for your child and tape it on their door. Kids this age need to be reminded of how awesome they are! Another option is to make appreciation jars for each person in the family. This way everyone can participate.
- Books on Gratitude. There are lots of books about gratitude out there for all ages! Take some time personally and as a family to read one or two this month. More importantly, talk about them together. If you have a child that is having a hard time finding things to be grateful for, this would be a great way to introduce the idea of gratitude.
- Grateful Board. This is like a vision board but instead of putting up things you want in the future, you put pictures of everything you are grateful for. For younger kids, you can have them take pictures or draw pictures. For older kids, they can create it online and then print it out.
- Volunteer. A wonderful way to express gratitude for what you have is to help someone in need. Organize a food, blanket, or jacket drive. If you have the opportunity to help with community outreach projects, do it as a family. Be sure to take the time to talk about it afterward.
Most of all, have fun! Being thankful is about bringing happiness and joy into your and other people’s lives. If you have any other ideas, please share!
I am very grateful for YOU!