Slow November: Family Gratitude Ideas and Activities
Well, it's officially the month of gratitude, and I like to keep it that way by saving the holiday decorations for December. You see, for me, it became clear that when my family got too caught up in the winter holidays, we tended to overlook the season of appreciation and thanks. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a little holiday excitement. I mean, Santa and his reindeer are practically my besties. But it got me thinking — who should really define our family values, Walmart and Lego, or us?
After pondering this for many years, I felt increasingly uncomfortable with our family's growing focus on materialism during a holiday season that seemed to expand every year, all driven by big businesses. So, I decided to take back November and stand up for our family values. When December 1st finally rolls around, I'm ready with my blinking lights, tree, and fake snow. But for November, we're all about embracing a slower pace. It's a time when we put our focus on family, friends, and our community. We reach out to our neighbors, and we take a moment to reflect on the kindness we've shared.
Without this pause, we risk losing the true essence of what makes these family moments meaningful. If we don't slow down in November, we might find ourselves swept up in the commercial whirlwind, missing the genuine connections and gratitude we all long for.
This Month is our time to hit the pause button and embrace a 'Slow November.'
In today's fast-paced world, a 'Slow November' holds more significance than ever. With our lives filled with endless distractions and the constant pull of technology, it's easy to lose sight of the value of genuine human connection. We often rush through moments, failing to appreciate the simple joys of family, friendship, and community. But here's the thing – in this digital age, we have the opportunity to set an example for our children. By slowing down in November, we not only rediscover the beauty of gratitude, but we also teach our little ones to embrace the art of mindfulness. Amidst the chaos of modern life, we can guide them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the love and support that surrounds them. In this hurried world, the power of a genuine 'thank you' and a warm hug should never be underestimated.
So, as we enter this season of togetherness, let's make an extra effort to nurture gratitude within our families and communities. And if you're looking for a way to kickstart those gratitude conversations, check out this list of 100 gratitude prompts, perfect for family dinners or engaging your little ones in the spirit of appreciation or scroll down for my list of options you can try this month.
Slow November: Family Gratitude Ideas & Activities
Gratitude bags
(Make These at the Beginning of the month)
Recently I was chatting with a friend (David Berez), swapping family gratitude ideas and he shared a wonderful act his family preforms all throughout the year: Gratitude Bags.
Fill small resealable bags with 4 or 5 peices of candy (eh-hem maybe put the Halloween Candy to good use here) and then place a label on it, and maybe even sign your family’s names. Then keep the bags in your purse or diaper bag, because you will be on the lookout for everyday helpers in your life. Gift the bags to flight attendents, janitors, librarians, anyone who your kids would like to thank or made an impact on your family. You can do this when you are traveling or just running errands. Make sure to let your little one hand over the bag so they get the full effect that giving thanks can bring. Download this cute label if you need a place to start with your bags, I use the Avery 5160 template for the printing.
Community Gratitude Board
(Beginning of the Month)
If you live in a neighborhood where people walk dogs, push strollers, go for runs, and ride bike then set up a Community Gratitude Board in your front yard. You can use a white board or a chalkboard (just protect it from the weather.) If you live in an apartment building with a parking garage add it to your parking space! If you live in a place where outdoors is not possible then set up a Community Gratitude Board with an online program like Mural - and then share the link with friends and family on social media. At the end of the month take a photo or a screenshot of the board to share with neighbors and with your kids. Bonus: Have you kids contribute to the board once a week for extra practice!
Operation Gratitude
(Beginning and throughout the month)
Each November, our family helps to send care packages to our active military via Operation Gratitude. November is a great time to thank these people who sacrifice so much and this year it’s more important than ever due to unrest in areas around the globe and increased troop deployment.
Operation Gratitude sends items like antibacterial wipes, coffee, candy and more in care packages and they are expecting around 12,000 care package requests by the end of this year alone. I let each child pick one or two items from the organizations wish list and they add their preference to my online shopping cart. Then we all pack the big box together, adding drawings and personal cards sharing our thanks. Operation Gratitude is a California corporation, granted 501(c)(3) exempt status by the IRS — you can learn more about them here.
Grateful Mealtime Ideas
(Thanksgiving Week)
There are so many ways to practice gratitude at the dinner table.
Watch this video for a few fresh ideas that include gratitude jars, gratitude linking chains and more.
Gratitude Savenger Hunt
(End of the Month)
I developed this scavenger hunt as something to do while the turkey cooked — but I think it also works great at the end of the month as a celebration for all your kids’ efforts. The “prize” at the end of the hunt is a list of things you appreciate about them and generosity can definitely be on that list. Reflecting on their grateful attitude during the month of November will pay off going into December allowing them to give and receive with more grace and awareness of the effort it takes.
