Family Gratitude Ideas: December
As the holiday spirit fills our homes, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of festive preparations, particularly when our attention tends to center on creating magical moments for our kids. However, amid the merry mayhem, it's the perfect time to add activities that not only nurture family connection, but also cultivate gratitude. This December, give a few new family rituals a try, each designed to foster connection and appreciation. From delightful holiday feasts with fun conversation starters to post-holiday traditions that extend the joy well into the new year, these activities promise to infuse your family's December with warmth, gratitude, and a touch of festive magic.
December 21st:
A Parents Day of Rest - The kids get most of the focus during the holiday season, and we love it. But sometimes I miss the things that made the holidays sparkle for me once upon a time…That’s why each year I celebrate the Parents Day of Rest where I focus on my favorite things to do. No kids holiday music or movies - just Nat King Cole and White Christmas. I may even cook a batch of cookies that have things in them that only I like! Take the day - and share your fun using #parentsdayofrest on Instagram.
Holiday mEALS:
Conversation Starters - Try Table Topics Gratitude to start some really fun holiday conversations focused around what we have and not what we will receive. Studies show that the more we talk about the things we are grateful for, the happier we will be. Perfect for all ages.
All winter long:
Gratitude Snowstorm - This is a crowd favorite in my house. Do your kids love to cut snowflakes out of paper? Every time they make a snowflake encourage them write a piece of gratitude on it. Then place a string across a room and hang the snowflakes from it at varying heights. Then watch the indoor snowstorm grow throughout the winter season! (Looks really pretty too!)
After The Holidays:
A Year of Gratitude - Each family member makes a list of things they are grateful for from the entire year and places it in their empty stocking or the holiday decoration box before it all gets packed away. Read them all together when the decorations come out again next year.
Sincere Thanks - Explain to your little ones that this year they will be writing Thank You notes to family and friends who send them gifts. Disclosing this upfront will hopefully help them notice when opening gifts, so that the thankfulness they share is sincere. If they don’t have any genuine gratitude (maybe because the gift was something they already had, etc) I encourage my kids to think of the person wrapping it and taking time out of their day for them and find something within the act itself to be grateful for instead.
During Winter Break:
Friend Appreciation - Have your children make a list of friends who were there for them this past year. Suggest they send them a drawing or a printed photo showcasing a fun activity they did together or a letter via snail mail. (Older kids won’t want to do this part, but making the list alone will remind them of the social support they have and can lean on for the rest of the school year.)
Looking for more gratitude ideas? Check out November’s post - its chockfull!
