Ten Gratitude Activities for the Whole Family

Every year at Thanksgiving we’re reminded to count our blessings. Here are a few ways your family can practice gratitude together this season and throughout the year.

1. Ask everyone to think of a person that means a lot to them. Could be a parent, grandparent, teacher, anyone important in their life. Then have them write a short note to that person thanking them for the impact they’ve had. Younger children who can’t write a letter can draw a picture.

2. Start with the letter A and go through the alphabet, doing a different letter each day. Ask everyone to name something they’re thankful for that starts with the letter of the day. Do this at dinner or bedtime when everyone is together. When you finish the alphabet, start over.

3. Research charities online as family. Pick one as a family or have each person pick their own. Then ask children to consider giving one week’s allowance to that charity. You can even encourage older kids to find odd jobs such as raking leaves to earn extra income to donate.

4. Make a thankful tree by using a small branch or cut one out of construction paper. Cut out individual leaves. Have everyone write down things they’re thankful for on the leaves. See how many leaves you can fill. Hang the or glue the leaves on the tree and display where everyone will see it frequently.

5. Rather than doing odd jobs to earn money, donate your time by doing the jobs for free. Help an elderly friend or neighbor with yard work, simple home repairs or housework.

6. Ask everyone to think of a favorite toy or electronic. Then ask them to go without it for a day, two days or even a week. When the time period is up, discuss what it was like to be without their favorite item. Ask them how they acquired the item. Was it a gift? Was it something they earned? What is it that makes the item so special to them? What would life be like without it?

7. Take a walk through your neighborhood. See how many things in your surroundings you can spot to be thankful for.

8. Go grocery shopping together as a family, but instead of shopping to fill your cupboards, shop for the local food pantry. Then go together to drop off the food. Check with your pantry first for a list of items they’re in need of.

9. In the morning, challenge everyone to spend the day looking for opportunities to show kindness to others like holding the door open for someone or letting someone go in front of them in line. At the end of the day, ask everyone to share their experiences.

10. Put the names of everyone in your household in a bowl. Have everyone draw a name (that isn’t theirs.) Then ask them to do one small act of kindness for that person in the next few days.