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The Christmas season is upon us, a time to celebrate the amazing gift of our Savior. It’s also a time when our children may receive gifts from family, friends, and teachers. So how do we help kids practice gratitude in a world that screams, ‘I deserve this!’? And why does having a grateful heart matter?
The primary reason we strive to be grateful is that God has commanded it. Numerous passages in the Bible encourage us to be thankful and give thanks. (Psalm 100:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 are just samples.) Not surprisingly, what God has established as good – living in a state of thankfulness – garners physical and mental health benefits that are supported by research. Consistently praying with thanksgiving may even help reduce feelings of anxiety (Philippians 4:6).
So how do we nurture hearts of gratitude in ourselves and our children?
1. Notice the blessings around you, and comment out loud for your children to hear.
Was someone kind to you at work? Share that with your kids. Do you have clean, warm clothing to wear? Is there enough food in your refrigerator for more than one meal? Noticing and noting the many blessings we have is most impactful when modeled at home. Take a moment right now to notice five things you can see, smell, hear, feel, or taste that you’re thankful for. An attitude of gratitude starts at home!
2. Create a gratitude journal, individually, as a family, or both.
Individual journals for parents and kids (using words or pictures) are a great way to help us focus daily on our blessings. Completing a family journal at meal time or naming one thing you’re grateful for while on the road to kids’ activities creates a reminder of your family’s blessings.
3. End the day with thanksgiving.
Parents and kids can include one thing they’re grateful for each night during prayer time. (And it’s okay to repeat!) That comfy pillow and cozy blanket are tangible reminders of God’s comfort, protection, and love for us.
4. Write and send thank-you notes.
The practice of taking time to show gratitude is a gift to the giver. It also helps tamp down our tendency toward selfish receiving and entitled hearts. Consider letting kids pick out the cards they’ll send or create. A quick online search can help you find fill-in-the-blank thank you notes for early writers. Worry less about sending a “perfect” note, and focus on the process of growing grateful kids.
Remember, God has given us much to be thankful for! A heart of gratitude doesn’t ignore the reality of stress or the sadness of an empty chair this season. Instead, intentional thankfulness helps us to focus on the ultimate gift of a Savior who came to live, die, and rise to win for us the undeserved gift of heaven one day. That’s something to thank God for!
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)
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