With the whirlwind of the holidays, it’s easy for kids (and adults) to be wrapped in the more superficial side of the holidays, to focus on all the gifts. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are nine gratitude projects that you can do with your kids:
- I remember making these Thankful Turkey Wreaths as an elementary school student. Now that my daughter is four, we will be incorporating this into this month’s holiday activity schedule! Fun Learning for Kids shows us how to easily create a Thankful Turkey Wreath. Your child writes down what they are grateful for on each turkey feather. One feather can be added each day or all at once!
- The Gratitude Flowers by Blissful Kids is a similar concept to the Thankful Turkey Wreath, but instead uses flower petals on a flower to complete the project.
- If you have more than one child, they can work together to create a Gratitude Wall. This simple project begins by writing one thing that your child is grateful for that day. The idea is to have a wall covered with things to remind them to be thankful. Learning Resources suggests writing on paper, taped to a wall. But I have also seen variations of this including taping notecards to a wall.
- Thank an Essential Worker Letter – this one is so simple, but so impactful. Help your child write a short and sweet letter to a nurse at a local hospital. Send some decorated cards to the local firehouse. Write a short note to the teacher. Something that is seemingly so simple, can easily brighten their day!
- Volunteering requires a little more planning, but a wonderful way to show gratitude and appreciation. There are a number of local charities and organizations that would benefit from a visit and small donation!
- Adding to a Gratitude Jar is a great daily reminder for kids and adults to practice gratitude. This jar by Blissful Domestication is rather simple. Label it with the prompt “I am Grateful for…” and add a piece of paper every day to read on Thanksgiving.
- This Thankful Tree by Fireflies and Mud Pies is similar to a Thankful Wreath, but you can use long sticks outside. Write something that you are grateful for on each “leaf” and add to the stick with tape or twine.
- These Gratitude Prompts by The Merry Momma can be used as talking points at dinner with your children.
- Daily meditation with your children is a simple, but effective activity. Taking time to turn off all electronics and saying out-loud what you’re grateful can help to shift the mindset during the holidays.
What other ways do you practice gratitude with your children? Share your activities using #MomsAroundLouisville!
