Every year when the holidays come around, there is so much to look forward to. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or Kwanza, you can agree there are traditions and moments you can’t wait to celebrate. A lot of the time, we see things online about wish lists and giving gifts and thinking about wrapping presents and also
receiving presents yourself can be pretty exciting! This holiday season, try to remind yourself of the intentions of this time we get to spend together with the people we love and care about.
The most important thing to remember when exchanging gifts is to have gratitude. When you get to watch someone smile after seeing the gift you give them, hold that feeling close. The thought behind your gift is what made the person smile. They are so grateful to you! You may have gone to the store and thought of them specifically when you picked it out. That definitely makes someone feel special and loved. That feeling is something we hope everyone gets to experience during this time. So when you open your gifts, think of how that person saw something that reminded them of you or something you like, and have gratitude for their thoughtfulness.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to practice gratitude during the holiday season:
What is your favorite part about your home? Why?
What abilities do you have that you are grateful for?
What is one of your favorite things to do? Why are you grateful for it? What is something about your teacher that you are grateful for?
Who did something nice for you today? What was it?
What is something you love doing with your family?
You can write these answers down and keep them in a special “Gratitude Jar” or share them with friends and family and start a conversation! Have a safe and wonderful holiday season this year!