How to Practice Gratitude this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. But Christmas can also be a time to slow down, reflect, and focus on emotional wellbeing. One powerful way to stay balanced during the holiday season is by practicing gratitude. In a world that often feels fast-paced and demanding, taking time to acknowledge the good around us can help us reconnect with ourselves and others. 

Here are a few simple yet meaningful ways to incorporate gratitude into your holiday mindfulness routine this year: 

1. Start a Gratitude Journal

Journaling is a simple and effective way to cultivate a habit of gratitude. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be big or small, from a lovely meal shared with family to the beauty of a crisp winter morning. The act of writing allows us to pause and reflect, turning our focus to the positives, even when life feels stressful. 

How to get started: 

• Set aside a few minutes each day, either in the morning or before bed, to jot down your thoughts. 

• Encourage other family members to start their own gratitude journals, turning this into a shared ritual. It’s a lovely way to foster connection and highlight the simple joys we often overlook. 
  
  
  
  

• 2. Mindful Moments of Gratitude

Holiday mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few moments during the day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Whether it’s during a walk, wrapping presents, or when staring peacefully at the crackling fireplace, focus on what makes you feel content and fulfilled. Mindfulness teaches us to stay present in the moment, and incorporating gratitude into that process can elevate your mental wellbeing. 

Tips for mindful gratitude: 

• When you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and bring your attention to something in the present that brings you joy. It could be the sound of laughter from a colleague, the smell of your hot chocolate, or the warmth of the candle on your desk. 

• Try this as a family activity. Before Christmas dinner or during a quiet evening, invite everyone to share one thing they’re grateful for. These small moments of reflection can foster a sense of closeness and wellbeing. 
  
  
  
  

  3. Gratitude Challenges for the Family

Gratitude challenges are a fun and engaging way to spread positivity throughout the festive period. Set yourself and your family small, daily challenges that encourage mindfulness and appreciation for the world around you. 

Some ideas to get started: 

• Gratitude Advent Calendar: Instead of (or alongside) a traditional advent calendar, create one where each day reveals a new reason to be thankful. 

• Random Acts of Kindness: Commit to a few random acts of kindness over the holiday season, from donating to charity to helping a neighbour with their shopping. Encourage your family to do the same, and share your experiences together at the end of each day.
  
  

4. Craft a Gratitude Tree

Why not add a gratitude twist to your holiday décor? A gratitude tree can be a fun and meaningful addition to your home. Place a small tree (or a branch foraged from outside!) in a prominent spot and decorate it with small tags or ornaments that list the things your family is thankful for. 

How to make it: 

• Give each family member a few blank tags or slips of paper, and invite them to write down what they’re thankful for. These small notes can be hung on the tree throughout December, allowing everyone to contribute at their own pace. 

• By the time Christmas Day arrives, your gratitude tree will be full of heartfelt reflections and joyful memories. 

• On a cosy evening, gather the family around, take turns reading the messages aloud, and enjoy discussing the good times, and perhaps a few funny stories that come with it! 
  
  

5. Reflect on the Year 

The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. As you look back over 2024, take a moment to focus on the moments that brought joy, learning, or growth – even if they were difficult at the time. Reflecting on what you’re grateful for helps to shift your mindset away from focusing on the stresses of the holiday season and instead brings appreciation for all the things you’ve experienced. 

 

Gratitude isn’t just about recognising the big things – it’s often the small, everyday moments that make the biggest difference to our mental wellbeing. By practicing gratitude this Christmas, we can create a more mindful and positive holiday experience. Whether through journaling, mindful reflection, or creative challenges, focusing on thankfulness will help you stay grounded and connected with your loved ones.