Around Thanksgiving we try to do crafts and activities that promote gratitude and focus on the things we have to be thankful for. Last year we did gratitude journals, but this year we’re trying something a little more active — Gratitude Activity Jars!
I asked Emily to name some of the things she was thankful for, and together we came up with a coordinating activity to go along with it. At first, we were just going to type these up and print them out, but I like to think that by physically writing these things down it sends more positive energy out into the universe. Mark would probably say that’s just a bunch of new-age crap, but that’s how I like to picture it, anyway!
Decorate your cards with stickers!!
Some of the cards we wrote:I am thankful for…..
:: Dad — Do something nice for Daddy.
:: Friends — Make 1 new friend today.
:: Hugs — Hug 3 people today.
:: Books — Visit the library today.
:: Home — Clean the guest bedroom, and invite a guest over to stay.
:: Play Time — Invite a friend over to play.
:: Good Health — Make a “Jared Box” to donate to the hospital.
:: Toys — Donate a toy to Goodwill.
:: Clara — Spend some time playing with your sister today.
:: Good Food — Donate canned goods to the food pantry.
:: Pies — Bake a pie for a neighbor.
:: Flowers — Surprise someone with a special flower delivery.
:: Nature — Play a fun game outside today.
…. and so on. The idea is to pick one card from the jar every day between now and Thanksgiving and do the activity on the card. Emily is looking forward to this with great anticipation!
Fill your jar with the cards….
…tie with a pretty bow….
…. and remember to take time to appreciate all the wonderful things in your life!
Dear Valerie,
I know how we can combine #1 and #11!
Love,
Mark
cute! we did something similar for my son's daddy….we made a daddy jar
and listed all the things we like to do with him and why we love him.
he takes it to work with him and when he feels the need he takes one out! it's a feel good jar….wishing i had one!
A very nice and thoughtful idea. I really like Lil Songbird Mama's too. Hmmmm sounds like a Father's day gift.
Thanks! I was looking for a different thanskgiving countdown activity. Last year we did a thankful turkey, but this looks like fun in a constructive way!
How fun! I love this idea. Probably over my little guy's head right now, but I'm going to star this one in my reader for "someday." Or, who knows, maybe we'll try it this year – can't hurt.
I love this idea!
a lovely idea.. thank you for sharing this. practicing gratitude is definately in the air just now… which is great!
This is one of the nicest things I have ever seen!
What an easy way to explain the concept of graditude/thankfulness.
I don't know how you keep up with everything. You seem to be so organized and put together. Any pointers? Please send them my way.
you make me smile 🙂
Love this idea!!
oh Valery, how you can have such ideas? very very nice!
Wonderful! You have my vote by the way!
lisa
What a great idea!!
we have a gratitude tree, but I LOVE this more! Maybe next year when the kids are a little older. Thanks!!
I think I'll just have them draw pictures of things they're thankful for. I'm too lazy… uh, I mean busy… LOL. No, just kidding. That's a great idea. Pretty too.
Such a great idea. You are always an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
I just read your fantastic post here and I am Re-posting it on our facebook page! It seems like we share the attitude that “Gratitude is good for you.” Grateful Nation is an online community that gives grateful people the opportunity and resources to connect, give back, and be thankful. Jump into the unending cycle of gratitude ~ http://www.gratefulnation.org
Thank you, Vanessa
I love this idea! So sweet 🙂
I've popped over from a link on Ginny's blog. Such a lovely idea. I don't have children, but there's no reason why an adult couldn't do just the same! x
What a wonderful idea!
Very nice idea – I like the combination of gratitude and giving.
Lovely idea!
How wonderful, I am going to use your idea, I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks…
This is amazing. You could post this on my blog today if you would like. I am having my Round Robin…
That is one of the best ideas I have seen in a while. I think we are going to do this.
Amazing! I will be copying this one. 🙂
Val
Oh this is such a nice idea!!! 😀
LOVE, LOVE this idea – I'm thinking about doing something like this while the kids are home from school this week. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think it's an awesome idea. Adding to our list of ideas for the next year when Anna is 4.
I don't think I told you this the first time I read this post but this is such a good idea! I love how you made it accessible for younger kids.
I LOVE this!!! Thank you!!!
That was so lovely!It is such a dying art too, Gratitude! We such need MORE of it in the world! 🙂 I shared this with my peeps on FB here:
http://www.facebook.com/LearningIsChildsPlay
great idea – going to save this one for a year or 2 until my kids are old enough to ‘get it’