5 ways to practice gratitude this holiday season

November 04, 2021

The last nearly two years have been unusual, and unfortunately, we’re still in the thick of it when dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. Fortunately, there is always a bright side. No matter what’s happening in the world, your friends at A.J. Perri will continue to encourage the act of practicing gratitude.

The holiday season is almost here and it can be the happiest time of year for families. It’s also the perfect time to reflect on positive experiences and practice gratitude. While you’ll likely be whipping up Thanksgiving dinner soon, we’re whipping up five ways you can practice gratitude this holiday season.

Keep a gratitude journal

Reflect on the positive and drop the negative. A gratitude journal is a notebook full of the things you appreciate in life. While it’s great to write in your journal right before bed or first thing in the morning, you can do this at any point of the day. When writing down the people and things you are grateful for, be specific and get personal.

Tap into your senses

Take some time to notice the world around you. Take a few moments each day to tune into smells, sights, and sounds. For example, if you were standing in the kitchen while Thanksgiving dinner was being prepared, what would you recognize? Popping noise of food in the oven? The laughter of children playing in the background? The smell of seasonings from the turkey? How would that make you feel?

Express your love

Tell a loved one how much you appreciate them. It can be in-person, over the phone, on social media, or through a handwritten note. Don’t focus so much on the delivery method as much as the importance of the message.

Volunteer your time

There may be a loved one in need of assistance, or you could devote your time to a local non-profit organization that aligns with your values. Even the smallest amount of time donated could make a huge difference. Those in need aren’t the only one reaping benefits. Volunteering your time can be a humbling experience and provide a sense of pride and perspective for your own life.

Learn something new

Now is an even better time to invest in yourself. That cooking class you’ve always wanted to take? Sign up. That book series you’ve always wanted to dive into? Start today. Learning something new opens up your ability to appreciate the little things in life.

No matter how you choose to practice gratitude, take time to appreciate your family this holiday season.