Teaching thankfulness during holidays

Holidays are a wonderful time to teach children the value of gratitude. By instilling thankfulness during this festive season, we can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for kindness, generosity, and the people around them. Here are three engaging ways to teach thankfulness during holidays, with real-life examples to inspire you.

Encourage Children to Create Gratitude Lists

Ask children to reflect on what they’re grateful for and write or draw these thoughts. This simple exercise helps them recognize the positives in their lives and appreciate what they have.

Example: During a Thanksgiving craft activity, children can decorate a "Gratitude Tree" by writing things they’re thankful for on paper leaves. These leaves are then hung on a tree cutout, creating a visual reminder of their blessings.

Teach Gratitude Through Acts of Giving

The holidays are an ideal time to show children that gratitude can be expressed by giving back. Activities like donating toys, volunteering, or making gifts can teach them the joy of helping others.

Example: A daycare group organizes a toy donation drive where children bring a gently used toy they no longer play with. They also make thank-you cards for community helpers, such as firefighters or healthcare workers, learning that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Incorporate Thankfulness into Holiday Traditions

Building gratitude into family or classroom traditions helps reinforce its importance. These traditions can be simple yet meaningful ways to highlight thankfulness during the holiday season.

Example: During a holiday meal, each family member or child at the daycare takes a turn sharing one thing they’re thankful for from the past year. This tradition encourages reflection and strengthens family or community bonds.

Conclusion

Teaching thankfulness during holidays creates meaningful experiences for children and fosters positive habits that last a lifetime. By reflecting on gratitude, engaging in acts of giving, and embedding thankfulness into holiday traditions, we help children understand the value of appreciating what they have and sharing that appreciation with others. This holiday season, let’s focus on gratitude as a gift that keeps on giving.