The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, filled with shopping, cooking, traveling and endless to-do lists. We often become so distracted by the constant hustle and bustle that we forget what matters most. Making time for gratitude can help your child pause and reflect on all of the things they have to be thankful for, whether it’s experiences they’ve enjoyed or friends they’ve made. Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, but it can be nurtured through mindfulness and practice. Read on for five simple ways to encourage gratitude this holiday season.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to encourage gratitude is to have your child keep a gratitude journal. All they need is a notebook and a pen, though they can make it more fun with colorful markers, stickers and glitter! At the end of each day, encourage your child to write down one to three things that they’re thankful for and why. These can be interactions with friends, kind gestures from others or fun activities they enjoyed. Over time, this freeform way of expressing and reflecting on gratitude will help them develop a lasting habit of appreciation that will extend beyond the holidays.

Create a Gratitude Tree

For a visual way to practice thankfulness, try creating a gratitude tree with your child. Start by having them draw and cut out a big tree trunk with plenty of branches. Then, have them paste it to a poster board. Encourage them to decorate the poster board with paper pinecones and acorns, glitter, or even family photos. Next, have them cut out paper leaves and place them in a jar. Each day, your child can write one thing they’re grateful for on a leaf and stick it to the tree. By the end of the holidays, they’ll have a bright, colorful display filled with memories of all the things they’re grateful for.

Come Up With Creative Ways to Say “Thank You”

Gratitude shines brightest when it’s shared with others. Encourage your child to say “thank you” in creative ways. For example, they can make handmade thank you cards for teachers, call loved ones on the phone, or do small acts of kindness for neighbors. Even simple gestures like smiling at a stranger who does something nice for them in public, like holding a door open, can help them embody gratitude. These small moments teach children that gratitude isn’t just something they feel; it’s something they show through their actions.

Give Back to the Community

A powerful way for your child to put gratitude into action is by giving back to the community. Encourage them to participate in food, clothing or gift drives at school, or to volunteer at a local shelter. The holidays are also a great time to declutter. Give your child a box and have them go through some of their clothes, toys and books that they no longer use so they can donate them to families in need. Giving back helps children understand the value of generosity and the importance of being grateful for what they have and for their ability to help others.

Model and Praise Gratitude

When your child sees you modeling a behavior, they’re more likely to model it themselves. This includes practicing gratitude. Each of the habits you recommend they do, like keeping a gratitude journal, adding the gratitude tree or giving back to the community, you should do as well. You should also praise your child for their efforts. Every time you see them consciously practicing gratitude, take a moment to acknowledge it. Setting a good example and providing positive reinforcement go a long way in encouraging an appreciative mindset in your child.

Gratitude is a mindful practice that serves children far beyond the holidays. Character education is at the heart of what we do here at Lake Forrest Prep. Our Orlando preparatory school creates a positive, nurturing learning environment where children can become the best versions of themselves and embrace values that last a lifetime. Learn more about how we help our students grow into moral, thoughtful individuals by visiting our website.