Practicing Gratitude and Thankfulness This Holiday Season

Gratitude and thankfulness should be practiced all-year-round, of course. However, there's something so magical about the holidays that has people so thankful and giving. Normally we provide content to provide tips and ease your mind about your little ones - However, mamas and dads, this one is for you!

Whether you are ecstatic about this time of year, and you're looking for ways to express gratitude or thankfulness or maybe you simply can't get into the holiday spirit this year, we have some tips to help.

Document Your Gratitude

Each day, write down at least three things you're grateful for. Be sure to write this in a safe place like a notebook so you can keep adding to it. As time goes on, you will have an entire list of things to be grateful for.

We're all human, so chances are you're bound to have an "off" day, meaning you could feel sadness for some reason or just are lacking the holiday spirit or energy - Thankfully, you will have this notebook to look back on. Reading your list of things you're grateful for is bound to lift your mood.

Take Time For YOU

This one is extremely important, especially as a parent. After days on end of caring for a little one or multiple children, it's easy to get caught up in the life of a parent and forget to practice self-care. Even taking just a short amount of time for yourself will do wonders. For example, going to the salon, going to play golf or a sport, visiting friends and having lunch with them, or anything that gives you time to "just be" is what you need.

Put the feelings of guilt away when you think of leaving your child(ren) - It will be a short time and you can end up being a better parent when you practice self-care. Research shows that not taking time for yourself can lead to burnout, which is not what you - or your kids - need.

Donate When Possible

Admit it - You have some clothes that have been hidden away in the dark corner of your closet for 3+years, are we right? Imagine how it would make you feel to just take those clothes off the hanger, gather them in a bag, and bring them to people in need? Depending on where you live, there are several places that provide drop off items for donations. There are places like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, shelters, churches, and more. Think of the people who will be able to wear something nice and stay warm during this cold time of year - How would that make you feel? This will no doubt increase your gratitude immensely.

Think of All the Positive Outlooks

It's okay and natural to sometimes feel down and seem like everything is going against you. Whenever something negative happens, have a positive outlook. Think about what you gained from the situation and what is possible to come due to your circumstances. There is almost always a positive outlook. If you dig deep enough, you can find it and feel thankful.

"Gratitude is like a magnet; the more grateful you are, the more you will receive to be grateful for." - Iyanla Vanzant

How are YOU going to express gratitude this holiday season? How will you show thankfulness? We can't wait to hear your ideas!