10 Easy Ways To Practice Gratitude With Your Loved Ones

Gratitude Exercises

Gratitude isn’t just a one-day thing, it’s a game-changer for making every day a little brighter. Take a look at some of the ways to practice gratitude with your loved ones.

Embrace the holiday spirit and check out these fun gratitude exercises to truly savor and celebrate the things you’re thankful for in your life!

Thanksgiving: A day to be thankful

Thanksgiving is a holiday that reminds us to be grateful and thankful for what we have in our lives – our family, loved ones, career, health, passions and mental wellbeing. No wonder, most of us feel a sense of togetherness, closeness and warmth during this holiday as practicing gratitude can result in various positive feelings. 

Do you know about the history of thanksgiving? Thanksgiving was officially created as a holiday by the Congress in 1789 when the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President George Washington. He made it a day of public thanksgiving under the new Constitution. And so the first official thanksgiving was held on Thursday, November 26, 1789.

Related: 25 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions To Try Out With Your Family & Friends

thanksgiving day

Sadly, the original beauty and spirit of the holiday is slowly fading away due to the commercialization of the holiday, thanks to (pun intended) the shopping madness driven by the infamous Black Friday and the recent Cyber Monday.

And this is why it has become increasingly important that we hold on to the original tradition of practicing gratitude on this day to celebrate the authentic Thanksgiving spirit.

Thanksgiving is a day for spending with our family, to share our love and happiness with each other and be grateful for their presence. Gratitude practice ideas can not only strengthen our relationships, it can also make us happier and healthier. That’s the power of gratitude.

Studies show that gratitude exercises and activities can significantly help in improving mental health and reducing perceived stress and depression. In fact, according to the science of gratitude, there are many more benefits of gratitude such as –

  • Lower aggression and increased empathy 
  • Better physical and psychological well-being
  • Better sleep
  • Improved resilience
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Reduced depression
  • Better immune system
  • Longer life span

If you haven’t been practicing gratitude lately, then November is a good time to get started with some gratitude exercises for adults is used as positive psychology to improve your relationships and life. 

Related: 50+ Best Thanksgiving Quotes And Sayings To Show Your Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is important. But what is gratitude? It is the “appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation,” explain researchers.

While practicing gratitude should be a year-long practice, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take your gratitude efforts to the next level. It’s time we look beyond eating a scrumptious thanksgiving turkey & holiday pie and saying special grace before our meal.

This time we start some new traditions with our family to show our gratitude along with having a grand Thanksgiving feast.

But how to practice gratitude? Well, here are 10 simple yet beautiful gratitude exercises for adults and kids for a happy thanksgiving that will help you appreciate the beauty of life and be inspired by it with a thankful heart. 

5 Ways to practice gratitude this Thanksgiving day 2023

1. Keep a gratitude journal

Gratitude Journal

Journaling is the simplest and easiest way of practicing gratitude towards the people, things, experiences and opportunities you value in your life. Simply write down about 3 to 5 things you are grateful for by reflecting on the past few days or weeks. However, you need to do this daily.

If you struggle about finding things to write about every single day, focus on the little things that make you happy. This will help you shift your focus from a  scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. This exercise can also help you sleep better, stay healthier and happier. 

According to a 2020 study, gratitude journaling is “not novel; writing three instances of gratitude a few times per week can improve wellness.Journaling for even one day can help you build the right mindset to meet challenges in your daily life.

It can also result in better work-life balance and “significant benefits in happiness, depression, and emotional exhaustion (measure of burnout) for up to 1 year. Start today!,” suggest researchers. 

Related: How A Gratitude Journal Can Help You Fight Negative Thinking

2. Say grace before meals

Saying grace before a Thanksgiving dinner is an age-old tradition that most of us still practice. However, we can use this tradition to express our gratitude for our family by adding a fun little twist – simply ask each family member at the dinner table to share what they are thankful for in the past year.

 Ways To Practice Gratitude With Your Loved Ones

Saying grace before a meal is a perfect opportunity for practicing gratitude by appreciating everyone who works hard to make our lives better – from our mother and spouse for cooking the Thanksgiving meal to the farmer and the clerk at our local grocery store who brought the food to us.

Saying grace allows us to be mindful and consider the contribution of everyone who we usually take for granted. 

3. Rampage of Appreciation

Suggested by New York Times bestselling author Abraham Hicks, this is one of the most popular ways of practicing gratitude that can be done by anyone. Start by observing your immediate environment and finding something that you find beautiful and pleasing.

Keep your attention focused on this object and appreciate how beautiful, fascinating and purposeful it is. Now the more you focus your attention on it and think about it, the more you will appreciate it and feel positive about it.

At this moment, become mindful of your thoughts and emotions and be grateful for the positive emotions you are feeling. When your positive feelings have become more intense than when you started, focus on something else in your environment that you find pleasing and beautiful.

Related: 3 Effects of Gratitude On The Brain and Body, According To Science

The concept of rampage of appreciation was introduced in the book ‘Ask And It Is Given’ by Abraham Hicks. This technique helps us focus on the energy of positive thoughts that we can use anywhere and anytime to boost our sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Based on the Law of Vibration, it helps us to tap into the energy and vibration of positive thoughts. You can do this exercise alone or with your family on thanksgiving or as a daily gratitude exercise.

practicing gratitude

4. Start a service project with your family

One of the best ways of practicing gratitude is serving and giving to others. And what can be better to make your thanksgiving special than conducting a charity or volunteering event with every member of your family.

When we serve the needy, we will be more thankful for what we have in our life and experience more positive feelings. In fact, studies have found that those who volunteer regularly experience better mental and physical health and individual wellbeing

So make sure to plan for a service project with your family members that everyone feels passionate about. You can start by –

  • Cooking and serving food at your local soup kitchen
  • Sharing food, old clothes & blankets with homeless people
  • Visiting and doing something nice for senior citizens residing at your local retirement facility
  • Cleaning up garbage from a polluted area in your neighborhood or the beach
  • Volunteering to care for and playing with dogs and cats in your local animal shelter

Related: 10 Things You Should Be Grateful For When Going Through Tough Times This Thanksgiving

Not sure how this is going to make you and your family more grateful during thanksgiving? Let me explain. Once you have participated in an act of service, ask each member about how they feel about efforts and actions related to helping others.

Most of them will feel grateful for what they have in their own lives and for having the ability to help others. The ability to make someone else happy is a great power that we all feel intrinsically thankful for. 

According to a 2016 study, altruistic behavior can have an immediate internal reward for the altruistic performer. It can promote our well-being, quality of life and increase our “internal psychological potential to cope with the intense threat and pursue positive results.

Further studies show that people who volunteer frequently have more respect for themselves and others, experience more positive emotions and lower negative emotions and experience  higher levels of well-being. Now that’s definitely something to feel grateful for on this thanksgiving day.

5. Paint a gratitude rock

Practicing gratitude with a rock? Yup. Ask each member of your family to get outside and find a piece of rock or a stone – something small and smooth that can easily fit in the pocket or a purse.

The goal is to carry the rock with you at all times so the size needs to be small enough to be carried conveniently. Once all members have picked a rock according to their liking, gather your family together and ask them to paint their respective rocks and decorate it.

The objective of these painted gratitude rocks is that these will act as a reminder for you to be more grateful. Every time you see the rock, whether while putting it into your purse or taking it out of your pocket, pause for a moment and think of something that you are grateful for.

It can be something as small as the beautiful weather on that day or something major like your recent promotion at work.

Related: 5 Ways Gratitude Improves Our Mental Health

This is one of the simplest gratitude exercises for thanksgiving that you can do with your family. The rock serves as a physical reminder for what you have in your life. It allows you to be mindful in your daily life by making you pause and practice gratitude.

Repeat the process with your family every day to think of something you are grateful for yesterday.

benefits of gratitude

5 More gratitude exercises for kids and adults for a Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some more  well-known gratitude exercises and activities that you can do with your whole family to improve your sense of thankfulness and gratefulness – 

6. Gratitude jar

Another great way for practicing gratitude is the gratitude jar. Decorate a gratitude jar and fill it with little notes of things you are grateful for. Over time you will have tons of things you are thankful for in your life.

7. Gratitude tree

Make a gratitude tree with your children by cutting out leaf shaped pieces from colorful papers and writing down things you are grateful for. Assemble all the pieces of paper leaves and glue them to a small branch or a twig to create your gratitude tree. You may also create a gratitude garden with multiple gratitude trees. You can do this with your children and with other adults.

Related: How To Make Entitled Kids Grateful: 7 Helpful Strategies

gratitude exercises

8. Gratitude reflection

Among all popular ways of practicing gratitude, the gratitude reflection is my favorite. Take a few deep breaths to relax yourself and be mindful of your environment. Now think about the things you are thankful for – your loved ones, career opportunities, personal health etc. Reflect upon all the good things you have in life and thank the universe for the precious gift called life.

9. Gratitude letter

This is one of the most powerful ways of practicing gratitude. Simply write a letter, whether hand-written or an email, to someone you are really thankful for having in your life. Be detailed and personal about their most admired traits and send it to them. It doesn’t have to be long, it just needs to be from your heart.

10. Gratitude photo collage

It’s time to use your selfies to good use with one of the most fun gratitude exercises. Take a selfie with all your family members whom you love and are thankful for having in your life, including your family dog. Now create a collage with the photos and share with your loved ones on your social media profiles. You can even print a few copies and thank them in person.

Related: Thanksgiving And Developing An Attitude Of Gratitude In Hard Times

Celebrate what you are thankful for!

practice gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time when we celebrate our gratefulness for the people and things that make our life meaningful and worth living. While some of us may not be as expressive as we might want to be around our family, we can still make an effort for practicing gratitude and show our loved ones how much they mean to us. 

These 10 ways to practice gratitude above can help you celebrate gratitude this thanksgiving with your family and friends and strengthen the bonds you share with your loved ones. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Related: 101 Things To Be Grateful For Today


Gratitude Exercises pin
Gratitude Exercises expin

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

How To Become A Better Father And Create Lasting Memories With Your Kids

How To Become A Better Father: Tips and Tricks

Wondering how to become a better father? It’s a question that has echoed through the ages, as fathers play a vital role in shaping the lives of their children. 

The journey of fatherhood is a unique and rewarding experience that requires patience, love, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Let us explore the essence of a good father and provide actionable tips on being a good father. 

Whether you are a new dad or have been on this journey for a while, this guide will serve as a compass to help you navigate the challenges and joys of fatherhood.

Who is a Good Father?



Up Next

Is Your Child Anxious? 3 Anxiety Symptoms In Children You Shouldn’t Ignore and How To Help

Anxiety Symptoms In Children You Shouldn't Ignore

Does your child struggle with irrational fears and worries? While these could be a normal part of growing up, they could also be signs of something more serious. Let’s take a look at anxiety symptoms in children.

As parents, we often strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for our children, but sometimes, we may overlook the subtle signs of mental health issues that they exhibit. Today, we are going to shed light on what causes anxiety in children, its signs, and how to treat anxiety in children.

By understanding these crucial aspects, we can provide the support and care our children need to navigate their anxiety and flourish.

What is Anxiety in Children?



Up Next

10 Signs Of Middle Child Syndrome: Lost In Between The Family Shuffle

Signs Of Middle Child Syndrome: Lost In Family Shuffle

Welcome to the world of ‘Middle Child Syndrome’, where birth order psychology meets the complex world of family dynamics. Imagine this: sandwiched between the attention-seeking elder sibling and a thoroughly pampered youngest one, is the middle child, who is often overlooked, and misunderstood, yet brimming with endless complexities.

If you are a middle child, you know exactly how it feels. It’s like you’re stuck between sky-high parental expectations and complex sibling rivalry.

This article is going to talk in-depth about the middle child syndrome, what is middle child syndrome and some of its most interes



Up Next

When Family Feels Like Foes: 12 Secret Signs Your Family Hates You And What To Do

Signs Your Family Hates You: Red Flags

Have you ever felt invisible, unloved, or unsupported within your own family? It’s a heartbreaking experience to realize that those who are supposed to be our closest allies may not prioritize our well-being. Let’s explore the signs your family hates you.

These signs indicate that your family may not care about you, and offer guidance on how to cope with this difficult situation. Remember, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to build a fulfilling life despite the absence of familial support.

When Your Family Doesn’t Care About You

Family is often considered the cornerstone of love, compassion, and belonging. How



Up Next

When Your Grown Child Hurts Your Feelings: 9 Healing Strategies Every Parent Needs To Know

What To Do When Your Grown Child Hurts Your Feelings: Tips

As parents, we invest our hearts and souls into raising our children, nurturing them with love, support, and guidance. However, as they grow into mature adults and carve their own paths, the dynamics of our relationship inevitably change. When your grown child hurts your feelings, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it can often be difficult to cope with.

This can leave us feeling confused, saddened, and unsure about how to navigate these emotional challenges. So today let us take a look at what to do when your grown child hurts your feelings so that you can heal yourself and your relationships.

How It Feels When Your Grown Child Hurts Your Feelings

Imagine this: You’ve poured your he



Up Next

Missing Home: How Do You Cure Homesickness And Find Comfort In Your New Environment?

How Do You Cure Homesickness? Tips to Rediscover Joy

Have you ever experienced that longing for home, that melancholic feeling that creeps in when you’re away from familiar surroundings? Homesickness is a common emotion that many of us have encountered at some point in our lives. But how do you cure homesickness?

Whether you’re a student studying abroad, a traveler exploring new horizons, or simply living away from home, homesickness can strike unexpectedly and leave you feeling vulnerable. 

Let us explore the concept of homesickness, understanding what does homesickness feel like, how long does homesickness last, and most importantly, how to deal with homesickness.

What is Homesickness?



Up Next

When Someone You Love Suffers From Borderline Personality Disorder: 10 Ways to Work Through The Guilt You Feel

Borderline Personality Disorder: Ways To Deal With BPD Guilt

Loving someone with borderline personality disorder can feel exhausting sometimes. And then comes the guilt. So what is this connection between borderline personality disorder and the guilt you feel? This article is going to focus on the connection between BPD and guilt, and why you feel the latter.

Your phone rings; you look down and her name appears on your screen. Sadly, you dread clicking over…and then comes the guilt.

Your history with her rushes into your mind as you wait for one more ring. You’re reminded of all the times that you’ve rushed to her side, comforted her, and told her you’d be there for her, while realizing over time that your caring would never be enough to shore up her fragile self-worth.