Raising grateful kids: 4 ways to model thankfulness this holiday season

As the holidays approach, life can feel like one big checklist—school projects, practices, fundraisers, gift lists. But in the middle of the rush, it’s worth asking: How can parents help kids feel thankful, not just busy?

Gratitude grows strongest when kids see it in action. Here are four simple ways to model and teach thankfulness as a family before the holidays begin:

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1. Say “thank you” out loud

The best lessons start with what kids see you do every day. Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand—it just needs to be spoken.

• On the way to practice: “I’m grateful for such nice weather to play outside.”
• After cleaning the house: “Thank you for doing chores. I’m grateful for your help.”
  At dinner: “I’m so thankful for great food to keep our bodies strong.”
  
  

When you express genuine thanks in real moments, your children learn that gratitude is an everyday habit, not a holiday event.

Try this: When getting kids ready for bed or tucking them in at night, tell them one thing that made you happy that day. Then give them a chance to share something they’re thankful for as well.

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2. Create a visible gratitude anchor

Busy families need visual reminders of what matters. Try setting up something simple your kids can see during their everyday routines—it helps make gratitude part of daily life, not just a special occasion.

• A gratitude jar to collect everyday “thank yous” to be opened on Thanksgiving or Christmas to reflect on all the good things your family has experienced
• A shared stuffed animal that only comes out during gratitude moments—when someone holds it, it’s their turn to share something they’re thankful for
• A gratitude board or sheet of paper where you write things your family has appreciated that day or week

When gratitude is visible, it becomes part of your family rhythm. Younger kids see it take shape; older ones help it grow.

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3. Send “thank you” cards

The holidays bring a season of giving—and with it, a wave of new toys, gifts, and surprises that make their way into your home. It’s the perfect time to slow down and help kids connect those moments of receiving with the practice of saying thank you.

Writing thank you cards together helps kids understand that gifts aren’t just about what they get—they’re about the love, effort, and thought behind each one. It turns a simple “thanks” into something lasting and heartfelt.

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4. Participate in an act of service before the end of the year

Gratitude grows deeper when it’s shared, and the end of the year is the perfect time to act on it. Encourage your family to take part in a simple act of service before the holidays wrap up. It doesn’t need to be big to make a difference.

• Pick up a few extra canned goods during your next grocery trip and donate them to a local food pantry
• Find a family-friendly service event through your school, church, or community center
• Help your kids choose a few gently used toys or clothes to donate before they receive anything new

Acts of service remind kids that gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful—it’s about turning appreciation into action. When families give together, everyone experiences how good it feels to make someone else’s season a little brighter.

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Raising grateful kids

The holidays can bring a lot of motion—games, events, and endless to-dos—but small gratitude habits can make this season feel calmer and more connected. By modeling thankfulness, you’re not just getting through the holidays—you’re shaping how your kids experience them.

These four family gratitude practices before the holidays are simple ways to raise grateful kids and bring meaning back to busy days. Say “thank you” out loud. Make gratitude visible. Send thank you cards. Turn it into action.

When families lead with gratitude, kids learn to see the good, share appreciation, and give back to the people around them. That’s what makes every season—especially the holidays—more joyful and grounded.

Start one gratitude habit this week, and watch how quickly it changes the tone of your home.

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