Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Gratitude Activity Jar

Around Thanksgiving we try to do crafts and activities that promote gratitude and focus on the things we have to be thankful for. Last year we did gratitude journals, but this year we're trying something a little more active -- Gratitude Activity Jars!


I asked Emily to name some of the things she was thankful for, and together we came up with a coordinating activity to go along with it. At first, we were just going to type these up and print them out, but I like to think that by physically writing these things down it sends more positive energy out into the universe. Mark would probably say that's just a bunch of new-age crap, but that's how I like to picture it, anyway!

Decorate your cards with stickers!!

Some of the cards we wrote:

I am thankful for.....
:: Dad -- Do something nice for Daddy.
:: Friends -- Make 1 new friend today.
:: Hugs -- Hug 3 people today.
:: Books -- Visit the library today.
:: Home -- Clean the guest bedroom, and invite a guest over to stay.
:: Play Time -- Invite a friend over to play.
:: Good Health -- Make a "Jared Box" to donate to the hospital.
:: Toys -- Donate a toy to Goodwill.
:: Clara -- Spend some time playing with your sister today.
:: Good Food -- Donate canned goods to the food pantry.
:: Pies -- Bake a pie for a neighbor.
:: Flowers -- Surprise someone with a special flower delivery.
:: Nature -- Play a fun game outside today.

.... and so on. The idea is to pick one card from the jar every day between now and Thanksgiving and do the activity on the card. Emily is looking forward to this with great anticipation!


Fill your jar with the cards....


...tie with a pretty bow....


.... and remember to take time to appreciate all the wonderful things in your life!

31 comments:

Mark said...

Dear Valerie,

I know how we can combine #1 and #11!

Love,
Mark

Songbird Mama said...

cute! we did something similar for my son's daddy....we made a daddy jar
and listed all the things we like to do with him and why we love him.
he takes it to work with him and when he feels the need he takes one out! it's a feel good jar....wishing i had one!

Anna said...

A very nice and thoughtful idea. I really like Lil Songbird Mama's too. Hmmmm sounds like a Father's day gift.

Beattie Family said...

Thanks! I was looking for a different thanskgiving countdown activity. Last year we did a thankful turkey, but this looks like fun in a constructive way!

Lynn said...

How fun! I love this idea. Probably over my little guy's head right now, but I'm going to star this one in my reader for "someday." Or, who knows, maybe we'll try it this year - can't hurt.

momandkiddo said...

I love this idea!

ginny said...

a lovely idea.. thank you for sharing this. practicing gratitude is definately in the air just now... which is great!

Christy Killoran said...

This is one of the nicest things I have ever seen!

onepinkfish said...

What an easy way to explain the concept of graditude/thankfulness.

I don't know how you keep up with everything. You seem to be so organized and put together. Any pointers? Please send them my way.

danita said...

you make me smile :)

Candice said...

Love this idea!!

tiziana said...

oh Valery, how you can have such ideas? very very nice!

5orangepotatoes said...

Wonderful! You have my vote by the way!

lisa

Demarcus Family said...

we have a gratitude tree, but I LOVE this more! Maybe next year when the kids are a little older. Thanks!!

Petula said...

I think I'll just have them draw pictures of things they're thankful for. I'm too lazy... uh, I mean busy... LOL. No, just kidding. That's a great idea. Pretty too.

Melissa said...

Such a great idea. You are always an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

Anonymous said...

I just read your fantastic post here and I am Re-posting it on our facebook page! It seems like we share the attitude that “Gratitude is good for you.” Grateful Nation is an online community that gives grateful people the opportunity and resources to connect, give back, and be thankful. Jump into the unending cycle of gratitude ~ http://www.gratefulnation.org



Thank you, Vanessa

Anonymous said...

I love this idea! So sweet :)

Louise said...

I've popped over from a link on Ginny's blog. Such a lovely idea. I don't have children, but there's no reason why an adult couldn't do just the same! x

Expressions by Heather said...

What a wonderful idea!

maryanne said...

Very nice idea - I like the combination of gratitude and giving.

Sophie said...

Lovely idea!

Unknown said...

How wonderful, I am going to use your idea, I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks...

Amy said...

This is amazing. You could post this on my blog today if you would like. I am having my Round Robin...

jennwa said...

That is one of the best ideas I have seen in a while. I think we are going to do this.

Val in the Rose Garden said...

Amazing! I will be copying this one. :)

Val

Amber said...

Oh this is such a nice idea!!! :D

Jenny said...

LOVE, LOVE this idea - I'm thinking about doing something like this while the kids are home from school this week. Thanks for the inspiration!

Natalie PlanetSmarty said...

I think it's an awesome idea. Adding to our list of ideas for the next year when Anna is 4.

Katie said...

I don't think I told you this the first time I read this post but this is such a good idea! I love how you made it accessible for younger kids.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this!!! Thank you!!!

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