Fall has a way of slowing us down before the holiday rush. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and we begin to reflect on the year that’s passing. Gratitude practices become a grounding rhythm, reminding us of God’s presence in our lives and helping us notice the everyday gifts we might otherwise miss.
For me, gratitude often shows up in simple ways: pausing with my afternoon tea to reflect or noticing the colors of the fall leaves. Sometimes it’s as small as giving thanks for my cat curling up beside me while I read, or as big as celebrating an answered prayer. Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Let’s be intentional with our gratitude this year as we prepare for the holiday season.
Some gratitude practices you might try:
Personal gratitude practices
- Daily gratitude journal: Each day, jot down three things you’re thankful for. I like to keep mine short and simple. If journaling isn’t for you, then make a mental list. Better yet, verbalize it with a partner. We can hold each other accountable for looking for good things in our lives.
- Gratitude walk: Take a walk and name what you see, hear, and feel as gifts. Colorful leaves, birdsong, or the smile of a neighbor. I walk outside often for exercise, and sometimes I’m so caught up in completing the distance that I forget to appreciate my surroundings. What a loss! I will strive to notice the beauty of nature around me. Enjoy the view. Appreciate the experience beyond the exercise.
- Prayer of thanks: Spend a few moments each day thanking God for specific blessings. Even the difficulties we face can be a source of thanksgiving. We can be grateful for what we’ve learned, how a situation has stretched us, how others were there for us, or how God was present with us, among other things. I appreciate these verses (below) because they reinforce how intertwined peace and thanksgiving are. Thankfulness transforms us.
Family and friends
- Sharing at the table: Invite everyone to name something they’re thankful for during meals. We do this on Thanksgiving, and it always sparks good conversation. Why not make it a regular habit? It lays a positive foundation for discussion.
- Weekly notes of thanks: Write one thank-you note or text each week to someone who has encouraged you. I love doing this; it brightens their day and mine. Bonus: it gives you an excuse to buy some pretty note cards. 🙂 Of course, the biggest bonus is that it nurtures your relationships.
- Gratitude jar: Place a jar on the counter and encourage family members to add slips of paper with things they’re grateful for. Read them aloud on Thanksgiving. Next year, we should start this earlier in the year. We’ll be better aware of our blessings, and remembering them would be heartwarming.
Community and beyond
- Acts of kindness: Let gratitude spill over into action by doing something thoughtful for a neighbor, friend, or stranger. Stop for a short visit with someone who can’t go out. Drop off baked goods, produce, or candy. Invite someone for coffee or tea. Find dozens of ideas in this article by Reader’s Digest.
- Support local ministries: Donate food, clothing, or funds to a local pantry or shelter. I can always find items around the house that I no longer need or want but that would bless someone else. I keep a box handy to collect these things, and then I drop it off at a donation center when it’s full. Win-win!
- Volunteer: Give your time as a way of expressing thanks for all you’ve received. Even a small commitment can make a difference. I especially like volunteering at agencies where I can talk with the people coming in for assistance. Our community has an overnight shelter for homeless men, and we enjoy bringing dinner for the group. We all share the meal together. They rave about the simplest fare! I also volunteer regularly at a food pantry. The clients never fail to leave me feeling encouraged. Where do you enjoy volunteering in your community?
Closing thought
As we move into Advent, gratitude practices can shape how we prepare our hearts. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance God has already provided. My hope is that these practices encourage you, as they have me, to notice God’s gifts and carry a spirit of thankfulness into the season ahead.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve found meaningful gratitude practices. What ideas do you have?
Other seasonal posts:
- holiday traditions from around the world
- cozy calendar: fun fall checklist
- homemade holiday gift ideas: simple treats and crafts to share this season
- the best holiday romance books for comfy and cozy reading
- Advent study: light in the margins
Other posts you may like:
- The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar: five stars!
- the Lord’s Prayer throughout scripture
- The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn: a five-star masterpiece!
- imaginative contemplation
- 18 notable parks in the Midwest
- orange ricotta cake with olive oil and cardamom
- sightseeing in Seoul
- cultivate presence: start on the porch
- lovely hummingbird themed gift ideas
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: five stars!
- Caitlin Clark: a gamechanger on and off the court
Fondly,
Crysti
