Holiday Pillars

Cultivate Gratitude (Daily Practice)

Every day, family/group members write down (or ask a grownup to write for them) on a slip of paper something or someone they are grateful for: a sunny day, finally feeling healthy after an illness, a hug from a dear friend, the washing machine getting fixed, a delicious meal, learning how to tie their shoes - whatever it might be. The slips of paper are placed into a decorated Gratitude Jar (or box). This is most easily done at a family meal together but could be at any point during the day. You do not need to share what you are writing down unless you want to.

Support Community:  (Weekly Practice)

Each family/group member picks an organization to which they want to donate either time, goods, or funds, or an activity that will support the community. This might look like volunteering at a soup kitchen, dropping off canned goods at a pantry or organizing a food drive, or donating clothes or toys. It may be cleaning up a local park, picking up litter in your neighborhood or along the trail while hiking, making cards for hospitalized kids, or helping at a pet shelter. Anything that helps support your community is fair game. You can plan these out well in advance or decide them over the course of the holiday. Aim to do (at least!) one community-supporting activity a week during Gratimus.

Connect with Kindness

Seek out opportunities to connect in ways that require showing up a little more than you might otherwise. Bring soup to an ill friend, snowblow the neighbor's driveway when you do yours, invite a new co-worker out for a coffee or tea, send a card or note to an old friend, or call to let them know you're thinking of them... What would the most thoughtful version of you look like?