Encouraging Gratitude: Fun Family Rituals to Nurture Appreciation at Christmas

Amid all the sparkle and chaos, discover simple rituals to help your family find the magic of gratitude this Christmas

Let’s be honest, gratitude can feel a bit lost amid the glitter, wrapping paper, and endless to-do lists of Christmas. Between the excitement of presents, parties, and puddings, it is easy for children (and adults) to slip into “I want” mode instead of “I’m thankful” mode. And yet, when we help children nurture a genuine sense of gratitude, we are giving them a gift that lasts far longer than anything under the tree.

Gratitude does not mean forcing our children to say thank you through gritted teeth, or telling them they should feel lucky because “some children have nothing.” It is about helping them notice the good, appreciate small moments, and recognise kindness, even when things do not go perfectly. The beauty of gratitude is that it can be fun, simple, and woven into your family’s festive traditions without feeling forced or preachy.

Start with Stories and Conversations

Christmas is full of natural opportunities for storytelling, and gratitude grows beautifully through stories. Share moments from your own childhood; what you loved, what you remember, what small things meant the most. Children love hearing about the time Dad made mince pies that looked like UFOs or when Grandma knitted everyone mismatched jumpers. These stories remind them that joy does not always come from perfection or possessions, but from shared moments and laughter.

At the dinner table or before bed, ask open questions: “What made you smile today?” or “What was one kind thing someone did for you?” You will be surprised at how even small children can reflect deeply when given the space to do so.

The Gratitude Jar

This one is simple but powerful. Find a jar, decorate it together, and keep it somewhere visible. Each evening in December, invite everyone to write down one thing they are grateful for: big or small. From “my new socks” to “Mum’s hot chocolate,” everything counts.

On Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, sit together and read them aloud. It is a lovely way to reflect on the season and see just how many moments of joy you have gathered. For little ones who cannot write yet, they can draw or dictate their thoughts to you.

Nightly Reflections

Bedtime can be a golden opportunity to anchor gratitude into your day. Once the chaos of the evening has calmed, ask your child, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What are you thankful for tonight?”

You can also model it by sharing your own reflections. “I am grateful we all managed to walk the dog in the rain without complaining” or “I loved seeing you help your sister with her wrapping.” It is not about perfection; it is about presence. The more you model noticing small joys, the more naturally your children will begin to do the same.

Give Back Together

Another powerful way to nurture gratitude is through giving. This does not have to mean grand gestures. It could be donating outgrown toys, baking biscuits for a neighbour, or leaving a thank-you note for the postie who delivers in the freezing cold.

When children see generosity in action, they learn that gratitude and giving are deeply connected. It helps them shift focus from what they receive to what they can offer. These acts of kindness build empathy, compassion, and a sense of community, qualities that truly embody the spirit of Christmas.

Capture the Moments

If your family loves photos, turn gratitude into a creative project. Create a “12 Days of Gratitude” challenge where each day you take a picture of something you appreciate, a person, a view, a cosy moment. At the end, you will have a mini gratitude gallery to look back on whenever you need a reminder of what really matters.

Keep It Playful

The key to building a gratitude practice with children is to keep it light-hearted. Gratitude scavenger hunts (“Find three things that make you smile!”), thank-you dances, or “I appreciate you because…” games all work wonders. Children are much more likely to engage when it feels fun rather than like a life lesson in disguise.

Remember, Gratitude Is a Muscle

Just like any muscle, gratitude grows stronger with regular use. Some days it will come easily, other days it might take effort, especially when someone has just spilt juice on the festive tablecloth. That is okay. Every time we pause, notice, and name something good, we are training our minds (and our children’s minds) to focus on what is working rather than what is missing.

So, as the holidays roll in, make space for laughter, connection, and a sprinkle of gratitude. It might just become your favourite family tradition, one that keeps giving long after the decorations are packed away.

Anisa Lewis is a Parenting and Family Coach who helps busy families raise happy and confident children through curiosity, connection, and communication.