Holiday Hope -- Week 2: "Embracing Joy and Gratitude: Celebrating the Season with a Grateful Heart"

As we enter into the second week in our Holiday Hope series, we will be reflecting on how to embrace joy and gratitude this season. For me, this has been a time of revisiting childhood memories and creating new traditions as an adult and a parent. The joy of Christmas has always been memorable, whether it was the twinkle of lights on the tree, the smell of freshly baked cookies, or the excitement of Santa’s arrival. While I may not have fully grasped gratitude as a small child, I do remember my parents' gentle reminders to say "thank you" as we unwrapped gifts.

Now, as a mom, my joy comes from watching my kids decorate the tree, bake holiday treats, and eagerly search for their elves each morning. This year, I wanted to add a new layer of meaning to our celebrations—something that would help ground us in the true spirit of Christmas. So, we started a new tradition: an advent devotional as a family. Each evening at dinner, we read the Bible verse for the day and reflect on the questions provided in the devotional. It's a moment that encourages us to shift from the busyness of “doing” to simply “being,” connecting with each other and with what the season is truly about.

Navigating the holiday season as a divorced mom, where my kids are only with me half the time, brings its own challenges. Yet, I’m committed to finding creative ways to embrace the season, whether we’re all together or apart. Even when the kids are not here, I keep up with the devotional myself, ensuring that the practice becomes an integral part of our lives, no matter who is present.

Another way we’ve found to express gratitude is through a simple but meaningful activity. I put up a dry-erase board in the kitchen with the words “I am thankful” written at the top. Whenever the kids see it, they add what they’re grateful for, filling it with words and phrases that make them smile. I also take time to update the board when they’re not here, so that when they return, they see what I’ve been thankful for in their absence. This small act of reflection has become a powerful reminder that gratitude is all around us, even in the moments we might miss.

As we go through this season, I hope you’ll join me in embracing joy and gratitude in your own unique way. Whether you start a new family tradition or simply take time each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life, remember that joy and gratitude can transform not only the holiday season but the way we experience life itself.

Here are some tips you can begin to embrace more joy and gratitude into your life:

1. Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you're grateful for. They don't have to be grand; even simple moments, like the taste of a warm drink or a smile from a loved one, can shift your focus to what really matters. CLICK HERE to shop for one of our gratitude journals, or visit our website at chaoscoffeelove.com to order.  

2. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to pause, breathe, and be fully present. Whether it’s while sipping your morning coffee or watching the snow fall outside, taking time to be in the moment can help you find joy in the simple things.

3. Create a Gratitude Board: Just like the dry-erase board in my kitchen, put up a board or a wall hanging where you and your family can write what you’re thankful for. Seeing these notes can brighten your day and remind everyone of the blessings around them.

4. Have a Family Gratitude Conversation: At dinner or before bedtime, share one thing you’re grateful for that day. Encourage your family members, especially kids, to express what made them happy or thankful. It’s a simple way to bond and help everyone focus on the positive.

5. Reflect on Your Favorite Holiday Memories: Spend a few moments reminiscing about the best holiday memories you have. What made them special? Was it the people, the food, the laughter? By reflecting, you can appreciate what makes this season so meaningful.

6. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping others is a powerful way to cultivate gratitude. Whether it’s donating to a local food bank, volunteering at a shelter, or simply helping a neighbor, giving back reminds us of what we have and fosters empathy and joy.

7. Unplug and Connect: Take time to unplug from screens and spend quality time with those around you. Whether it’s playing board games, singing carols, or enjoying a meal together, these moments of connection build lasting memories.

8. Start a New Tradition: Introduce a new family ritual that emphasizes gratitude and joy. This could be as simple as lighting a candle each evening while sharing one thing you’re thankful for or starting a “12 Days of Gratitude” countdown leading up to Christmas.

9. Savor the Small Moments: Find joy in the little things—listening to holiday music, walking in the crisp winter air, or enjoying the first bite of a holiday cookie. When we slow down, we notice and appreciate these small but significant moments.

10. Be Kind to Yourself: The holiday season can be stressful, so don’t forget to extend grace to yourself. Allow yourself to rest when needed and avoid the pressure of “doing it all.” Acknowledging your own efforts and limitations is a form of gratitude for your body and mind.

How will you reflect on the joy & gratitude this season? Join me in my vlog series on my YouTube channel as I connect daily during this Holiday Hope series: www.youtube.com/@megan.lifecoach

Have a joyful week!