The Gratitude Jar
Who is bringing Gratitude this Holiday?
What have you been asked to bring to Thanksgiving this year? Perhaps you have been asked to bring pumpkin pie or mac and cheese or even green bean casserole? But how about bringing a Gratitude Jar instead? A Gratitude Jar is a beautiful new tradition you can start around the Thanksgiving table.
A Gratitude Jar is not just a jar to write what you are thankful for; it can be a way to honor and share with others the good you see inside them. It offers us a chance to write and tell someone what you’re thankful for in them and to tell them why. It provides an opportunity to share what we notice and appreciate about one another.
Creating a Gratitude Jar
Supplies Needed:
Jar (or a bowl)
Paper cut into small pieces
Pens, pencils, or markers for everyone around the table
You can keep it simple and use a plain jar or you can make it a little more festive. Using some bright colored paper, cut fancy edges with decorative scissors, or tie a ribbon around the jar – let your creative juices flow!
How it works
When you gather for Thanksgiving, give each person pieces of paper for the Gratitude Jar. Every person will then be writing a gratitude about each person at the table. For example, if there are 6 people at your meal, each person should get 5 pieces of paper.
At some point in your Thanksgiving dinner take time to have each person write one thing they are thankful for about each person at your event. Ask guests to be specific, we all know you are thankful for Mom, but what specifically are you thankful for that she does?
Once everyone has finished, collect the notes, fold them and place them in the jar.
Pass the jar around the table taking turns having everyone pull out a note and reading it out loud to their respective friends and family members. When you finish, everyone will feel full of gratitude and love!
A Gratitude Jar is a perfect way to create feelings of warmth and connection by sharing gratitude this Thanksgiving.
I’m grateful for you,
Jenny