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With the holidays on the horizon, fostering an atmosphere of gratitude is especially important. Gratitude or thankfulness shouldn%u2019t be a one-time experience. Research shows that practicing gratitude increases levels of happiness and optimism, improves sleep, and decreases stress, depression, and aggression. Additionally, gratitude can increase positive traits like self-esteem and resilience.Everyone, especially kids, can benefit from these things. Fostering gratitude in your family can also lead to a more positive and harmonious household.If you%u2019re ready to cultivate gratitude in your family, here are some practical steps you can take with your family:1 Lead by Example: Start by showing gratitude yourself. Express appreciation for the things others do for you, and be vocal about what you%u2019re thankful for. Let your kids hear you model gratitude.2 Start a Gratitude Journal: Encourage each family member to keep a gratitude journal. This can be a notebook or a digital document where they write down things they are grateful for each day. You can even create a family gratitude journal, poster, or jar where you all contribute things you are grateful for.3 C reate a Gratitude Ritual: Establish a daily or weekly ritual where everyone shares something they are grateful for. This could be during mealtime or before bedtime.4 Practice Mindfulness: Encourage your family to be present and notice things in the moment. This can help them appreciate small gifts and blessings they might otherwise overlook.5 Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate small wins and accomplishments like reading a few pages of a book or making a basket while shooting hoops. Acknowledge efforts and achievements, no matter how minor.6 E ncourage Acts of Kindness:Promote acts of kindness within the family and towards others. It could be as simple as helping with chores or showing kindness to a neighbor. Acts of kindness toward strangers can be a fun challenge for kids to participate in!7 Volunteer Together: Participate in community service or volunteer activities as a family. Serving together is a great way to engage with people and grow in gratitude. This can help your family gain perspective and appreciate the people or places around them.8 L imit Possessions: Encourage experiences over material possessions. Teach your family to value relationships, experiences, and memories over acquiring things. Celebrate the time you have with people and the experiences you have.9 Reflect on Challenges:When faced with difficulties, chat about the lessons you learned from the situation. Talk about what there is to be grateful for, even in difficult seasons.By Rebecca Hastings18 alaska parent fall 2025 AlaskaParent.com