Showing Gratitude This Holiday Season

This time of year is busy for many. Between searching for the perfect gifts for loved ones, preparing holiday meals, and running from one gathering to the next, just getting through the day’s tasks can feel like an Olympic feat.

With such hectic calendars, it can be difficult to find the time to press “pause” and reflect. But gratitude lies at the very heart of what makes this season so special. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate all you have received and all you have to give; a time to show friends, family, and your community how much you care.

Amidst the rush, small acts of appreciation and kindness can go a long way. Here are a few simple ways to show gratitude this holiday season, helping us remember to slow down and make time to spread some cheer.

Shop, Dine, and Enjoy Locally

 

Local shops truly feel the impact of each individual purchase.

Every gift you find, every meal and coffee you enjoy, and every service you book close to home is a chance to support your community and those who make it so special.

Whether it’s groceries, a gift, a decoration, or a treat to help elevate your holiday gathering, searching first at local establishments is a simple and impactful way to uplift your corner of the world.

Always remember to tip well, be kind, and spread cheer. 

A simple “Thank you” and “How are you?” can put a smile on someone’s face, and maybe even start a friendship that makes a local destination feel like a second home.

 

Start a Gratitude Journal

 

Reflect on all that you have and are grateful for with a gratitude journal!

This practice also acts as an archive you can look back on in the future. It can be as formal or informal as you like.

Many people set aside a few minutes each day to write a small list of things they are grateful for.

It could be a moment that made you feel a little lighter, something you’ve been looking forward to, or an everyday occurrence you savored.

Having a dedicated journal, notebook, or other place to jot this down can help it feel extra special.

If you are feeling inspired to live more mindfully, you can take a unique approach with a “junk journal.”

As you go through your day, collect receipts, napkins, magazine cutouts, or other memorabilia that will remind you of meaningful moments. Then, add them to your journal and make notes.

Regardless of your method, one awesome thing about gratitude journaling is that, like all forms of journaling, it’s personal to you, so do it however feels best for you!

Treat a Loved One to a Meal or Drink

 

If you’re looking for a heartfelt idea to show gratitude for someone in your life, treating them to a meal or drink together can be an easy way to show your appreciation.

This gives you time to connect over food you both enjoy, whether it’s sushi, artisanal sandwiches, a sweet treat, or a glass of wine.

It is also an opportunity to take a step back during this busy time of year to focus on your connection and honor the importance of your relationship.

Create a Physical Reminder of Everything You’re Grateful For

Having tangible representations of the things that inspire you and lift you up can keep you grounded.

Looking at them can bring to mind moments of joy, appreciation for what you have, and love for the people, places, and things that bring fullness to your life. 

There are so many ways you can create these reminders and incorporate them into your daily routine.

For example, you could create a mood board or collage of everything that you love! Print images or cut out photos from postcards and prints to make a mixed-media representation of cherished memories.

Include anything that brings you joy, whether it be postcards from an incredible vacation, pictures of pets, or a note from a loved one.

You could also print some small photos of the people you love to keep in your office, your car, or your wallet. This way, you see them every time you step out of the house and you are easily reminded of how thankful you are for them.

Focusing your mind on what you are thankful for can have a profound effect on how you operate throughout the day. While being reminded of what we love is beneficial to our own well-being, it can also positively impact how we interact with the world!

 

Send a Card

 

To show a little extra care and intention to your inner circle this season, send a holiday card.

This can include highlights from your year and anything else you feel is important to share with them. Sharing your life with others is an easy way to communicate that they are important to you.

You could also extend your holiday greetings to those you’re less close to. Consider delivering a card to your next-door neighbor, a barista who always gets your coffee order just right, or a healthcare worker who helped you this year.

This simple act can show your gratitude for the role these people play in your life, be it big or small, and add a little surprise and delight to their day.

 

Do Something To Care for Yourself

 

When it comes to showing appreciation, we are usually great at showing gratitude to others; however, we often forget to take time to show appreciation for ourselves!

The holiday season, in particular, is largely spent giving time, energy, and gifts to others, all of which are incredibly important.

A massage from Remedy Spa and a manicure from Carmel Nail Bar offer the perfect occasions to invest in yourself.

However, the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” is true, so it’s vital that you make time for self-care.

Take some time to think about what would fill your cup.

Do you need a quiet night at home? Maybe it would feel rejuvenating to treat yourself to a spa day, haircut, or manicure.

Or, perhaps it would feel best to check off some items on your to-do list, like going to the eye doctor or updating your insurance.

In a season focused on giving to others, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to something, too, whether it’s a new piece of clothing or a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

 

Give the Gift of Thanks This Season

The most meaningful gifts we give are the ones that come from the heart.

Gratitude is one of the simplest and most heartfelt gifts a person can give: gratitude for who people are, gratitude for the things they’ve done, and gratitude for the things we share together.

And gratitude becomes all the more meaningful when it’s shared with those who are closest to us.

As you take time to reflect on all the special people and things you have in life, consider how you can show genuine appreciation within our Carmel community.

A shared meal, an act of kindness, or a simple note of appreciation can help us all stay grounded in the spirit of generosity this time of year.