After a whirlwind 2020, Thanksgiving has arrived with a refreshing reminder to be thankful for the people, opportunities and moments that have brought us to where we are today. During a year filled with ups and downs, it’s especially important to keep gratitude top of mind.
The act of appreciating and returning others’ kindness is not only a way to get in the holiday spirit, but it has been proven to be tied to many benefits. For instance, Harvard Medical School found acknowledging the good in one’s life strongly correlates with greater happiness. Additional studies have also connected the dots between gratitude and strengthened relationships as partners who express thanks to each other also feel more comfortable communicating through their concerns. Finally, practicing gratitude positively impacts your mental health and well-being, while also boosting chances of success.
All these great benefits are not far out of reach. Take advantage of the small and large acts of kindness below to intentionally incorporate gratitude into your Thanksgiving celebration.
Share your Gratitude
Donate Your Time
Explore platforms such as Volunteer Match, to explore opportunities near you to donate your time and talent. If you’re looking for a more relaxed opportunity to give back on your own time, look to your community. Offer to help your neighbors rake their leaves, mow the lawn or even shovel snow. This will take the weight off your neighbors’ shoulders and leave you feeling accomplished for spending your time in a productive, selfless way all while enjoying the fall weather.
Give Back
Take advantage of returning home for the holidays to sort old clothes, home goods and food to donate to food banks and donation centers.
If you can’t find anything in your home to give, consider bringing holiday cheer to those who need it by creating a Thanksgiving basket. Visit your grocery store and invest in a box of mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy, canned vegetables and cranberries, a pie, canned soup, card games, gift cards, a blanket or toiletries to package the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Once the basket is made, distribute it locally and spread the joy.
Express Your Gratitude
Life is too short to hold back your appreciation for others. If someone does something kind for you or you feel thankful to have them in your life, make that known. If you don’t feel comfortable verbally acknowledging someone, write down daily moments you are grateful for or send a quick text to a friend, family member or coworker to let them know you appreciate them.
Write Letters
With COVID-19 still very present during this season, Thanksgiving Day may look different for many families worldwide. In an effort to keep in touch with distant family or friends, sit down and write a Thanksgiving card to express your thanks for having them in your life.
Pay it Forward
Random acts of kindness are a simple solution to incorporate into your day to make other people feel special. On your next coffee or food run, offer to pay for the next person in line or grab an extra treat to surprise a friend with. Either way you will put a smile on an unknowing person’s face. Another approach to pay it forward is to leave your server a well-deserved holiday tip. Instead of leaving the standard 20% show your appreciation for their hard work with a 25%, 30% or higher tip.
Spread the Celebration
Thanksgiving will look different this year due to hesitations surrounding travel. With that said, some people will not be able to celebrate the holidays with their relatives or closest friends. If you know anyone experiencing this situation, extend a dinner invite or make double to share. No one wants to spend the holidays alone and with your help, they won’t have to.
We are so thankful for our Burkhart family and the work that we are able to produce for our clients. Contact us today if you are interested in partnering with our tight-knit team.
