Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships, according to Harvard University.
In 2017, our family started the “Thankful Jar” tradition during November. The idea came from our cousin Amanda Knutson.
Since then, each year, we put out the jar with note pads and pens readily available. As time marches through the Thanksgiving season, we drop our thankful thoughts into the pot.
Then after Thanksgiving, as we begin to decorate for Christmas, we gather together and read the notes collected. This tradition has brought more happiness to our lives than we can explain.
Typically the jar is placed in the glass kitchen cabinet with the notes inside as a little reminder throughout the year to be thankful. Then, when November rolls around again, I put the old records in a plastic zip-lock, with the year noted. The notes from each year are stored in a decorated shoe box as the empty jar collects the new thoughts of gratitude.
This morning, as my husband and I were talking about the overwhelming events taking place recently and how to focus on the positive, we decided to pull out the jar and not wait until November.
Now, on our kitchen counter sits the empty jar with its pens and paper awaiting little notes to drop in. Also on the bar is the box containing all the letters from 2017 up to 2019. During this time of high stress, it may be helpful to read the past notes together as a family or individually when we need a little smile or joyful boost.
When the outbreak is over, we will read our 2020 notes together, or we may decide to wait until Thanksgiving. Either way, we are hoping it will help morale at our house.
Anyone wanting to start this tradition may do so quickly. Also, it doesn’t have to be just for home. Businesses may do this too.
The following are the steps.
- Get a container.
- Decorate it and label it as a Thankful Jar or a Blessing Basket, etc.
- Place it in a high traffic area of your home or business.
- Make sure there are supplies such as pens and note pads beside the container.
- Don’t put rules on the idea. Everyone may participate at their own level. It shouldn’t be mandatory to drop notes in daily, etc.
- Look for ideas to write on the notes. Things to be thankful for that may otherwise go unnoticed may be added, or maybe people and things that are not appreciated enough need to be written down.
- Set a date or time to go through the notes together.
From our family to yours, we wish you all happiness and wellness.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Smith
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