Giving an Attitude of Gratitude
It’s that time of year when you just completed collecting too much candy and the excitement of Halloween has dwindled like that very large candy supply. Before you begin to gear up for the next big Christmas holiday, don’t forget to be thankful.
As a mom there are never enough minutes in the day to get everything done. When I begin to think of the holiday season the to do lists collide into a mass stream that rivals Santa Clause’s naughty and nice list. But this month we need to pause and be grateful. Instilling gratitude in kids can also be daunting, but if you make it fun, a little inventory of appreciation can be something to be thankful for too.
Each year we like to decorate our playroom walls with leaves and write or draw whatever it is we are thankful for on them. It’s something we do together at the end of the year, so the kids make some as well as mom and dad. This year animal toys, nights with no homework and bananas made the list, but I also added everyday appreciation for jumping in leaves, warm blanket snuggles, and movie marathons as a family. I kept my gratefulness for long nap times, clean sheets and takeout dinners to myself.
Of course being filled with gratitude this time of year is often accompanied by the fullness of feasting. Our family loves getting together with extended family to celebrate, commiserate and eat. My specialty dish is the pumpkin pie and the kids love to help me dream up the silly or festive decorations that adorn the top. Baking together the day before Thanksgiving is definitely a family tradition, and we never forget to serve it up with extra Cool Whip on top!
We look back at what we’ve done throughout the year and then allow ourselves to get excited for the Christmas season that kicks off ahead. Keeping with an attitude of gratitude, our family combines all the fun by making a Christmas fun list to include collecting food for our local New Lenox Township Food Pantry and making our annual donations to Toys for Tots. New Lenox Township Food Pantry is located on Cedar Road just south of Illinois Hwy and accepts donations year round; you can call 815/485-6431 for more information or visit www.newlenox.org/family-services. Last year I helped my son’s classroom run a food drive through the month of December to donate. Toys for Tots accepts new unwrapped toys November 1 through December 5. We usually choose to pick up toys at a local store and drop them off at the New Lenox Fire Department on Route 30, soon followed by a celebration of hot chocolate.
This year we are also going to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will County Adopt a Family program, where you can contact BBBSWC to match you with a family of your size and budget to provide gifts for the holiday. The program runs from November 1 through December 9, and you can sign up anytime by calling 815/723-2227. This program combines some of my favorite holiday activities, giving back, shopping and wrapping! BBBSWC also is accepting sponsor donors for their Breakfast with Santa program to ensure all kids have a gift this holiday season. Both programs focus on toys and needs for the kids to ensure that donations are both fun and helpful. I am looking forward to shopping with my kids to pick out just the right gifts and starting off our holiday season with an attitude of gratitude.
Sometimes the adventure your most thankful for is the lesson you as a mom are able to instill in your kids. Never be afraid to try a little extra kindness and spread more love than worry, be brave mom, it’s worth it!
I’m Rebecca Barker… mom of two, wife and writer. I’ve lived in New Lenox most of my life and excited to share some of the adventures that go along with being a mom. Skip the nap, grab a snack, get creative and Be Brave Mom. For more follow me @bebravemom2 on Facebook; @Be_Brave_Mom on Twitter and https://bebravemom.blogspot.com
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