It’s December already! Few more days and we’re going to welcome another year. Though Thanksgiving Day has passed, for me, each day is worth celebrating and thanking God for everything He’s done to my life and to my family. I welcome December filled with hope, gratitude, and happiness. It is a time of togetherness and for appreciation of our family and friends. I learned to live each day with joy and liveliness.

Last night before we go to bed, I teach Hyzyd a new memory verse (after he learnt 2 other memory verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and 17), 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” It reminded me how our dear mother used to teach us this memory verse and encouraged us to be thankful even we don’t have new dress for Christmas or Christmas dinner on Christmas Day as long as we have good health or that we’re still alive and kicking amidst financial challenges. This helps us develop a happy and thankful attitude.

This December, why not try to start your day with a thankful mindset. You can involve your family so that you can see how blessed your life is. To start, you read this post because you have computer and internet connection. Millions of people out there don’t have computers and internet connection.

1. Celebrate the gift of life. Every time you wake up in the morning, thank God for a new day. Lots of people didn’t wake up this day. Celebrate life, not only by saying “Thank You” but also by stepping out of the home to experience something fun (e.g., pick up your samsung digital cameras or your DSLR and explore the world of photography with your family, try family sport game, go hiking, pick wild flowers, appreciate the nature, watch sunsets and more!). Joy and happiness are the best vehicles to gratitude and a zest for life. You can ask all family members to write down one positive thing about each of the other family members they are grateful for. Decide to read these notes out loud when you are together at the dinner.

2. Cook together and eat together. Cooking and eating are important for human bonding. Sharing a meal with others is what makes the food even more enjoyable. This is an opportunity to share your daily experiences (the good and the bad) with those you love and those who love you the most. Why not organize a tea party every Sunday afternoon. You can invite your friends too. It’s a good time to catch-up with each others life within the week. Share your gratitude with each other. When we share positive ideas with people we grow closer to them. Remember that food is more than just nutrition for the body and brain. It is nutrition for the mind and soul. 

3. Build family connections. Christmas time is a good time to put aside any family disputes. Model good family relations to your children so they can grow up and value the relationships they have with their siblings and extended family. 

4. Be thankful for your family. Use this month to remember all the positives about everyone and to recall all the positives they have done for you. Find a subtle way to tell everyone what you appreciate about this family member and watch his or her attitude change that night. This is a great opportunity to show your kids how family can connect.

5. New and old tradition. Sometimes it’s just easier not to cook the traditional favorites or put up the decorations. But believe it or not, this little, seemingly unimportant traditions are what we crave and what we remember from our youth. Celebrate your yearly traditions and think about developing a new tradition that incorporates the uniqueness of your family! As a family unit, what is your strength and what are your interests (e.g., using arts and crafts, visually represent what each of you is thankful for)? Use your family’s uniqueness to establish a new yearly ritual.