25 Ways to Show Gratitude

As November approaches (I know it snuck up on me too), so does the holiday season.  I love this time of year.  Not only is it pretty with all the falling leaves and yes even snow but there is something in the air.  People tend to be more giving and kind.  Families gather and celebrations commence.  It is a time for reflection on all we did and received throughout the year and a time to set new goals.  

In November I try to spend a little bit of extra time being aware of all the blessings I have received in my life. Sometimes though just thinking about them isn't enough.  I grew up being taught that we need to show our gratitude.  Sure I hold the door open for the person behind me and say thank-you to the person taking my order but I can do better.

So I came up with a list of 25 ways I can go out of my way this holiday season to show gratitude for the wonderful life I have been given.

Some ideas are ways to show gratitude for those who I am closest too and make the biggest difference in my life.  Other ideas are for those people who make my life a little bit easier or more pleasant but that I may not personally be acquainted with.  Finally there are even a couple items on my list to show gratitude for myself.  Too often I am most own biggest critic and forget to think about the good things I can do.

25 Ways to Show Gratitude

1.)   Call someone and tell them you love them or why they mean so much to you

2.)   Write a letter to someone
3.)   Deliver a gift to a neighbor
4.)   Deliver a gift to a family member
5.)   Try extra hard to resist the urge to complain, gossip, and/or be negative in anyway

        that day

6.)   Give someone a genuine compliment
7.)   Write a blog post dedicated to someone who has made a difference in your life
8.)   Give a larger tip then normal
9.)   Try and pass along a smile with everyone you may meet that day
10.) Write a positive review for a business of some sort
11.)  Take balloons to a child
12.)  Invite someone over for dinner
13.)  Take a treat to someone
14.)  Write a list of things you are proud you've done
15.)  Write a list of 20 things you are grateful for that day
16.)  Give 3 heartfelt Thank-Yous
17.)  Send a post card
18.)  Put a sticky note somewhere random to brighten someone's day
19.)  Give an anonymous donation of whatever you can afford
20.)  Open the door for others wherever you are
21.)  Take food to a homeless person or donate to your local food bank/soup kitchen
22.)  Write a Thank-You to someone in your community who makes it a better or

         safer place to live

23.)  Leave an area cleaner than when you found it
24.)  Write a list of 10 characteristics, qualities, or features you like about yourself
25.)  Go out your way to do a chore or service for someone in your family

The best part is that I can do all of the things on my list by myself OR with my family.  

I'm excited to start checking items of my list and even have a craft coming in the next day or two to incorporate this list.

How do you show gratitude?  What would you add to the list? 

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