November is the New December

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Especially if you live in the Dakotas or go shopping. I think Santa is arriving in the malls around here very soon – what happened to Thanksgiving!?

While this holiday season may not be as joyful as others, November and Thanksgiving really are the best times to remind ourselves that there are many things we all should be thankful for.

As you get ready to celebrate the holidays this season, why not try a few things that may help you and your family keep an optimistic view on how good things really are.

Here are a few ideas on how to do this:

Start a Thankful Box
Decorate a shoe box and add a slit to its top. Every night or once a week, have everyone in the family write something he or she is thankful for on a small piece of paper. Then place the note in the special box and share what’s in the box on Thanksgiving.

Volunteer at a Food Shelter
This is especially good for children who sometimes forget how fortunate they are. Help serve or cook a meal or participate in a food drive. There are many ways we all can lend a hand without it costing us much more than time, and it may help keep things in perspective.

Thankful Journal
Start a journal of what you are thankful for each and every day. Add writing this thankful thought to your morning or evening routine and then read over them when you’re feeling a bit stressed about the day in and day out.

Articles and Quotes
When you see a quote or article that reminds you to be thankful, cut it out and hang it up where you can read it throughout the day.

Here are few quotes from the Farmers’ Almanac that may work well:

The best way to predict the future is to help create it.

A chicken doesn’t stop scratching just because worms are scarce.

Success is a journey, not a destination.

Every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.

Happy November.

Got any other suggestions? Share them here.

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