Make a Thankfulness List for Advent

Your kids might have a list of things they want for Christmas. As an Advent activity, ask them to make a list of things they already have that they are thankful for.

Teaching kids about gratitude during the holidays helps them appreciate what they have. While it’s normal for kids to think about what they want, it’s also good for them to be grateful for what they have.

Making a thankfulness list is an easy family activity. It helps kids think about what they are grateful for, like love, health, and friendships, instead of just material things.

This activity reminds kids of the good things in their lives and can help them feel content. It encourages them to find joy in the present and notice the small things.

When the whole family makes thankfulness lists together, it can lead to good conversations. Everyone can share what they are grateful for and learn from each other.

In the following sections, we’ll talk about how to create a thankfulness list that includes the whole family.

Creating a thankfulness list can be linked to important Bible themes and Catholic teachings. Gratitude is a key part of faith. The Bible often speaks of giving thanks to God for His blessings. This practice also helps youth grow in their faith and understand God’s goodness more deeply.

When youth create thankfulness lists, they learn to focus on God’s gifts, both big and small. This supports themes in youth ministry, like appreciation, joy, and seeing God’s hand in everyday life. It helps them shift from what they want to what they already have, building a sense of contentment and trust in God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also emphasizes gratitude:

“Every joy and suffering, every event and need can become the matter for thanksgiving” (CCC 2648).

Encouraging youth to recognize their blessings can make faith feel real and personal. It also fosters a spirit of gratitude, making them more aware of God’s presence in their lives.

This activity can enhance youth ministry by encouraging honest reflection, sharing, and prayer. It builds a positive atmosphere where young people grow in faith and community.

Gratitude is important for our spiritual and emotional health. The Bible talks about gratitude often, showing its value in our relationships with God and others. Teaching children about gratitude aligns with Catholic teachings and helps them grow in many ways.

When children practice gratitude, they learn to focus on what they have instead of what they lack. This shift helps them feel more content and joyful in the present. It also reduces feelings of entitlement.

As Christmas approaches, gratitude ties in with Catholic values like love, kindness, and giving. It teaches children that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the non-material gifts, such as love, compassion, and family. This helps children develop empathy and generosity.

Gratitude also helps children handle life’s challenges. It builds resilience by encouraging them to find good, even in hard times. It also fosters humility, as they learn to appreciate the efforts of others.

Next, we will discuss how to make a family thankfulness list with simple steps and examples. This activity can help children grow in gratitude and understand the true spirit of Christmas.

Step 1: Set Aside Time

Choose a specific time to focus on gratitude together. It could be during a family meal, before bed, or in a quiet moment. Setting this time helps everyone focus on being thankful.

Step 2: Start with Tangible Things

Begin by listing things you can see or touch that make you happy. These could be toys, books, favorite foods, or nature’s beauty. Encourage kids to think about things that bring them joy. Share your lists as a family to appreciate these everyday blessings.

For example, you might include a warm blanket, a fun game, or a favorite meal shared with loved ones.

Step 3: Include Intangible Blessings

Next, add things you can’t touch but that bring meaning to your life, like love, kindness, or friendship. Talk about how family members support each other or how a teacher helps you learn. Encourage kids to think of these special moments.

Examples might include a parent’s love, a friend’s kindness, or the joy of a shared laugh.

Step 4: Write It Down

Write your list on paper, in a journal, or on a family whiteboard. Writing helps you remember and appreciate these blessings.

Step 5: Review Often

Review your lists regularly as a family. This keeps gratitude fresh in your minds and helps you notice even small blessings. Sharing these lists can strengthen family bonds and make gratitude part of daily life.

Creating a thankfulness list can be a fun family activity. It not only brings everyone together but also builds a habit of gratitude at home. Here’s how to involve the whole family:

Lead by Example

As parents, start by making your own list and sharing it with your kids. This shows them how to think about and express gratitude. Guide them as they reflect on their blessings and write them down. Your active participation makes the activity feel safe and welcoming.

Encourage Sibling Sharing

Have siblings share their thankfulness lists with each other, maybe during a family meal or a special sharing time. This helps them appreciate what they have in common and learn from each other’s gratitude. Sharing in this way fosters empathy and strengthens their bond.

Celebrate Different Perspectives

Every family member has unique things to be thankful for. Encourage open conversations about everyone’s lists. Ask questions and listen carefully to their answers. This helps everyone understand and appreciate each other’s different blessings.

Make Gratitude a Family Tradition

By doing this activity together, you create a positive environment where gratitude can grow. The experience becomes a way to strengthen family ties and build a habit of thankfulness. Gather your family, reflect on your blessings, and let gratitude bring joy and connection.

To end the thankfulness activity, take a moment to thank God for all the blessings in your life. Saying a prayer of gratitude helps everyone come together and recognize God’s goodness. Here’s how to lead a simple prayer of thankfulness:

Invite everyone to close their eyes and take a deep breath. Encourage them to think about what they are grateful for. Begin the prayer by thanking God for specific blessings like good health, family love, food, and shelter. Then, ask each family member to add their own words of thanks.

Finish the prayer by asking God to continue blessing and guiding your family.

Sample prayer

Use the prayer below or create your own.

Heavenly Father,

We gather in Your presence with hearts full of thankfulness. For the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us—those seen and unseen, known and unknown—we offer You our gratitude. Thank You for the gift of family, for the love that binds us, for the provisions that sustain us, and for the joys that uplift us.

Thank You for the joy of laughter, the comfort of our homes, and the sustenance that nourishes our bodies and souls. We are grateful for the community around us, for friendships that enrich our lives, and for Your love that surrounds us at all times.

In this holy season of Advent, as we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we are especially thankful for the salvation granted to us. May we always treasure the profound mystery of the Incarnation, and may our grateful hearts reflect the light of Christ to all we meet.

Bless our thankfulness lists, Lord, and the shared reflections of our hearts today. May they bring us closer to You and to each other, and may they remind us of the abundant grace we live in every day.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

More Catholic Prayers

For more prayers, visit the Catholic Prayers page on our site here. You’ll find a variety of prayers to guide your faith journey, including daily prayers, prayers for specific needs, and more. The thankfulness list prayer is also included there, along with other ways to express gratitude to God. These prayers can help you grow closer to God and deepen your faith. Take a look and explore different ways to pray as a family or individually.

What is a thankfulness list?

A thankfulness list is a simple way to write down things you are grateful for. It can include people, experiences, or anything that brings joy or comfort.

How do I start a thankfulness list?

Begin by setting aside quiet time. Think about things you are thankful for, like family, friends, or food. Write them down one by one.

Can kids make a thankfulness list?

Yes! Kids can list toys, friends, or fun experiences. It’s a great activity to help them appreciate what they have.

How often should I update my thankfulness list?

You can update it weekly or monthly. Regular updates help you focus on new blessings.

Why is a thankfulness list important?

It helps you recognize and appreciate the good things in your life. It’s a way to develop a positive mindset.

Can I include prayers with my thankfulness list?

Yes, you can add a simple prayer to thank God for the things on your list. It helps connect your gratitude with your faith.

A thankfulness list is a simple way to write down and reflect on the things you are grateful for. It can include people, experiences, or anything that brings joy. This activity helps both kids and adults focus on what they already have, rather than what they want.

Making a thankfulness list is a great family activity. It encourages open sharing and deeper connections. It also supports Catholic teachings by helping everyone appreciate God’s blessings in everyday life. The list can be updated regularly to include new blessings as they come.

The thankfulness list can also be paired with a prayer of gratitude. This helps connect the activity to faith and builds a habit of thanking God for His goodness. It’s an easy, meaningful way to bring gratitude into daily life.

Try creating your own thankfulness list and add a prayer of gratitude to thank God for your blessings. Use it as a daily or weekly practice to deepen your sense of gratitude.

After trying it, share your experience in the comment section below. We’d love to hear how this prayer has helped you recognize and appreciate God’s gifts in your life.