How to Teach Kids Gratitude Before Christmas #Christmas #parenting #gratitude #attachmentparenting #positiveparenting #Christmas #holidayseason

The weeks leading up to Christmas can feel like a whirlwind of lists, endless TV adverts, and “I want that!” moments.

For little ones, the excitement is real, but so is the overwhelm and the onslaught of brightly-coloured consumerism.

Gratitude is one of the most beautiful gifts we can help our children discover: noticing what we have, appreciating the people who love us, and finding delight in simple moments.

Read on to find out how to teach kids gratitude before Christmas.



As parents, we want this magical season to feel joyful, meaningful and connected, but unfortunately it can often be the complete opposite!

Thankfully, teaching gratitude doesn’t have to look like long lectures or forced thank-yous.

With a gentle, holiday mindfulness approach, children can learn to savour this special time instead of rushing through it.

Here are some fun, heart-centred ways to nurture gratitude before Christmas arrives.



Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude is important as a way of seeing the world, not for what we want but for what we have.

And for children, practising gratitude supports emotional regulation, kindness and stronger family relationships.

It helps them to understand that joy doesn’t come from the gifts under the tree, but from cuddles on the sofa, twinkly lights, and the love that surrounds them.

In fact, the whole build up to Christmas time, not just a day or two full of chaos, food and presents.



For parents following an attachment parenting approach, gratitude pairs beautifully with our focus on connection.

When children feel securely attached and valued, they naturally become more empathetic and generous. 

Learning gratitude encourages them to think about others: the friend who shares, the parent who cooks, the person who delivers the post in cold weather.

During Christmas season, when advertising purposely fuels wanting more, gratitude is a grounding force.

It teaches children to pause, notice, and appreciate what they already have.



5 Fun Activities to Teach Gratitude

Gratitude becomes real when children experience it, rather than just being told about it or instructed to practice it.

These playful and meaningful activities will make holiday mindfulness and gratitude a part of your family’s December rhythm.

1. Create a Gratitude Jar

Find a jar (an empty jam jar works perfectly!), decorate it with festive ribbon, and keep a stack of small papers nearby.

Each day, invite everyone to write or draw something they are grateful for.

Starting on Thanksgiving would be a lovely idea!

On Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day, read them together and relive those lovely moments.

This works beautifully for children of all ages, from toddlers who can draw what made them smile to older kids who write heartfelt notes.



2. Thank-You Card Making

Set aside a cosy afternoon with card making supplies, stamps and a little plate of mince pies.

Encourage the kids to make thank-you cards not just for Christmas gifts, but for people who help them every day: teachers, grandparents, the bus driver, the childminder.

You can even deliver them personally to spread some festive cheer!

If you already make your own Christmas cards, ask the children to write a note in the card to say thank you.



3. Family Sharing Circle

After dinner or before bedtime, take a moment to ask:

✨ “What was your favourite part of the day?”
✨ “Who made you smile today?”
✨ “What did you enjoy most about our time together?”

This daily ritual builds connection and gives children the words to express their appreciation.



4. Mindful Winter Walks

Wrap up warm and head outside to notice nature slowing down for winter.

Crunchy leaves, glittering frost and twinkling stars are all invitations to wonder.

Ask children to name three lovely things they see, hear, or feel.

Holiday mindfulness for children can be as simple as pausing to enjoy the magic around them.

Use this scavenger hunt printable to explore your local park or woodland as you appreciate the beauty of winter days:



5. Gratitude Art or Scrapbook

Print photos from the year and let kids create a “Happy Memories” book.

Stick in ticket stubs, nature finds and drawings of family adventures.

Gratitude deepens when children reflect on all the good things they’ve experienced.



Incorporating Gratitude Into Daily Routines

The most powerful way to teach gratitude is to model it.

Let your children hear you thank your partner for making tea, express appreciation to a neighbour, or celebrate your own small joys.

Children absorb what we do long before they copy what we say.

Try weaving these simple practices into everyday life:
  • Mealtime gratitude – a short thank-you for the food or to the person who prepared it.
  • Bedtime reflections – sharing favourite moments of the day.
  • Household teamwork – praising contributions like laying the table or feeding the pets.
  • Positive noticing – “I’m so grateful for our cosy home today,” or “Thank you for your big hug this morning!”

Consistent connection and empathy, both core aspects of attachment parenting, help kids ton feel secure enough to give thanks freely.

In this way gratitude becomes something joyful rather than expected.

Gratitude grows through repetition, warmth, and real-life examples.

As these tiny moments add up, children learn that life is full of gifts that don’t come in wrapping paper.



Linking Gratitude to Gifts & Giving

Christmas gift-giving can either fuel entitlement, or inspire kindness.

We can guide children gently towards kindness and gartitude by shifting the focus from quantity to meaning.

Choose some experience gifts, such as a family day out, a workshop, or a new skill to learn, so children can build memories they’ll treasure.




Even the youngest kids can make drawings, baked goodies or craft projects.

This helps children feel the joy of creating something special for someone they love.

Get involved in charitable acts too, from donating toys to picking items for a local food bank.

In the UK, organisations like Crisis and The Salvation Army welcome extra support during the festive season.

Less than the average cost of one Christmas gift can provide a person in need with a warm welcome and a hot meal this Christmas.



Helping children understand that their actions can brighten someone else’s Christmas is a powerful lesson in empathy and gratitude.

It turns giving into a heartfelt exchange rather than a transaction.

Use these tips to help your children develop a sense of gratitude this year which will help to make this and future Christmases more meaningful and memorable.


More Christmas parenting tips:


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