October 30, 2020

8 Ways To Give Thanks This Month

In all the fun and frenzy of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving: Gratitude. Even with all the inconceivable events that have happened in 2020, we still have so much to be thankful for. Simple, every day things, like that perfect homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte or a laughter filled game night with the kids or a soul fueling walk with your partner or friend {or solo!}. Which leads me to the most important way to celebrate the month of giving.

1. Keep a Gratitude Jar

When you focus on the good. The good gets better!

We started a daily family gratitude practice during the month of November a couple of years ago, and it is a great way to start or end the day. Not to mention, an easy way to teach your children about appreciating life’s simple blessings.

2. Collect Canned Goods or Volunteer to Serve

we are feeling proud when helping other people

Rally your friends & neighbors and create a canned food drive during the month of November. The need is great every year, but especially in 2020. If you would like to volunteer your time this or next month- Central Texas Food Bank has several in person options to give back. If you would like to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day with your family, give back at Operation Turkey. We volunteered Thanksgiving morning with Zander a couple of years ago, and it was a wonderful experience that really imprinted on all of our souls.

3. Create a Family Movement Challenge and Give Thanks For the Ability to Move & Breath With Ease!

Maybe it’s a 1 minute family plank every day in November? Maybe it’s a game of Horse near your basketball hoop? Maybe it’s daily hula hooping? (Ha!) Think of a physical activity that is fun and interactive and hold the family accountable to stick to it as much as possible!

4. Watch a Holiday Movie and Relish in the Simple Life

Gather in front of the TV after dessert to watch a classic Thanksgiving movie together. You may opt to pick the same movie every year, or have fun letting a different family member choose a new flick each time. Here are some ideas! My pick is Charlie Brown all the way!

5. Ask Everyone to Make a Thanksgiving Toast

Text, Leaf, Font, Plant, Vascular plant,

This could be something you do around your dinner table with your family, or a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones afar via Zoom! Encourage each family member to make their own Thanksgiving toast reflecting on the previous year. We started doing this with our kids and Zander’s toasts simply take my breath away and cue the tears!

6. Give Thanks For Health with A New Smoothie Recipe

With all the treats and delicious food tempting us around the holiday season, be sure to take time and nourish your body with plants and super foods! This is the perfect time of year to commit to a morning smoothie habit. Read this post detailing my favorite superfood smoothie recipes and get ready to be energized! Our health is one of our greatest blessings. When we consistently fuel our bodies with plants, the craving for “real food” grows!

7. Play a Good Ole Fashion Game of Charades

We love this game in our home!! The cards have clues with pictures, making this easy for non-readers, but challenging enough for older players too!

Amazon.com: Pressman Charades for Kids -- The 'No Reading Required' Family Game: Toys & Games

8. Perfect Your Paleo Pumpkin Baking Skills

Enjoy the flavors of fall! Your home will smell amazing and these treats make great gifts for friends, family and neighbors. Here are some of my favorite paleo pumpkin recipes!