As the year winds down, I find myself looking for meaningful ways to connect with my daughters, Audrey and Alana. One of our favorite traditions has become sitting down together to reflect on the year through gratitude talks. It's simple, but it really helps us appreciate the big and little things that have shaped our experiences—and it’s a great way to teach them the value of gratitude.
I usually start by setting the mood. We’ll turn off the TV, light a candle, and gather in the living room with some hot cocoa. I like to frame this as a special moment, something we look forward to as a family. Audrey, my thoughtful eldest, always dives right in with something heartfelt. This year, she said she was grateful for her teacher, who made science fun and who encouraged her to join the school robotics club. I could see the pride in her face as she shared her story, and it reminded me how much these moments mean to her.
Alana, my youngest, is a little more playful, but her gratitude is just as meaningful. This year, she giggled as she told us she was most thankful for the puppy we adopted over the summer—the one she begged for and promised to help take care of. She even called out how much she loves our weekend walks with him, which made me smile because those walks have become a little tradition of their own.
As for me, I try to model vulnerability so they know it’s okay to express deeper feelings. I shared how grateful I was for the time we spent as a family during our beach trip this year. I told them how much I appreciated the way they helped each other build sandcastles and how seeing their bond grow stronger is one of my greatest joys.
To keep the conversation flowing, I usually ask open-ended questions, like “What’s something that made you really happy this year?” or “What’s one thing you learned that made you proud of yourself?” I’ve noticed that keeping it light and positive helps them feel more comfortable sharing. It’s not about forcing deep reflections but encouraging them to notice the good things in their lives.
Sometimes, we get creative. Last year, we wrote down what we were grateful for on slips of paper and put them in a jar to read aloud. This year, I’m thinking we could make a gratitude collage with photos, drawings, and little mementos that represent the things we loved about the year. It’s a fun way to end the conversation with something tangible we can look back on.
These talks have become more than just a tradition—they’re a chance to pause and recognize all the magic in our lives, even during challenging times. And for me, hearing Audrey and Alana share their thoughts and feelings is the best gift I could ask for. It’s a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for as a family.
As we head into another year, I hope these gratitude talks stay with my girls. I hope they learn to find beauty in the small things, to cherish the people who make their lives brighter, and to carry that sense of gratitude with them always. For now, though, I’ll savor these cozy evenings with them, soaking in their laughter and their stories. Because, honestly, I’m grateful for them most of all.