Halloween is over a week away and the parties, parades, and streets and parks filled with costumed revelers have already begun. This will go on until the night, where
there will be an array of costumes - some store-bought, some handmade with littles and not-so-littles pretending to be something they're not or wish they were. And the next day, all will go back to being who they are. Or will they?
For some of us the goblins, ghosts, and ghouls will stay through November and December, and even into January. It seems that October starts the roll - Halloween turns into Thanksgiving which turns into December holidays along with all the prepping and festivities. (And, in my family, we add four birthdays to the mix!)
We get caught in a whirlwind of activity. Our "to-do" lists get longer, our calendars are packed with extracurriculars and our schedules get tossed out the window.
And our kiddos get caught up also...The ads are all about what you need this holiday - everything from canned food to cars. The toy catalogs are being promoted as the ultimate reading material for kids - we wouldn’t want to miss out on the “must-have” stuff of the season. It’s no wonder most kids are suffering from a bad case of the “gimmes”!
What's a mother to do?
What if this year, we added another layer of meaning to this beloved holiday? Beyond the costumes and candy, Halloween can become an opportunity to cultivate gratitude within our children and ourselves. By infusing this spooky season with expressions of thankfulness, and carrying it out through to the new year, we can transform it into a time for reflection, appreciation, and lasting memories.
Let's take a look at how we can turn Halloween into more than just a sugar rush and foster a sense of gratitude that lingers long after the jack-o'-lanterns have dimmed, turkey has been eaten, lights are taken down, and we've sung our last rendition of "Auld Lang Syne."
Gratitude Pumpkin: Have your children decorate a pumpkin as a "gratitude pumpkin." Each day leading up to Halloween, they can write or draw something they're thankful for on it. This visual reminder helps them focus on the positive. (Use a jar or box and this practice can continue throughout the holiday season)
Acts of Kindness: Encourage your kids to perform acts of kindness on Halloween, like sharing their candy with others or leaving small thank-you notes for the people who give them treats.
Thank you: By saying "thank you" for the treats given, we not only acknowledge the generosity of those who share in the Halloween spirit but also reinforce the importance of expressing gratitude in our everyday interactions.
Gratitude Walk: Before heading out for trick-or-treating, take a family gratitude walk. Each person can share something they're thankful for while enjoying the festive decorations in your neighborhood.
Reverse Trick-or-Treat: Encourage your children to prepare small treat bags with notes expressing gratitude. When they go trick-or-treating, they leave small thank-you notes for the people who give them treats. (Click here for a downloadable pdf)
Compliment Costumes: Teach kids to give compliments when they see creative costumes. A simple, "I love your costume!" can make another child's night even more special.
"Trick or treat? Beyond the costumes and candy, Halloween can become an opportunity to cultivate gratitude within our children and ourselves. By infusing this spooky season with expressions of thankfulness, we can transform it into a time for reflection, appreciation, and lasting memories. Let's explore how we can turn Halloween into more than just a sugar rush and foster a sense of gratitude that lingers long after the jack-o'-lanterns have dimmed."
Now let me hear from you. Are you interested in establishing an attitude of gratitude in your family? Tell us how you do it.
And, as always, if you need support finding your sweet spot in a way that aligns with your unique family dynamics, let's connect. Schedule a BREAKTHROUGH SESSION today. During our session, we'll explore your goals, tackle the challenges you're encountering, and pinpoint any opportunities that might have been overlooked. Additionally, we'll uncover any hidden issues that could be hindering your desired outcomes. By the end of our session, you'll leave feeling revitalized, re-energized, and motivated to achieve results more swiftly and effortlessly than you ever imagined. Plus, you'll walk away with a concrete action plan to make it happen.