The Gift of Gratitude: A Holiday Mindset Shift

We are officially two weeks away from Christmas—arguably one of the busiest, most joyful, most chaotic times of the year. The to-do lists get longer, our schedules get tighter, and our minds start trying to balance a dozen things at once. It’s a season filled with noise, activity, and expectation.

But there is a quiet thread that runs underneath it all, and if we’re not careful, we miss it completely.

That thread is gratitude.

Gratitude is one of the simplest gifts we can offer during the holidays—and one of the most powerful. It reminds us not just of what we have, but of who we have. It slows us down. It grounds us. It helps us see the people and small moments that make our world feel full, warm, and connected.

Why Gratitude Matters Right Now

This season is about giving, but somewhere along the line, the meaning of “giving” shifted toward presents, parties, and production. Gratitude brings us back to something more human: appreciation.

I celebrate Christmas, and I’m grateful that I can. I’m equally grateful that others can celebrate in their own way—Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, or their own family traditions. Gratitude honors those differences and reminds us of what makes community beautiful.

More than anything, gratitude turns the ordinary into something meaningful:

• The friendly waitress you see every Sunday morning

• The pet who curls up beside you when you walk through the door

• The neighbor who watches out for the elderly gentleman next door

• The school crossing guard who braves the elements to keep kids safe

These aren’t small things. These are the moments that shape our days.

How to Cultivate Gratitude During a Busy Season

Gratitude doesn’t magically appear when life becomes easier. It grows when we practice noticing.

Here are a few ways to cultivate more gratitude this season:

Pause for 10 seconds.
Slow down long enough to notice the kindness in your day.

Ask yourself: “Who made my life easier today?”
This simple question rewires your awareness.

Take mental snapshots.
The dog’s tail wagging.
The cashier who remembers your name.
Your coworker who always steps in when things get messy.

Gratitude is built from moments—not milestones.

Ways to Express Gratitude (Without Spending a Dime)

One of the biggest misconceptions about gratitude is that expressing it requires money. It doesn’t.

People don’t need gifts.
They need to know they matter.

Try these simple expressions:

A handwritten card.
A holiday card that says, “Thank you for what you do—your kindness means more than you know.”

A sincere sentence.
“You always take such good care of us on Sundays, and we appreciate you.”

Public appreciation.
Tell someone else how great someone is.

Presence.
Listen without distractions. Engage fully. Be there.

These small gestures often stay with people far longer than any wrapped present.

The Leadership Angle

In the workplace, gratitude is transformative.
It strengthens culture.
It deepens trust.
It encourages accountability.
It reduces burnout.

Employees—at every level—want to be seen. And during the holidays, when stress runs high, gratitude from leaders can shift the tone of an entire team.

But you don’t need a title to lead with gratitude.
Anyone can go first.

A Holiday Reflection

As we move closer to Christmas, ask yourself:

Are you expressing the gratitude you feel, or only thinking it?

Because unexpressed gratitude doesn’t help anyone.
Shared gratitude changes everything.

And here’s a thought to carry with you:

Who is one person you can thank today—someone who may not realize the difference they make?

Give that gratitude away.
It’s one of the few gifts that grows every time you share it.