Attitude of Gratitude
Back in 2008 I shared a list our family called the 20 Little Attitudes of Gratitude — small habits we wanted to practice at home. Lately I’ve been thinking it’s a good time to revisit those ideas and share them again for anyone who might find them helpful. I reviewed the original list and realized I still love every item on it. These are simple, practical ways to cultivate thankfulness and make home life gentler and more joyful.
20 Little Attitudes of Gratitude
- Mind your manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
- Smile when you see your family. Turn your frown upside down.
- Pick up after yourself.
- Notice when others do kind things for you and show gratitude with words or actions.
- Say “I love you” before going to bed.
- Give hugs daily.
- Don’t worry about tomorrow; focus on what you appreciate today.
- Create gratitude journals to record daily blessings.
- Express thankfulness for even the small things others do for you.
- Leave little love notes in unexpected places like lunch boxes or under pillows.
- Encourage someone with a sincere compliment.
- When you feel like complaining, first say something you’re grateful for.
- Keep a basket of small slips of paper on the table. Write notes of thanks during the week and read them aloud at a family meal.
- Remember to give thanks for daily blessings in whatever way fits your family’s beliefs.
- Surprise family or friends with small treats to show you were thinking of them.
- Avoid grumbling about minor annoyances around the house.
- Do special things to cherish time with your family — you never know what tomorrow will bring.
- Reflect on happy memories regularly and create inspiration boards of special times.
- Help someone without being asked. Pay attention to who might need a hand.
- When doing household chores, be grateful you have a home to care for.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” – Melodie Beatty
Choosing a list of attitudes to practice can gently transform your home into a happier, more thankful place — not only for holidays but every day. I encourage you to make a gratitude list of your own, share it with your family, or write it down and read it together. Small, consistent acts of thankfulness add up and help everyone feel more connected and cared for.
Want more inspiration to love your home?
Explore books and resources about homemaking and simple living to find more ideas for making home a place you love.
