[Hey Reader!
Countdown to Thanksgiving is on! We are just 16 days away!
This last week has been full of the unexpected — sick kids, a stage-five clinger toddler, and a lot of hard moments — so I’m keeping this email short and sweet.
As we move into the holidays, it can be so easy to get caught up in consumerism or, if you’re walking through a season of loss, to focus so much on grief that it feels overwhelming. One simple habit can help: every day, take a moment to be thankful.
Ask yourself:
- What am I grateful for today?
- How do I see God moving in my life?
- How can I show kindness or bless someone else?
Turning our focus outward instead of inward is powerful. Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve mood, reduce stress, increase happiness, and even combat envy. Spiritually, the Bible reminds us of this truth over and over:
- “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
Crazy how God’s commands lead to our physical well-being! Who would have ever thought! 😉
To help make daily gratitude easier, I created a 30-Day Gratitude Journal for the whole family! One page a day with prompts and ideas to inspire thankfulness — even for kids and teens. You can use it to focus on the little blessings, celebrate the good in your life, and cultivate joy together. It’s a fun way to make the holidays a little extra special, and a little extra focused on what really matters.
I’d love to hear from you — whether it’s something small, big, heartwarming, or a silver lining during loss, what is one thing your family is grateful for this week? Hit reply and share your thoughts — I read every response and it would make my day to celebrate with you!
Something I am thankful for today is playdates with friends with kids the same age as yours, especially those who understand the road you’re walking and can walk it with you. 💔❤️
When you start looking for beauty and blessings every day, it changes your perspective, your heart, and even your home. Let’s make this holiday season about more than just turkey and to-do lists — let’s make it about gratitude, joy, and God’s immeasurable love. There’s nothing like being thankful to remind us of God’s blessings and help us see His hand, especially when we are struggling.
See you soon,
Mrs. Holman
