One thing that we do with our girls every night at dinner is to ask them what they were thankful for that day. They usually say they’re thankful for everyone in the family, their friends, or their teachers, but at least it gets them talking and thinking. Sometimes I will coach them on the answers, especially if something special happened that day (kids have very short attention spans). But regardless of how they come up with the things they are thankful for, this nightly practice will in some small way, help them to end each night with a thankful thought. It’s extremely important to both my husband and I that our kids appreciate what they have and are motivated to give back to their community as a way to show it.

When the holidays come around and we start getting into the “I want this” and “Tell Santa” stage of the Christmas present process, we also have a plethora of opportunities to give gifts to someone in need. It’s nice that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas so we can spend this time talking about the meaning of holiday and how to show that feeling of gratitude through the holiday season. Our girls just put together shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse through our church, but that’s only the beginning of the options available for kids. And it doesn’t matter how big and small the gesture is; all that matters is that the heart and intention was there.

Below is a list of 6 ways that you can teach your kids about gratitude and appreciation this Thanksgiving (and for the rest of the year):

1. Participate in a food and/or clothing drive: It’s an unfortunate reality that families are in need of food and clothing right in your town/state. But it’s so easy to help contribute something to make their holiday a little brighter. Many schools, businesses, municipalities, and organizations hold drives every holiday. Contact your local shelters and organizations that help families in need, or check out other sites like Feeding America and the Salvation Army.

2. Get Crafty with DIY Projects: Kids are tactile learners and sometimes holiday-related crafts will help them understand the idea of Giving Thanks. Check out 6 ideas from my friend Tina at Life Without Pink.

3. Fill a Shoebox for Samaritan’s Purse: My family just completed this activity through our church, but I first learned of it through my daughter’s preschool. The premise is simple: you fill a shoebox with items that either a boy or a girl would love, and that box is delivered to a young child in need. You can even track where that box arrives. My girls had a great time picking out gifts for girls their age– you can bet there was a ton of Frozen items included. This is another way for your kids to be thankful for the blessings in their lives when they realize that there are kids in other countries who don’t have toys, new clothes, and even clean water. You have to hurry though! Collections end Nov. 24.

4. Donate Old/Unused Clothing & Toys: You don’t need a clothing or toy drive to donate goods to someone in need. This can be something you do every year to teach your kids about giving to others and being thankful for the abundance in their lives.

5. Model Gratefulness: If you want your kids to appreciate the little things and find joy in helping others, then you should show them what that’s like. Saying “Thank You” or participating in the dinner time “I’m thankful for” conversation, is a great way to model for your children. Participate in activities as a family and show ways to “pay it forward” throughout the year.

6. Establish Expectations for Gifts: It’s a good idea to establish a budget and expectations with your kids as you get close to Christmas and Hanukah. If you are teaching them about being thankful at Thanksgiving, then extend that lesson into December. Explain to your kids how there are a lot of things that they want, but they can’t have everything. Let them choose a few things that they absolutely want, but realize that they won’t get everything. It’s hard for a kid to appreciate the other aspect of the holidays that don’t involve gifts, but setting limits will help them learn to be thankful to even have the option of choice.

What are some ways that you teach your kids about gratitude? Share your ideas below.