Creating Rituals to Encourage Gratitude During the Holidays

Year's end is the time when we've harvested the fruits of our labors and give thanks for our abundance. But many people find it difficult to move their attention from the problems in their lives to recognize their blessings. Ritual can provide the framework to evoke a spirit of gratitude and give the holiday season meaning.

For many Westerners, the word ritual has religious connotations, but many non-religious forms of ritual also provide meaning. While ritual is often pushed aside in our modern lives in favor of speed, convenience and self-sufficiency, rituals that we forge for ourselves create a specialness that feels good and provides meaning.

Performing rituals gives people a reason to slow down, connect and feel gratitude.. Research backs this up, and shows that ritual impacts people's thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Ritual can be solemn or light, simple or complex. We invite you to create your own ritual to bring a sense of gratitude to the holiday season.