Did you know that gratitude has been proven to help with depression as well as to improve sleep quality and work-life balance? After all, we are created to be problem solvers and make a difference! This especially rings true during the holiday season, as we give and receive presents or donate time and resources to those in need. In this post, I will explain how Christmas is the perfect time to begin a year-round habit of thankfulness. I’ll also give some details on my etiquette classes for adults and some practical tips you can use in interactions with others this month.
A Season for Gratitude
I cannot get through this Christmas season without writing a note of gratitude to our Heavenly Father. James 1:17 says it perfectly, “Every good gift, every perfect gift comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.”
We may get nice gifts from loved ones, but nothing can compare to God’s gift of His Son! As 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thank God for his gift that words can’t describe!” He deserves the ultimate Thank You. What a glorious night it must have been for Mary knowing she would be giving birth to the Son of God.
All Glory to God for the things He has done. As I gaze upon my new grand-babies (one in person and the other through photos), I give thanks to my Heavenly Father who looks down and has blessed our family with baby James R. Long III and baby Thayer Long, who fought to enter this world. What a joyful and meaningful Christmas this will be for our family.
Both Bible verses mentioned represent a heart of real gratitude. Yes, it’s a busy season, but it’s the perfect time of year to give thanks to God and ask for His help in cultivating a life of gratefulness.
Think of Others this Christmas
As we’ve discussed, gratitude begins in the heart and extends into daily life and habits. Below are a few practical ways you can bless other people this holiday season.
- Write a letter to someone who has changed your life.
- Do and be the unexpected. For example, bless someone this month in an unexpected way and don’t respond harshly when someone hurts you.
- Learn to love the things that are the hardest for you to master…patience, kindness etc.
- Give 100 percent and expect nothing in return.
- Give when it is inconvenient.
- Love the unlovable.
- Buy a gift for someone who is in emotional need.
- Give to senior adults.
- Go and visit people who might not be able to get out.
- Walk into a room and never speak of yourself, but instead, ask about others.
- Be a problem solver.
- Remember, “Every Minute Counts”! You have a finite number of minutes to use while here on earth.
- Always think of others before thinking of yourself. If mistreated, do not allow circumstances that surround you affect your attitude.
- Make constant eye contact when speaking to anyone.
- Take an interest in what is important to others.
- Practice inclusion by including everyone in everything you do.
- Forgive those who have wronged you.
Etiquette Classes for Adults Can Help Keep Your Heart Warm All Year
Of course, it always helps to have external encouragement, expertise and support in developing good habits and manners that will last all year. In my Basic Manners 101 Class, I begin with “please” and “thank you”. I have all of my students write a thank you note to someone who has done them a kind deed or given a gift.
Lisa Burdette’s etiquette classes for adults empower Dallas business professionals, college students, families and individuals with the skills needed to develop positive life-long attitudes. Lisa’s Dallas School of Etiquette also offers classes in “manners for kids”, so children can learn to succeed while still at a young age.
Questions? Send a message via our Contact page to request your session with our etiquette expert today!
