The holidays are a wonderful time to refocus on two of the most impactful values in life: gratitude and love. No matter what’s happening in the world around us, these are key values that remind us of what’s most important. Holidays give us the opportunity to reflect and align our lives with greater love and thankfulness for everything we have.
Whatever the year has brought — and no matter what the new year has in store — it’s important to focus on positive events and lessons learned. Let’s talk about some important ways we can pause and reflect on our blessings this holiday season.
Make a List of Happy Events and Big Wins
One great way to stay connected with gratitude this holiday season is to make a list of happy events and big wins. Take some time with your spouse to reflect on good things that happened this year, goals you met, and wins you experienced. These can be both on an individual level, and as a couple (or family, if you have children).
Oftentimes, when we go through difficult times, we tend to focus on the hard things that happened. Bringing your attention back to positive things will help you to cultivate more gratitude. And if you fell short on some of your goals, regroup. There’s always time to keep working toward the things you want together.
Reflect on Lessons Learned
Along with highs and lows, there are always lessons to be learned — both difficult and positive. What kinds of lessons did you learn this year? How can you carry those forward into the new year?
Sit down with your spouse and discuss your top lessons of the year. How can you apply what you learned to make this next year better? What takeaways have been most valuable to each of you?
Focus on Love
Spend some time thinking and talking about love during the holidays, too. This can help each of you cultivate a deeper love of one another, and of the life you’re building together. Here are some ways to reflect on love this holiday season:
- Name at least one thing your spouse did for you this year that made you feel deeply loved and appreciated.
- Note one way you showed love to your spouse that reinforced your commitment to your marriage.
- List at least five things you love about your marriage, and why.
- Focus on experiences from the past year that you loved sharing with one another.
- Consider what you can do for your spouse in the coming year that will make them feel loved.
- Tell your spouse how you’d like to be loved; don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need.
Having loving conversations all year long helps you build a stronger foundation for your marriage. Our book, Love Talk Starters, contains 275 prompts to get those important conversations started. Learn more and order your copy here.
How are you focusing on love and gratitude this year? Share with us in the comments below.
