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We’re hosting Thanksgiving again this year - out-of-town family, blow up beds, extra chairs, all of it - and I’m genuinely excited. But somewhere between grocery lists, airport pickups, and trying to find the “good” tablecloth, it’s easy to lose sight of what this time of year is supposed to be about.
Ironically, the season of gratitude can feel like anything but. Slowing down sounds lovely in theory, but in practice? It's damn hard. So this week, we’re leaning all in on Feel-Good File tips. Aka, small, low-lift ways to build real connection with your little ones that actually fit into the week you’re already living.
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💗 The “Thankful to Skip” List
👉 This twist on gratitude is half permission slip, half reality check. At dinner together, grab a notepad and write down three things you’re grateful to not be doing/experiencing this year - like hosting, flying with toddlers, or having to pretend you like Aunt Kathy's weird jello salad thing.
Kids love adding their own [“vegetables” -debatable- “Mom’s Zoom voice”, etc.] It’s funny, freeing, and surprisingly bonding.
💗 The “Gratitude Recording” Challenge
👉 Have siblings, cousins, or friends record a 10-second video saying one nice thing about each other, or something they like doing together. Then, play them back at bedtime and/or send them to grandparents. (If your kid is anything like mine, they LOVE watching themselves and their friends on video).
It’s sweet, chaotic, and even creates the kind of keepsake you’ll still watch next year.
📌 Solves for: forced gratitude exercises, awkward dinner circle “what are you thankful for?” moments, and low-effort memory-making.
💗 The “Repeat After Me” Trick
👉 At bedtime, ask “What was your favorite part of today?” and then repeat their answer back word-for-word. (“You liked when we danced in the kitchen.”)
It’s grounding, instantly calming, and makes kids feel seen in a way no gratitude list ever could.
Bonus: share your own answer too - and maybe even something you learned from it today. It turns a tiny bedtime chat into an unexpectedly tender moment.
💼 This Week’s Work WTF
Inspired by real life events.
Scenario:
You’re trying to take a long weekend for Thanksgiving and a coworker says, “Must be nice!”
What We Wish We Could Say:
“It is, actually. You should try it sometime.”
Steal This Response:
“Yeah, I want to make sure I’m using those PTO days for what they’re meant for.” Say it with a big smile.
K that’s all. You’re the best and we love you.
-CK “Is Grateful for No Forced Hugs” Fuller (Editor) & the JB Crew 🫡
P.S. Next week: If you’re traveling for the holidays, this one’s for you.