As we enter November, it’s the perfect time to cultivate a gratitude habit as a family. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can lead to greater happiness, better physical and mental health, and even stronger relationships. This month, use these twelve fun, family-oriented challenges to build lasting gratitude habits and appreciate the special things in your lives together.

1. Start a gratitude calendar. Challenge your family members to each write down one thing they are thankful for every day. If extra incentives are needed, you could have small prizes for filling out a full week or month.

2. Gratitude Nouns. Have everyone share a person, a place, and a thing that they are grateful for.

3. Gratitude Collage. Gather old magazines and newspapers, have each family member cut out photos of things they are thankful for, and share what you made with each other.

4. Take a nature walk. There are many beautiful things to appreciate about the natural world. Take turns pointing out the things you find outside that bring you joy.

5. Make gratitude pumpkins. Grab some paint or Sharpies and pumpkins, and have each family member write or draw three to five things they are thankful for on their pumpkins.

6. Start a gratitude jar. Some days, it’s hard to come up with things to be thankful for, or we are just in lousy moods. Having a jar full of reminders of all of the things to be thankful for can be a great pick-me-up. Keep a dedicated jar with slips of paper and a pen where everyone in the family can access it and start filling it up. Every week or so, read a few aloud.

7. Write thank-you sticky notes to each other. When you see a family member do something you are thankful for—even if it seems like a small thing—let them know. Leave a quick sticky note letting them know how much you appreciate them.

8. Start a dinnertime daily gratitude ritual. Instead of asking, “How was your day?” ask, “What are two things you are grateful for that happened today?”

9. Look through old photos. Not only will you probably stumble across some funny pictures, but it will spark stories and memories. This is a chance to look back and be thankful for all the great things that have already happened in your lives.

10. Gratitude N-A-M-E-S. Have each family member write their name vertically down a piece of paper and then come up with something they are grateful for that starts with each letter of their name. You’ll end up with an acrostic poem for each member of the family.

11. Talk about the importance of gratitude. Why is it important to spend time thinking about good things in our lives? How do we feel when someone tells us “thank you”?  “What qualities about ourselves are we grateful for?”

12. Brainstorm “acts of kindness” that you all could do. Focusing on the needs of others can help us recognize the goodness in our own lives. What small things could each family member do at home, school, or work to bring joy to someone else?

What are other fun ways you and your family have practiced gratitude?