I support the idea that practicing gratitude year round can shift negative thinking (which can keep us in a negative frame of mind). This article, drawing from marriage researchers and psychologists John Gottman and Julie Gottman, stresses the importance of doing it around the holidays like this one for just that purpose, which makes sense given the stress so many people feel around this time of year. An “attitude of gratitude” has been shown to be of great benefit to couples over the long term. The article suggests it’s also something you can model for your children, who, immersed in a hyper-consumerist culture, can easily get caught up (and get you caught up) in the spirit of entitlement in the Christmas and holiday season, as opposed to gratitude.
