Whether it’s Sunday dinners, birthdays, or family game night, having routines that you do as a “family” is important on many levels. Research since the 1950s shows us that no matter which language you speak or where you are from in the world, traditions and rituals in family life are linked to increased happiness, emotional well-being, and a greater sense of identity in children. With so much flux and change in the world right now, it’s so important to do everything we can to increase the sense of identity and happiness in our children’s lives.

So how can we cultivate a tradition of gratitude in our families, so we can give our children the best possible foundation?

Thanksgiving and New Years make great times to get started, so here are some fun suggestions:

1. Encouraging children to say please and thank you.
2. Donate to charity (eg. Out of the Cold, Women’s Habitat, Food Bank, Second Hand Store).
3. Start A Gratitude Journal – A Gratitude Journal is a great way to allow children to express and feel gratitude. 
4. Write thank-you cards.
5. Share chores.
6. Help neighbours.

Enjoy the process!

Read More:

How Gratitude Helps Through Hard Times

9 Gratitude Activities for Children

However you choose to celebrate this time of year, we all wish you a wonderful season with family, friends, and your supports. Today marks the Winter Solstice – the first day of winter, and the longest night of the year. We will be closed for the holidays, and our doors will open again on Tuesday January 4th. So we will be seeing you in the New Year!

2021 has been been a challenging year, but we have pivoted and adapted in our families and in our communities, finding new and creative ways to come together. Moving into 2022, please remember that – You are not alone – we are here with you, and we are all stronger than ever, together.

Feeling stir crazy and wondering what to do this holiday season? Rest assured, Toronto is FULL of great opportunities to create memories and have fun together. Check it out…

Ice Skating

Located at Union Station and Harbourfront, two Toronto rinks are hosting DJ skate nights on the weekend so you can spice up your nightly skates by listening to some of the hottest tunes. But there’s plenty of other skating rinks in the city open all week long as well as some fun skate trails.

Calvaclade of Lights

As it does every year, Cavalcade of Lights is transforming Nathan Phillips Square into a massive light festival. With light tunnels, beams of light animating City Hall, the annual city tree, and glowing ice sculptures in an enchanted forest, there are a ton of new installations to check out!

Casa Loma

Casa Loma turns into a winter wonderland this year, with self-guided tours through the gardens, walkways and tunnels. Visitors can be surrounded in the magic of a 40ft tree in the Great Hall, and stunning trees on display decorated by renowned Canadian designers. Your young ones may want to visit Santa in his castle workshop, along with the holiday mascots and gorgeous light shows in the gardens!

Watch the fireworks display at the waterfront 

The annual fireworks show will be back to ring in 2022 at Toronto’s waterfront, which can be seen anywhere across the city that has views of Lake Ontario.

Movember is an initiative led by the Movember Foundation, the “leading charity changing the face of men’s health.” The Movember Foundation is committed to “helping men live happier, healthier, longer lives” by “making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.”

Movember is an awesome opportunity to get the young people in your life aware of some of the issues facing men, and pulling in their support for the healthy men in their world! Here’s some fun ways to get them to “Mo their own way”…

Make a support card for that special mister in your life.

Is there someone special who takes their health seriously and is moving this movember? Work with your child on creating some cards or art pieces with inspirational sayings:

“You inspire me to be me”

“Thanks for showing me to put my health first”

“When you take care of you, it tells me it’s ok to take care of me.”

Have them make a donation

Moustache Action

After telling your child about Movember, they will certainly want to grow a moustache! Make your own with  PBS Kids offerings, and why stop there?! Make extras to label your child’s lunchbox and special toys.

Story Time

The Toronto Public Library recommends these books to read with your child this month – delightful reads available through your local library!