After the 2025 LA wildfires, many families are beginning the long journey of rebuilding their homes, daily routines, and emotional stability. Permits are now being issued, and new programs are helping accelerate reconstruction for those most affected. Disaster relief workers have been essential in this process, helping to clear debris, assess damage, coordinate resources, and provide critical support to displaced families. Your dedication has laid the groundwork for physical recovery across entire communities. As the rebuilding continues, it is just as important to support healing and connection at home. The Gratitude Jar is a simple and meaningful activity that can help families stay emotionally connected, focus on small positive moments, and strengthen their bond during times of stress and uncertainty.
What is a Gratitude Jar?
- A Gratitude Jar is a simple family practice where you write (or draw) things you’re thankful for on small notes and place them in a jar or box. When you’re working long hours or managing emotional fatigue from crisis work, your children may not always understand what you’re carrying. This practice helps you:
- Stay emotionally present, even when physically distant
- Create rituals of reconnection after difficult days or separations
- Model emotional awareness and resilience for your kids
- Over time, these notes become a growing reminder of what brings joy, comfort, and connection in your lives even when things are challenging.
What you need:
- A jar, box, or container
- Small pieces of paper or sticky notes
- Pens or markers (Optional)
- Decorations for your jar
How to Start
- Create a Shared Purpose as a Family
- Before you begin, take a moment to talk as a family about what the Gratitude Jar is all about. Explain that the Gratitude Jar is a way to stay connected, notice the good things, and support each other emotionally. Helping everyone understand the purpose makes the activity more meaningful and engaging.
- Family Tip:
- Decorating the jar together can help strengthen your bond and make the activity feel more special. It’s a fun way to create shared meaning and build commitment as a family.
- Pick a Visible Spot
- Keep the jar in a place everyone passes often (like the kitchen or living room) as a visual reminder.
- Start Writing Notes
- Each day or week, each family member writes one thing they’re grateful for. It could be:
- A moment of joy
- A kind gesture from someone
- A funny memory
- Something they appreciate about the family or the parent/partner
- A success, big or small
- Family Tip:
- Choose a regular time to write gratitude notes together like after dinner or before bedtime. A consistent routine helps everyone slow down, reflect, and connect at the end of the day.
- If you have younger children, you can help them by writing down what they say or letting them draw pictures.
- Each day or week, each family member writes one thing they’re grateful for. It could be:
- Opening the Jar
- Pick a moment that works for your family, maybe once a week or on a special day. Reading the notes together helps your family remember the good that’s still here and how strong you are together.
- Family Tip:
- Take turns reading the gratitude notes out loud. Afterwards, check in with each other about how it felt. Sharing emotions helps strengthen your family bond and understand each other better.
Taking just a few minutes each day to practice gratitude can make a lasting difference. For disaster relief workers and their families, this small habit offers a powerful way to stay connected, build resilience, and find moments of peace in the midst of ongoing recovery.