A Seasonal Gratitude Jar: A Simple Winter Ritual for Connection

Practices & Rituals
Written By Crystal Berscht

This season, my family and I introduced a simple gratitude practice into our evenings — one that feels especially aligned with the quieter, inward pull of winter and the giving nature of this time of year.

We placed a large jar in our home and filled it with soft lights and a few ornaments. Each evening, we pause together and reflect on something we’ve been grateful for — sometimes from the day, sometimes from the year as a whole. We write it down and take turns adding these notes to the jar

There’s no pressure for the gratitude to be profound.


Some nights it’s small and ordinary.


Other nights it reaches a little deeper.

It has felt especially meaningful to notice how each of us experiences the world, and to watch our three-year-old light up as he explores feelings of gratitude in his own way.

It’s also beautiful when guests contribute.

We’re not entirely sure yet what we’ll do with the notes inside — and that feels fitting.

For now, the practice itself is enough.

Who This Gratitude Practice Is For

This seasonal gratitude jar ritual is well suited for:

  • Families with children

  • Couples or shared households

  • Individuals seeking a gentle, reflective practice

  • Anyone craving connection without complexity

This practice can be easily adapted to meet different rhythms, energy levels, and seasons of life.

Seasonal Alignment: Why a Gratitude Jar Feels Right in Winter

While a gratitude jar can be meaningful at any time of year, it feels especially resonant during winter — a season traditionally associated with giving, reflection, and slowing down.

As the year draws to a close and the days grow darker, this winter gratitude ritual offers a quiet way to acknowledge what has supported us, both individually and collectively.

It invites gratitude without urgency
 and reflection without pressure —
qualities that feel especially nourishing during the winter months.

How to Begin a Gratitude Jar (Very Simply)

  • Choose a jar or vessel that feels inviting

  • (Optional) Add soft lights, natural elements, or decorate it in a way that brings joy

  • Keep small pieces of paper and a pen nearby

  • Set aside a few minutes each day or evening to reflect and write

There is no right way to do this.

Let it be light.
Let it be imperfect.
Allow the practice to meet you exactly where you are.

Crystal Berscht

Crystal is a registered nurse with 20 years of health care experience. She is provides a holistic perspective to health, healing, and wellness supporting other to lives in alignment with the natur l rhythms and cycle

 of self and nature. Crystal has additional training in holistic nursing and nurse coaching, Western herbal medicine, meditation, and reiki. She has a special interest in nervous system regulation, nutrition, plant allies, integration, and supporting a balanced lifestyle.

https://rooted-wholistics.com
Next

Coconut Lentil Curry