The Power of Thankfulness in the Holidays

The holidays have a way of magnifying everything. The joy feels brighter, but so does the stress. For some, it’s the family gathering that brings laughter and warmth. For others, it’s complicated relationships, financial pressure, or the ache of missing someone. Add to that the endless to-do lists, travel, and expectations, and suddenly our hearts are racing toward what’s next instead of what’s now.

That’s why gratitude is so powerful. Thankfulness isn’t an add-on to our faith; it’s foundational. It re-centers us, reshapes our perspective, and draws us closer to God. The Bible doesn’t present thankfulness as optional—it presents it as essential.

This November, I want to explore four truths about thankfulness that can change the way we approach the holiday season.

1. Thankfulness Shifts Perspective

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice what he didn’t say: “Give thanks for all circumstances.” We don’t have to pretend everything is good. But we are called to find God’s goodness in the middle of everything.

Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it changes how we see it. When we pause to say, “Lord, thank You for what You’ve already done,” our hearts shift from scarcity to abundance. We stop measuring our lives by what we lack and start celebrating the evidence of God’s hand already at work.

This holiday season, try this: before you ask God for something new, thank Him for something He’s already given. Watch how your outlook changes.

2. Thankfulness Requires Remembering

Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Forgetting is one of our greatest spiritual problems. Israel knew this all too well. Even after God parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and led them into the Promised Land, they constantly drifted into forgetfulness. That’s why God instructed them to build altars of remembrance—to anchor His faithfulness into their daily lives.

We may not pile stones into an altar, but we can still practice remembrance. Keep a gratitude journal. Take photos that remind you of answered prayers. Share testimonies with your family. Every reminder strengthens your faith for the future.

This November, don’t just “feel thankful.” Cement it. Write it. Speak it. Remember it.

3. Thankfulness Fights Against Grumbling

Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” That’s a hard word when your house is full of noisy relatives, the turkey is dry, or your budget feels stretched. But here’s the truth: gratitude and grumbling can’t live in the same heart.

Complaining is natural; gratitude is supernatural. Complaining drains us; gratitude fuels us. What if we made a conscious trade this year? Instead of “this is stressful,” say, “Thank You, God, for people to love.” Instead of “this isn’t enough,” say, “Thank You, God, for what You’ve already provided.”

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means choosing peace over frustration.

4. Thankfulness Overflows into Generosity

True thankfulness doesn’t stay inside. It spills outward. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” When we recognize how much we’ve been given, generosity becomes the natural response.

Gratitude leads us to open our hands. Maybe that means inviting someone who’s lonely to your holiday table. Maybe it’s giving financially, even when it costs. Maybe it’s releasing bitterness and offering forgiveness.

When gratitude overflows into generosity, it becomes more than words—it becomes a lifestyle that changes us and blesses others.

Final Challenge

This holiday season, don’t let gratitude be a one-day event around the dinner table. Let it be your perspective shifter, your memory keeper, your complaint killer, and your fuel for generosity. Because when we practice true thankfulness, it doesn’t just transform our hearts—it changes the lives of everyone around us.