September 21
World Gratitude Day
Give thanks and express your appreciation on World Gratitude Day - share your gratitude with family, friends, and loved ones!
Introduction
Make sure to pause and reflect on the many good things in your life this World Gratitude Day on Sept. 21! This day is all about taking a moment to express appreciation for what we have - from our family, friends, health, and material possessions. It's believed that expressing gratitude can bring us more of the same positive feelings. The holiday has been celebrated since 1965 when it was first established by Robert Emmons of UC Davis and Dr. Jeffrey Froh at Hofstra University in New York City as an occasional event with larger scale celebrations every ten years or so since then!
World Gratitude Day Timeline
How to Celebrate World Gratitude Day
1
Write down your blessings
Take a moment to consider all the good in your life and write it down. This can be as simple as listing five things you are grateful for today or even writing a letter to someone who has impacted your life positively.
2
Share your gratitude
Say thank you to someone who has made a difference in your life, send an unexpected card of thanks, or spread kindness by doing something nice for someone else.
3
Volunteer
Find a way to give back to the community on World Gratitude Day. Whether it’s donating items to a food pantry, helping out at an animal shelter, or teaching a local craft workshop, there are plenty of ways to volunteer your time.
4
Take time for yourself
Find time each day to practice self-care. Spend some time meditating, reading, journaling, or doing something else that brings you joy.
5
Practice random acts of kindness
Do something thoughtful for someone else without expecting anything in return. Buy the person behind you in line coffee, give a compliment to a stranger, or pick up litter around the park.
Why World Gratitude Day is Important
It reminds us to be thankful
Every day can be a struggle, but World Gratitude Day provides an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on all that we are thankful for. From the people in our lives to the experiences we've had, there is often so much to appreciate - it's important to not take our blessings for granted!
It encourages us to give back
Gratitude isn't just about recognizing what you have, it's also about doing something to make a difference. On World Gratitude Day, it's important to think of ways we can help others who may not be as fortunate. From volunteering your time at a shelter or donating money to a charity, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation and make the world a better place.
It builds stronger connections with those around us
Expressing gratitude doesn't just benefit those on the receiving end; it has benefits for the giver too. Not only can acknowledging the good in others help you build relationships with co-workers or friends, but being mindful of the kindness of others can even lead to improved physical health over time!
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Thursday | |
| 2024 | Saturday | |
| 2025 | Sunday | |
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Tuesday |
