Lexi's Bits of Joy
September 25th, 2026
Start A Gratitude Jar
There are so many things to enjoy during the fall season. From the changing color of the leaves to the cool autumn winds bringing a chill to the air. There can be times we take these simple joys for granted.
This “Bit of Joy” helps us remember these wonderful moments on days we may need a little pick me up.
Starting on the first of the month, on a small piece of paper, write down one thing every day that you are grateful for.
Your coffee was perfect that morning.
You accomplished a task you had put off for weeks.
A kind stranger smiled back at you on your walk that day.
Once written, fold it up and put it in a jar (or whatever vessel you choose).
At the end of the month, or on a particularly rough day, pull out the notes and be reminded of the moments you wrote down. You might find there’s more to be grateful for than you ever thought possible. Start fresh every month, or keep them to look back on at the end of the year!
As a bonus activity you could take the time to decorate your jar. Add photos of loved ones, lyrics from your favorite songs or just nice details to always remind you to stay grateful.
Host a fall favorites swap
I am a fall girly through and through. The colors, the aromas, the flavors, it warms my soul. I love walking through TJMaxx or Home Goods to see what decor is trending, visiting local farms to pick pumpkins, baking apple recipes that make my house smell like cinnamon and other spices. There are just so many things to enjoy but I don’t always feel like I have the opportunity to savor it all.
This “Bit of Joy” not only helps you enjoy many different elements of the season, but gathers your favorite people to enjoy them with you!
First thing you will want to do is establish how many people will be joining you. This is important because everyone should bring enough of their favorite “thing” to share with everyone attending.
From there you and your group decide how simple or extravagant you’d like to be!
You can tell everyone to simply bring whatever fall themed item they’d like to share, or take it to another level and have a specific theme.
Here are a few theme ideas with item suggestions:
Comfy and Cozy - fuzzy socks, blankets, drink coozies, cute beanies etc.
Scents of the season - fall scented candles, lotions/sanitizers, potpourri kits
Flavors of fall - baked goods, soups, cider/tea
On a Budget - Swap a decoration you already have, bake a treat to share, melt a candle you have into small molds to make wax melts.
The options are endless!
DIY Mini Holiday Parade
Thanksgiving seems to be a holiday filled with all kinds of traditions. Families all over gather together to share a meal composed of recipes that have passed down from generation to generation, siblings gather in the backyard to play their annual game of football, and if your family is anything like mine, you settle on the couch nice and early to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
According to a study done by Drive Research in 2023, 44 million viewers tuned into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and about 3 million attended the parade in person. This year celebrates the 100th parade hosted by Macy’s and is sure to be a huge celebration!
This “Bit of Joy” is sure to make you feel the excitement of the parade even if you’re not one of the lucky (and brave) few who will attend in person.
Bring out whatever craft supplies you have, gather those empty amazon, shoe, or tissue boxes you might have lying around, and create your own miniature parade floats! Take inspiration from the floats displayed every year or get creative and design your own.
Some good supplies to have might be:
Construction Paper
Glue (craft glue, glue sticks, hot glue gun etc)
Markers and/or Crayons
Scissors
Sequins
Pom Poms
Popsicle Sticks
Pipe Cleaners
Googly Eyes
This is a great opportunity for the younger generations to keep busy while the adults prepare food and set the table. Then they can share their creations with everyone after the meal.
