Susan O’Donnell
89.5 KVNE Afternoons

My daughter gave me my first “Joy Jar” for Christmas years ago. I still have it.

Sometimes it doesn’t take opening the joy jar — just seeing it on the dresser gives me joy because I remember some of the joys inside, and my daughter shared her joy with me too.

Here’s how it works:

You and the family decorate a large jar. You can paint it, paper it or etch it. Now that you have the jar, grab some colorful paper and cut it into two strips (2-inch by 6-inch) and put them next to your jar. That part is finished. See how easy that is!

Now everyone in the family can throughout the day or week pick up a strip of paper and write what has given them joy this week.

Maybe it’s playing a board game with someone or just being told that you are loved. Maybe it’s watching someone do something for the family like chores or an act of kindness. Everyone finds joy in different ways, so no rules on WHAT is in the Joy Jar!

Pick a day when the family is going to be sitting down to dinner together each week. Maybe it’s Sunday dinner for you and your family. Use the Joy Jar as the centerpiece for dinner. You can even spread more joy by giving each child or grandchild a turn to bring the jar to the table.

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