Show Notes

Episode 87. Sane Celebrations & Holidays

Episode 87. Sane Celebrations & Holidays

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Why is it so easy to feel entitled?
How am I supposed to be grateful when things are so flawed?
Does gratitude really make a difference?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat, Kenna, and recurring guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. They explore why gratitude isn’t optional for Christians, how it supports both mental health and spiritual maturity, and the enemies that rob us of gratefulness, including entitlement, criticism, and the difficulty of embracing imperfection. Through honest anecdotes, practical challenges, and engaging dialogue, the hosts tackle tough questions: Can gratitude coexist with the desire for improvement? How do we teach gratitude to children or grow it in ourselves during times of suffering? Tune in for real-life stories, wisdom from theology and psychology, and a hands-on exercise to nourish your own spirit of gratitude. Whether this season finds you stretched thin or overflowing, you’ll leave with fresh perspective and practical ways to cultivate thankfulness.

Show Notes

  • Manage and communicate your expectations around upcoming holidays

    • What is in my control?

  • What self-care do I need during this holiday in order to give of myself most fully?

    • Do I need rest? Connection? Exercise? A specific time for prayer? A break from screens?

  • Living out my values & priorities even when the routine is different around holidays

    • What do I need to do in order to not sacrifice my higher values fo the sake of lower values?

Here are Kenna’s blind holiday rankings - how would you rank them?

  1. Christmas

  2. Easter

  3. Ash Wednesday

  4. Kenna’s birthday

  5. Thanksgiving

  6. 4th of July

  7. Immaculate Conception

  8. Labor Day

  9. New Year’s Eve

  10. Memorial Day

Challenge By Choice

Try the experiential habit of gratitude while you’re laying in bed at night

  • Begin lying down with your fists closed

  • Slowly identify 10 things that you are grateful for, and with each gift open one finger

  • As you end with your hands completely open, take a moment to rest in a spirit of openness and receptivity to the generosity of God, and

Reflection Questions

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?

  2. Do you agree that gratitude is required for Christians?

  3. What makes it difficult to be grateful?

  4. Can you recall times when you (or those around you) fell into an attitude of entitlement rather than appreciation? How did that impact you and others?

  5. What are some ways you can foster a culture of gratitude within your family, workplace, or friend group — especially with children or people who may not naturally notice their blessings?