Make some popcorn and curl up as a family with a good movie.  All other distractions turned off and put away.

Take it up a notch by moving things around to make it more of a theater experience.  Bust out some blankets or build a mini fort or get some extra cups from a local restaurant or theater and make feel like the real thing.  Afterwards talk about the movie as a family by sharing favorite parts or lessons learned.

Everyone think of one person in the family they are really thankful for and write them a letter telling them all the reasons they appreciate them.

Get specific about how they've influenced you, why you look up to them, what sacrifices you know they've made, and why you are grateful for the role they play in your life!  Seal it up and deliver it in person or through the mail.

Search for hiking or walking trails in your area and pick one you haven't tried before.

Even if it's just walking around the block, get some family fresh air and keep technology or distractions at home.  See if your children want to come up with the topic or theme of the conversation while you walk.

Have everyone in the family write down, in a place that everyone at home can see, one hard thing they are signing up for that they are committed to do this year.

Angela Duckworth, a lead researcher on resilience and grit, has her family sign up for Hard Things.  The three rules?
1. Everyone must choose one and it has to be something that requires consistent, intentional practice.
2. You cannot quit (until there is a natural stopping point like the end of a football season or until after a recital.)
3. You get to pick your own passion - no one can choose it for you.

"The Power of Why"
Today, after asking, “How was your day” don’t stop with the “good” or “ok” reponse! Follow it up with “why” or “tell me more about that.” Do it several times to really get deep into understanding.

Better yet, change up the question! How about, “Who did you help today?” or “What was the most challenging part of your day?” or “What’s one way I can help make today better?”

Sit together as a family and see if you can brainstorm a list of 25 things you want to do together this year.  Get creative and collaborative! Make sure the items range from totally doable in a day to something that may seem silly or impossible.  Work to check things off each month until you make your next one.

Take 5 minutes in the morning to share (and have everyone in the family share) one thing they are grateful for today.  This allows everyone to start their days with a mind and heart filled with gratefulness.

As Scarlett Lewis says, “It’s hard to have a grateful thought and a negative thought at the same time!”

Grab what you know to be a family member's favorite candy or snack and surprise them with it by leaving it somewhere you know they will find it.

See if you can get away with it being totally anonymous and pretend like it wasn't you if they ask.

Have a no technology dinner night.

Have everyone store phones and other distractions away and enjoy a meal or snack together.

Do all the chores for a family member for a week as a way to show your appreciation for them.

Lighten someone's load this week.  Doing acts of service like this can help free up someone's time which, during a busy week, can be a great gift!