{"id":40863,"date":"2025-11-26T10:13:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/?p=40863"},"modified":"2026-01-16T09:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:45:12","slug":"how-to-make-a-joy-jar-a-fun-holiday-activity-for-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/about\/news\/how-to-make-a-joy-jar-a-fun-holiday-activity-for-families\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Joy Jar: A Fun Holiday Activity for Families"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The holiday season is about creating memories,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sharing joy, and spending quality time together. If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0looking for a simple, meaningful activity that keeps kids engaged during winter break,\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joy\u00a0Jar<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is the perfect solution! This DIY\u00a0holiday activity for kids\u00a0is easy, fun, and helps families focus on gratitude and positivity.\u00a0It can also turn into a\u00a0new\u00a0family holiday tradition\u00a0that\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have to cost a lot of money!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What Is\u00a0a Joy\u00a0Jar?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Joy Jar is a gratitude jar for kids filled with notes, drawings, or small items that\u00a0represent\u00a0joyous moments or activities you want to do together.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0a creative way to capture joy throughout the season and revisit those memories later \u2013 like on New Year\u2019s Eve or the first day of the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40870 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"DIY Joy Jar craft for kids\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09545-950x630.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Make a Joy Jar This Holiday Season?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encourages gratitude and mindfulness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Kids learn to appreciate the\u00a0little things.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keeps\u00a0kids busy during winter break<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: A screen-free activity that sparks creativity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Builds\u00a0family traditions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Something you can do year after year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to Create Your Own Joy Jar<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Materials Needed:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A jar or container (mason jar, recycled jar, or even a shoebox)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Slips of paper<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pens, markers, crayons<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Decorations like stickers, ribbon, glitter<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Step-by-Step Instructions:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Decorate the Jar<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Let kids personalize it with stickers, paint, or holiday-themed designs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Write Joyful Notes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Each family member writes down things that make them happy, favorite holiday memories, or fun activities\u00a0they\u2019d\u00a0like to do.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Add to the Jar Daily or Weekly<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Make it a routine during winter break.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Read Together Later<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Open the jar on New Year\u2019s Eve or during a cozy family night.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BGCMD-Joy-Jar-Activity-2025.pdf?utm_campaign=Family%20Newsletter&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--E5G18yakO7Zma_zZpdKZH3mbVBnRAZOFdXpZT5xHvoMX9byUQRBB0HhTz_GTlIJ_8sfov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Check out this PDF for more ideas on how to get started!<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joy Jar Ideas for Families:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prompts for kids:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Courier New&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[9675],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;o&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhat made you smile today?\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Courier New&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[9675],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;o&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhat\u2019s your favorite holiday tradition?\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Include drawings or photos for younger kids.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Add small surprises like stickers or candy for extra fun.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tips to Make It Fun<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Turn it into a family craft night.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Set a goal: Fill the jar by the end of winter break.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pair it with other holiday traditions like baking\u00a0cookies,\u00a0watching a favorite\u00a0movie\u00a0or\u00a0listening to Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Metro Denver\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/0DGYJCrS7DglbWaCSbWwvh?si=gXpYK5TVTtCEbzTOA7VU_w\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cChoose Joy\u201d Playlist on Spotify<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joy in Action: A Creative Twist from the Hidden Lake Boys &amp; Girls Club<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/clubs\/hidden-lake\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hidden Lake Boys &amp; Girls Club<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Westminster,\u00a0a\u00a0spunky 12-year-old named Addeline took the Joy Jar idea to a whole new level. Instead of writing her happy thoughts on paper, she wrote them on brightly colored Ping Pong balls and placed them in a Mason jar.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kids at Hidden Lake filled their jars with everything from\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMy Nana\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSonic the Hedgehog,\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0along with inspiring mantras like:\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cEither you think you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0or you think you can \u2013 you&#8217;re right!\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Addeline even wrapped holiday lights around herself and proudly declared,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI am the Joy Jar!\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40865 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"DIY Joy Jar craft for kids\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar-9x12.jpeg 9w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Addeline-Joy-Jar.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This creative spin shows that\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no wrong way to make a Joy Jar\u2014just have fun and let your family\u2019s personality shine through!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mental Health Matters at Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Metro Denver<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our Clubs are more than places to play\u2014they\u2019re\u00a0safe spaces that promote mental health awareness and resilience.\u00a0Here\u2019s\u00a0how we support kids every day:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Professional Support &amp;\u00a0Expertise<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Mental health professionals embedded in every Club provide individual sessions and small group activities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Evidence-based programming helps kids build emotional awareness and positive relationships.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cultural &amp; Age-Responsive Care<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Partnerships ensure programming resonates with diverse members and builds lasting resilience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impact from 2023\u20132024:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">94% of members say adults at their Club care about them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">87% feel safe being themselves at the Club.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">92% care about how their actions affect others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Activities like Joy Jars complement these efforts by encouraging gratitude and emotional expression at home.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Start Your Joy Jar Today<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Creating a Joy Jar is more than a craft\u2014it\u2019s\u00a0a way to slow down, connect, and celebrate the season. Share your Joy Jar creations on social media\u00a0and tag\u00a0Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Metro Denver on\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bgcmetrodenver\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bgcmd\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Inspire other families to join in the fun!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40866 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-232x300.jpg\" alt=\"DIY Joy Jar craft for kids\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Joy-Jar-Images.jpg 1545w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holiday season is about creating memories,\u00a0sharing joy, and spending quality time together. If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0looking for a simple, meaningful activity that keeps kids engaged during winter break,\u00a0a\u00a0Joy\u00a0Jar\u00a0is the perfect solution! This DIY\u00a0holiday activity for kids\u00a0is easy, fun, and helps families focus on gratitude and positivity.\u00a0It can also turn into a\u00a0new\u00a0family holiday tradition\u00a0that\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have to cost a lot [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":40873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/25.11.07-Hidden-Lake-Joy-Jar-by-KC-Koch-DSC09566-adjusted-scaled.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-kid-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40863"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40896,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40863\/revisions\/40896"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bgcmd.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}