December arrived with frost on the windows and the faint scent of pine in the corridors. On the board, Ms. Larsen had written in green chalk: “Mission #01 – Gratitude.” Beneath it, the instructions were simple: Write down three things you’re thankful for, and share one with the class.
Some students began writing immediately. Others sat staring at the blank paper, thinking. After a few minutes, the first hand went up. “I’m thankful for my grandmother,” said Ida softly. “She’s always waiting with warm waffles when I visit.” The class smiled. Then came Sindre, who said he was thankful for his football team — “because even when we lose, we laugh.” Laughter rippled through the room.
As more students shared, something began to shift. The answers became deeper. Emma said she was thankful for her little brother finally recovering from being sick. Jonas, who usually made jokes, surprised everyone by saying he was thankful for “second chances — because I’ve needed a few this year.” The room went quiet for a moment, and even Ms. Larsen had to take a breath before speaking.
When the bell rang, the students didn’t rush out. They packed their bags slowly, talking softly about what they’d heard. Outside, snow began to fall. For the first time, the class understood that The December Project wasn’t about completing tasks — it was about seeing what was already there, and being thankful for it.