Last year we started a new November family tradition with our girls.
I have seen so many options of how to make a thankful tree on Pinterest for several years now. After searching I decided something simple would be best for our family. I found a stick from the tree in our front yard, a vase and some rocks to fill the vase holding the branch in place.
Ta-da, our thankful tree was complete.
For leaves we cut simple shapes out of colored construction paper, punch a hole and tie a string of yarn to hang them.
Every day I spend a moment with the girls talking about thanks. What is it, why should we give thanks, and to whom should we be thankful?
Then they tell me what they are thankful for that day and we write it down.
I try to encourage Marissa to be thoughtful in what she chooses. So far a few from this year have been: Emily, Daddy, Awana, Papa and her friend Jonathan.
Emily is a bit more unpredictable but she melted my heart the day she said mommy. A few others have been, the sun, food, Minnie, Meme and God.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good ~Psalm 107:1
After our leaves are made, we go hang them up on our tree.
Somedays Most days this requires a little bit of help.
Such a simple tradition that has brought so much joy. I love walking by the tree and catching glimpses of thanksgiving.
I definitely see this tradition sticking around for many years to come.
Do you do something special to give thanks with your kids?
I ADORE this. I have a couple crafts I've picked up over the year that are require you to write what you are thankful for. Connor is still a bit young but I think we are going to tackle something similar this week. Maybe he will catch on and we will get some adorable answers.
ReplyDeleteYou just never know Stephanie! I hope you do :D. It is always fun to try because sometimes they surprise you, or say something hilarious. This has quickly became one of the highlights of our day around here.
DeleteLove it! We are doing this and my 5 year old loves it! My 2 year old does too but doesn't really get it... He tends to draw a little on the leaf- but he's still so excited about it!
ReplyDeleteAaaahhhh, what a great idea! I wish that I had thought about that last year. Last year M was the only one filling out the leaves (she was 5) and Emily (then 2) didn't really participate. So glad you found a fun way to involve both of the kids. This year has been more fun and it is nice to have our tree looking fuller ;).
DeleteWhat a great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this!!! I've really wanted to do one of these lately because I've seen them all around. Plus I think the concept is so beautiful. Unfortunately, we probably still have a year or two for our Thankful Tree to come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteI love it! love love it! haha I'm thankful for food too, good choice. I pondered it this year but decided against it because it would just be mommy doing it. But when Aria can get it a bit more, totally doing it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great activity! I am thinking this might be fun next year to do. One in our own home but two with Callie a little older :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE this! We are going to have to implement this next year (I'm not sure Marcus would quite grasp the concept just yet).
ReplyDeleteLet's also talk about how cute and festive your table is where your tree sits.