Written by Piera Jolly of Jolly Mom, special contributor for Personal Creations Blog.
The holidays are such a busy time of the year for families that it can be difficult to stop and really focus on the true meaning of what we’re celebrating. It’s very easy to get swept up in that holiday bustle so that’s why we started a new Thanksgiving tradition by making a Gratitude Tree a few years ago.
Every night after dinner, we each write down one thing that we are thankful for on a paper leaf, we read it aloud, and then hang the leaf on our tree.
By the end of November, our little tree is overflowing with all of our blessings. It’s such a special tradition that really allows us to celebrate the true spirit of Thanksgiving and connect as a family. We look forward to it every year!
At the end of the season, we collect all of our leaves and keep them safely stored away. That way we can always look back and read all of our blessings throughout the years!
Making a Gratitude Tree is super simple and only requires a few supplies that most of us already have in our homes and backyards!
How To Make a Gratitude Tree
What You’ll Need
- Branches
- Floral styrofoam
- Large container (we use an old coffee can)
- Construction paper in autumn colors
- String or yarn
- Scissors
Directions
Place styrofoam in container. This will hold the branches in place. Stick the branches into the styrofoam.
Cut out leaves (about 2-3 inches in length so there’s enough room to write). Punch a hole through each leaf and thread a piece of yarn or string through the hole and tie a knot.
Another way to celebrate your family’s blessings is by writing down on a family chalkboard some of the things that you are thankful for this year. We each contributed a couple and came up with the rest as a family.
What are YOU thankful for this year? Happy Thanksgiving!
Piera Jolly is the founder and editor-in-chief of JollyMom.com, a savvy and popular blog that provides moms with helpful parenting information, fun child-friendly activities, craft ideas, recipes, and the latest trends for moms, kids, and families. JollyMom.com is also proud to have been named a Top 10 Inspiring Blogger by Mashable, a Power Mom by Nielsen and one of Access Communication’s Top 50 Mommy Blogs!