Several years ago we began this simple tradition of making a Thanksgiving tree each November, and now our children eagerly anticipate and remind us when November draws near. Over time it has become a tradition that sparks conversation year round when one of our children insists “Let’s all say something we’re thankful for!” whether around the dining table or riding in the car.
It can be as simple as gathering a few small branches on a walk and putting them in a vase and cutting leaves from construction paper. Some years we have printed leaf templates like the ones found here. This year we have a simple tree from a craft store and home made leaves the kids and I cut this morning.
On the first day of the month we decide on an order we will rotate through and one person gets to write something they are thankful for on a leaf then hang it back on a branch. At the end of the month we will take them all off and read them together.
We love this tradition and I hope you will too! How do you practice giving thanks in your family?