Thanksgiving is approaching and I like to use this time of year to help to teach my kids how to be more thankful for the stuff they have and the things people do for them. Being thankful can be hard for kids, especially ones who (thankfully) don’t want for much. I didn’t grow up with much and thankfully now my husband and I have worked hard to that our kids don’t know what it’s like to actually want. Oh sure, they want all sorts of things, but they have everything they need plus a lot more. I wouldn’t call the spoiled, but they have lots. This time of year, I like to help them be reminded that there are plenty of kids around the country and the world that don’t have it as lucky as they do, and to teach them how to happy and grateful for things that can’t always be bought. I wanted to find a simple way for them to help show their appreciation and thankfulness all November long, so then on Thanksgiving, we can share these moments, so this DIY Thankful Tree was born.
This tree is so simple but the meaning behind it is a powerful one. I printed out lots of paper leaves and am encouraging my kids, and Dad and I as well, to write down little moments that we are thankful for all month long and hang them on the tree. Maybe they got a new book they were so excited for, or maybe their brother let them have the last bowl of cereal, or maybe a friend at school gave them a compliment- all of these little moments can be written on individual leaves and hung on the tree. My plan is that by the end of the month, we will take all of the leaves off of the tree and read them to one another during Thanksgiving dinner, so we can be reminded at all the happy moments we had that make our family so special.
To make this tree, you only need a few things:
a vase
some branches from outside
mini clothes pins
paper leaves
You can use any vase for this tree and it can be clear or painted like mine. To paint a vase, it’s easy: just pour some acrylic paint inside the vase and swish it around so some of the sides are covered and then flip it over so the paint drips down the sides and covers the whole vase then let it dry. I used a pretty copper paint to match some of my other fall decor, so it would not only be a meaningful piece, but a pretty one too! The branches were just found outside in my yard and I used a few so it was more full. You can start off with some but add more if you wanted if you were feeling extra thankful and needed more space!
The leaves aren’t perfect and if you had access to a die cut machine or a cricket then yours would probably look much better but I don’t mind- you can even have your kids help cut them out too for a fun craft project for them. If you need to make some like I did, just find a leaf printable template online and print them onto thin construction paper and cut them out. Easy peasy.
We already have a few things on our tree and I am excited to add more. I plan on putting our tree in an open space so everyone will remember and I will be encouraging my kids to write down at least one thing every day, but they can certainly add more if they want! I think this will be a fun Thanksgiving tradition that everyone will have fun doing and also get a lot out of. I hope it’s one they want to do year after year, and maybe even do with their own kids some day.
That’s such a cute idea, but a really important message. I love that you can put all the leaves away and it will be a keep sake for the future. What a 6 year old is thankful for will be very interesting to the same person when they’re 18!
That’s a great idea! I hadn’t thought of saving them, but I think I will now!
This is such a great idea. I’m going to pin it so that some day when I have kids, I’ll remember this craft! It’s definitely important to teach them to be thankful. 🙂 Great post!
Thank you! I think learning to be thankful is so important!
So glad you like it!
This is so precious, and I absolutely love the message it sends! I agree with Helena, when she says that these leaves can be saved for a scrapbook later! Great post 🙂
I agree! That is a great idea! Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a great idea. I think my kids would have so much fun with this.
My kids have been loving it! It’s been fun so far.
I love this idea! Pinned it for future reference.
So glad! Thank you for stopping by!
I LOVE this idea! What a meaningful activity.. .and not to mention super cute decor!
It is! It looks great on our table.
I really love this idea, it’s so cute and I bet the kids love doing it 🙂
They have been, it’s been really fun so far!
I love this idea – what a perfect way to celebrate a thankful month we have coming up!
Thank you! I am glad you love it!
This is really an awesome idea. I believe we have to teach our kids to be grateful everyday!
Thank you! I agree it’s so important to learn gratitude, even as a young kid.
I don’t have children, but I really love this idea!
Thanks! Pass it on to anyone you know that has kids for me! 😉
What a cute idea! We have a poster board we hang in the kitchen for the month of November and every morning we all write something new we are thankful for. Love your idea!
That’s a great idea too!
I have always loved doing this – we did this every year when my daughter was younger but now we do a thankful jar. It’s tradition now. 😉
I like the jar idea too, such a good idea!
Super cute idea! Makes a great centerpiece for kids to keep adding to!
I agree! It looks great on our table and the kids have been loving adding to it.
Oh, this is absolutely wonderful. I would love to do something like this. There are so many things our family should be thankful for.
I agree! It’s bene a fun tradition so far.
What a fun and easy craft to do with the kids! We definitely have plenty of branches in our yard for this, too.
So glad! I hope they love it like mine do.
I love thankful trees and I love how simple yours is! There is no reason why every home does not have one!
Thank you! It is so simple and fun too.
Oh how cute is this? I love anything that will show kids the true meaning of a holiday!
I agree! It’s been fun so far!
I think your Thankful Tree is such a cute and inspirational concept for kids. It really came out nicely!
Thank you so much!!
I’ve been wanting to make a thankful tree the last few years but decided to wait until my daughter was old enough to do it with us! This is the year!!! Can’t wait to make it!
She will love it! My kids have been really enjoying adding to it so far, and it’s not even November yet!
How sweet what a great idea.
I love this idea!! We need to do one for sure!
Thank you! It’s so simple too!
This is adorable and I’m going to try it, I’ll keep you posted.
I hope your kids love it!