There are so many great family traditions this time of year and I always enjoy coming up with new ones to start with my family. Our favorite tradition for the month of November is The Thankful Tree. It is so simple to do and makes a big impact on our entire family each year. We all enjoy coming up with new things to be thankful for and it makes us all take time to pause during this busy season to reflect on the things we appreciate most in our lives.
If you’d like to start a Thankful Tree all you’ll need is a tree branch, some twine, some construction paper, and a fall leaf printable. I use this one from Live Craft Eat. I print the leaves out on different colored construction paper, punch a hole in each one and loop some twine through to hang on the branch. My family takes turns each day writing out what they are thankful for and then hangs their leaf on the tree. While they’re hanging their leaf we all take time to reflect on what they have written.
We have used many different sizes of tree branches over the years. From large branches that stand in a pot on the floor to smaller branches that sit on a tabletop. It’s always fun to go out and look for the branch that we want to use each year. If you aren’t able to find a tree branch you could always make a leaf garland out of twine, adding a new leaf to the garland each day. You could also tape your leaves on your kitchen cabinets or on the trim around a door.
I would love to hear about the traditions you do with your family during the month of November. Please let me know in the comments below.
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I absolutely love this idea 🙂 I think this is something for the whole family to enjoy. And what a beautiful sentiment it has!
Thanks, Alexandra! It’s such a simple project but it really makes a big impact. We appreciate you stopping by!
The thankful tree is a great idea. Great for all ages. We don’t have any traditions but we do love to go out walking and exploring and picking up the leaves.
We love to go out exploring in the fall, too! Unfortunately here in the desert, we don’t get to experience the fall leaves so that’s another reason why my kids think it’s so fun to cut out leaves from construction paper for this project. Thank you very much for commenting on the post.
This is such a great idea. It would be nice to have little reminders each day about what’s important.
Thanks, Candice! I appreciate you checking out the post.
I love this idea! We did something similar in my classroom last year. We used a paper tree on the door, and the kids could write on a leaf something or someone they were thankful for every day. Then, at the end of the month, all the kids got to find their leaves and attach them to their own drawing of a tree. I love that this activity reminds us to be grateful for all we have. Thanks for sharing!
That’s a great idea to do with your class! I’m sure it means a lot to the kids. Thanks for stopping by!
This a cute idea! This year me and the kids are doing a thankful turkey where each day they can write what they are thankful for on a feather and we will post it on the wall. I am behind and haven’t started yet, but will share once I do.
I LOVE the idea of a thankful turkey!! I’m sure your kids will love writing on the feathers each day. Yes, please share once you’ve started!
I love your thankful tree! I made one with my son when he was little. Such a fun activity!
Sheri,
I think this is such an adorable idea. Please stop by Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop since you are being featured.
Hugs,
Bev
I love this idea. It’s a great way to teach our children and adults to be thankful. Great family project. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Yes, this is a great project to do with the family! Our kids love it! Thanks for stopping by and for selecting our post as one of your features at your Sunday’s Best Linkup party. We appreciate it so much!