Thankful Tree

The Thanksgiving season can be a crazy time of cooking, running from house to house to visit relatives, and even preparing for the frenzy of Black Friday sales. If you’re not careful, you can totally miss what this holiday is really all about. That’s why this craft is perfect for kids and adults alike. The Thankful Tree keeps the focus on what Thanksgiving is really all about—what we are thankful for.

This is a great activity to do with your kids throughout the month and can be used as a table centerpiece that is sure to be a conversation starter during your Thanksgiving meal! Each of us can go on and on about the Lord’s glorious blessings when we take the time to think about them and write them down!

Materials:

• Branches (Don’t have any? No problem! You can find realistic branches in the floral department of most craft stores.)
• A vessel (vase, tall tin can, mason jar, etc. There are so many options!)
• Vase filler (rocks, pebbles, sand, or even beans)
• Scrapbook paper or construction paper
• A pencil
• Scissors
• Small hole-punch
• Twine or string

Directions:

1. Take your vessel (I chose a vase) and pour in your pebbles or rocks.
2. Stick your branches in the vase and arrange them to your liking.
3. Draw or trace leaf shapes on your paper and cut them out.
4. Punch a hole at the top of your leaf shape and attach a piece of string.
5. Have each person participating write down what they are grateful for.
6. Hang the leaves on your tree and enjoy reading each other’s blessings.