How to Make a Thankful Tree

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Create a thankful tree to help your family focus on gratitude!

Using a thankful tree in our home has been a fun way to focus on gratitude during November. It is a tradition that we have had for a few years. At the beginning of every November, we use one of our family nights to prep the tree.

Finding meaningful ways to connect and grow as a family during holidays is important.  When we use a variety of tools, we are able to have the truth shared in multiple ways during the holidays. 

How to Make a Thankful Tree

There are a few different options for creating this. With all of these options, I suggest purchasing the kit here so you can have the printables to go along with this. 

(1) Creating a Large Thankful Tree

Supplies:

• Construction Paper
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pen
• Printable Leaves

Directions:

Create the trunk and branches. Remember it does not have to be perfect.

Cut out some leaves from construction paper or print off the Printable leaves in the kit. Use tape to put the leaves on the tree. 

Leave out some pre-cut leaves or the supplies to cut the leaves nearby so you can regularly add to the tree.

We love to add to the tree a few times a week. Our tree is in our dining room. If you do not want to tape to your walls, use a putty to attach yours.

(2) Create Using a Jar and Sticks

Use a jar and sticks from your yard to create your own mini tree! You will then use the small leaves from the kit and hang them on the tree after you write what you are thankful for. 

(3) Create one on paper. 

In the kit, there is a printable tree you can put together and then hang on the fridge or a chalkboard. Use the small printable leaves to write what you are thankful for! 

(4) Use the tree print. 

You can use the print included in the kit that is already put together. With this, you could put it in a frame or hang on the fridge. You will write inside each leaf what you are thankful for! 

Why is this activity important? 

The amazing thing is that every year, we see fruits from this simple activity. Even for my husband and me,  it has become a simple reminder of focusing on all that is good instead of all that is lacking. Teaching gratitude will help your kids to start a lifetime way of thinking.

Planting seeds into our children’s hearts about gratitude helps form the perfect foundation for the Christmas season.

How to do this with little kids: 

If you have little kids who cannot write yet, you can still do this activity! 

1. Give your child a crayon and let them color the leaf. 
2. Ask your child what they are thankful for. Then you can write the word and they can color. 

These moments of teaching our kids matter, no matter how young or old they are. 

Ready to get started? Grab your kit and supplies so you can start this fun family tradition! 

Check out the Thankful Tree Printable Kit! 

This kit includes everything you need to get started with a Thankful Tree! Here is what is included:

Purchase the Thankful Tree Printables here! 

What about you? Have you ever made a thankful tree? How do you teach gratitude in your home?