How to Make a Thankful Tree

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 was on the wall in the dining room in our old house. Now we have it on the fridge.

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:

(1) Thankful Tree Print with Leaves

There is a Thankful Tree Print that already has leaves on it. You can use this to write what you are grateful for on each leaf that is already on the tree.

(2) Large Tree Outline

With the Large Tree Outline, you will print both parts and then glue or tape them together. You can then use one of the small leaf printable pages and cut out the leaves to use for this tree.

(3) Small Leaves (In Color and Black and White)

The Small Leaves are to be used with the tree outline printable. You can print these off, cut them out, and use them as needed. You will write what you are thankful for on each leaf.

(4) Large Leaves (2 Different Sizes)

The Large Leaves are to use if you create your own tree using construction paper or even chalk on a large chalkboard. Print these off and cut them out to use.

Purchase the Thankful Tree Printables here! 

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