DIY Thankful Tree

Thankful Tree

It may look a little barren at the moment but come Thanksgiving this little centerpiece will be full of all the things the Tuckers are Thankful for. Every day each family member writes something they are thankful for on a leaf and we put it on the tree. Every day we can see our tree blossom and become more colorful. I think it is a great way for the children to understand a deeper connection with Thanksgiving other than food and football, which are not necessarily bad! I just wanted to find some activities that we could do as a family that they might remember and enjoy and pass it on to their family someday.

How To Make Your Own

I was browsing Pinterest  and came across two pins that I made me think of creating my own mash up. The first was for a Thankful Jar the second a Thankful Tree

For the jar:

                                                                               Jar

Tissue paper

Modge Podge

Paint Brush

Sticks

I like stripes so I cut strips of tissue paper and did vertical stripes. Though you can do whatever suits your fancy! I even thought about cutting out pieces to make a turkey face but I decided just on the striped jar. Nature provided the sticks for me. You can paint them if you wish but I chose to keep mine bare. I like finding twigs that have lots of little "limbs" so there are plenty of hanging spots. You can just chuck those bad boy right in. I didn't put anything in the bottom of my jar but you can always use rice if you are having trouble with your sticks staying where you want them.

Leaves:

Construction Paper

Your favorite leaf pattern

I used this leaf pattern found HERE but there are many out there. I used microsoft paint and got it to the size I though best for my leaves. Then using construction paper I folded the paper as many times as I thought my scissors could handle and cut out what I thought I would need. I have my pen that I like to write with set aside so I can use the same one but you do how you see fit. Last I have brown DMC thread which I had because I cross stitch but you can use whatever you have available I threaded a needle and just poked a hole through the stem, tied the string, and hang them up everyday! I can't wait to share our centerpiece at dinner! It can be a great insight into your child. My 5 year old "is thankful that dinosaurs don't live anymore or we would be eaten" which so far has to be the best leaf on there!

 Happy November! Does your family have any traditions besides the family dinner? Let me know in the comment section.