When Gandalf was a baby we started our tradition of making a thankful tree. It is a perfect family night activity. I started with brown construction paper and made a tree outline that I taped to our wall. Then after cutting out tons of paper leaves we took turns writing what we are thankful for. I loved walking by our tree and remembering the blessings we enjoyed. Even though Gandalf wasn’t able to write what he was thankful for we took the liberty of guessing. Mama’s milk, books, daddy, and toys. Over the years of family nights I have loves seeing the progress of our children in not only their writing abilities but also what they are thankful for. I remember Gandalf being able to write some basic words, or asking us to spell things for him. I remember when Draco came along. He would intently scribble with such concentration what he was thankful for. And I happily hung up his scribbled leaves. He was so proud to be part of our tradition.
I found after a couple of years I preferred to give each family member their own color for their leaves so we could know who was thankful for what. And I started keeping the leaves. Because I couldn’t bare to throw them away. I love pulling them out and reading what is dear to my family’s heart. I love that my oldest son is always thankful for science, bugs, nature, rocks, and other things dear to his heart. Last year Yoda drew most of his favorite Star Wars characters including Bobba Fett. I’m pretty sure he had a leaf where he tried to spell mom, and on another one Jesus. I can’t wait to see what Georgiana colors on her leaves this year.
To make a thankful tree is really quite simple. I like to use brown construction or cardstock. I start with a base and build up. Be sure to add branches so you have lots of space for your leaves. I like to make my base and branches taper off a bit. Life has gotten easier since I have gotten a Silhouette when it comes to making my leaves. But if you don’t have one you can make those long oval feather looking leaves. I like to stack them when cutting to save time. The Silhouette is a lot easier especially when you have four kids.
We like to make our tree the first Monday night of the month. It’s the our family night and it makes for a great one. We talk about how The Lord wants us to be thankful everyday. And when we count our blessings we are humbled to see how much The Lord has done for us. It’s a great way to remember the large and small blessings in our lives. I especially love to know what my childlike children are thankful for. We do talk about how we should remember these things all year long. I love this scripture in the Book of Mormon…
That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
I hope that your family joins ours with making a thankful tree. I know that if will bring a spirit of peace into your home whatever your faith may be. And as we strive, as a family, to remember all the tender mercies we will find greater happiness. Please leave a comment of something you are thankful for this month. Or you can follow me on Instagram (You can click on the new social media icon my hubby added to find me on Instagram) and tag me in a photo of your #thankfultree. I love this family tradition and I know your family will love it too!!! The photos above are from last year’s tree. Can’t wait to get pictures of our new tree tomorrow!
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