Faith, Mental Health
Style
The Thankful Tree is a great craft for bonding with any child 2 or older. It’s really simple, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space, time, or resources. Audri and I have enjoyed this activity for a couple of years and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.
The Thankful Tree Supplies You’ll Need:
- fall stencils (we use Martha Stewart cookie cutters)
- pencils
- tulle, yarn, or twine
- construction paper
- a hole punch
- scissors
- a metal or wooden tree (we got ours antique shopping)
The Thankful Tree Steps:
- trace around the fall stencil
- draw one thing you’re thankful for on it
- cut it out with scissors
- punch a hole through it
- pull the twine through the hole and tie it
- hang it on the tree
Behind The Thankful Tree Idea:
Every day in November, Audri makes one leaf to hang on the tree. I ask her what she’s most thankful for that day and she draws a picture of it onto construction paper. We show our appreciation and love by calling that person or praying over whatever she drew. The next day, she has to choose something completely different. By the end of the month, Audri will have literally counted her blessings, prayed over each one individually, and shifted her perspective into a default mode of gratitude.
Our Thankful Tree so far:
- Last year she drew something on Day 1 and I asked, “What is it honey?” She replied, “I’m thankful for my Princess tattoo on my arm.”
- This year on Day 1, she drew a face with hair and said, “I’m done Mommy!” I asked again, “What are you most thankful for today?” She replied, “God.” It was so sweet and unexpected. I asked her to draw the star and the sun to remind us that her drawing was of God.
- Day 2 she was most thankful for mommy.
- Day 3 she was most thankful for food.
This is such an interesting way to find out what your child is thankful for and it makes for a great scrapbook project or keepsake.
