I am trying, a tiny bit, to be more intentional about holidays and traditions. We always say we need to be grateful all year and some people post everyday a gratitude post on social media, but other than that, and a huge gluttonous meal, Thanksgiving doesn't have a whole lot to do around it or ways to 'celebrate' it.
This year I am going to try incorporating gratitude with my children by creating a Gratitude Tree. We will have a tree set up on the wall and everyday each of us will write on a leaf what he or she is grateful for that day and put it up on the tree. That way we think everyday of something, as well as look at it throughout the day. I am pretty excited to see the tree grow day by day and to have a short time to slow down and just be grateful.
Then after Thanksgiving dinner we can go over what we wrote and then play in the leaves. Throw them up in the air, or make a pile and jump in them. Something to make it fun and enjoyable for the kids and not always so serious.
Other ideas for doing a tree is thumbprints onto a paper tree. Then write on the thumbprint-leaf what the person is grateful for. This makes for a smaller tree that you can keep and see their cute tiny thumbprints as they grow.
I have also seen pipe cleaner trees using buttons as leaves. This makes a great fine motor activity as well. Or if you are in an area that already has a lot of fallen leaves, you could make a nature outing of collecting leaves and using real leaves on your tree. I think this would make an adorable tree! What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year! I would love to hear how you celebrating in the comments below.
Whatever you decide to do for Thanksgiving this year, I hope it is filled with love, family, and gratitude. Remember how blessed you truly are, and share that joy and love with those around you.
No comments:
Post a Comment