While many people put up a tree around Christmas, you might not realize you can also put up a tree earlier and make a Thanksgiving Thankful tree.
Thanksgiving Thankful trees can either be put up at the beginning of November, or they can bridge the gap between a Halloween and a Christmas Tree.
No matter when you decide to put yours up, you can decorate it, and use it as a reminder of how thankful you are for your life.
What is a Thanksgiving Thankful Tree?
A Thanksgiving Thankful Tree is a tree that you put up in your home and decorate with reminders of how thankful you are. These trees can also be called gratitude trees, and they are ideal for any household.
There are a couple of different ways to design a thankful tree, but most people choose to use a tree they already have on hand and make new ornaments. They then write all of the things they are thankful for in life on the ornaments.
Thanksgiving Thankful Tree Ornament Ideas
- Paper leaf ornaments in fall colors
- Wood slices with chalk paint
- Print items you are thankful for on paper then cut them into leaf shapes
- Cutout paper handprints in fall colors
- Faux leaves
- Gift tags
- Faux pumpkins
Beyond this list, there are many other items you can use for Thankful Tree Ornaments. Whatever you use just needs to have space for writing or a method of attaching something that you can write on.
How to Use a Thanksgiving Thankful Tree
Step 1: Set Up Your Tree
Start by setting up your tree in a convenient location. The tree you set up can be your Christmas tree without ornaments, or any type of tree you would like. You can even make a paper tree and staple it to the wall.
Step 2: Make Ornaments
Decide which ornaments you will make. Whether you decide to cut them out of paper, or buy them at the store, ensure you buy a bunch. Three to five per person in your family is suggested as a baseline.
Step 3: Write on the Ornaments
Sit around as a family and allow each family member to write the things they are thankful for on their ornaments.
In a work setting, you can set the ornaments next to the tree with instructions for your employees to write what they are thankful for on the ornaments.
Step 4: Place the Leaves on the Tree
Once you have collected all the ornaments, affix them to the tree.
Step 5: Repeat
Leave your Thanksgiving Thankful tree out for the entire month of November and replenish the leaves whenever they run low. In a family setting, you may choose to add leaves to the tree on a weekly basis.
How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Thankful Tree
Something unique about Thanksgiving Thankful trees is the fact that they won’t be complete until the end of the month. Besides just the leaves, you will need to place additional decorations on your tree to make it aesthetically pleasing.
Supplies Needed:
- Ribbon (fall colors or pumpkins work well)
- Faux pumpkins
- Construction Paper in fall colors (or other items for making leaves)
- Twine
- Burlap
- Faux (or real) pinecones
- A string of white or orange lights
- Hole punch
- Sharpie
Step 1: Set Up the Tree
Place the tree in an area where you will be able to add leaves to it all month long and set it up completely.
Step 2: Lights
String lights around your tree. Orange lights add a nice fall glow but can be hard to find, so resort to white lights if you can’t find any.
Step 3: Garland
Use the ribbon as garland and drape it around your tree. You can also use burlap, cutting long pieces to tie together to make a garland.
Step 4: Tie Twine
Tie twine around various branches, allowing it to hang down. Save some for the ornaments.
Step 5: Cut Leaves
Cut leaf shapes out of your construction paper. Use a hole punch to make a hole in one end and tie a twine loop through it.
Step 6: Place Your Leaves
Place your leaves near, but not on the tree, with a sharpie so those in your family can add to the tree when they think of something they are thankful for.
Step 7: Tie a Bow
Use the rest of the burlap or different color of ribbon to make a giant bow to go at the top of the tree.
FAQ
What Are the Top Things to Be Thankful For?
Most people report being thankful for their family, friends, job, home, pets, and the food they will have during the holiday season.
Why is it Important to Show Gratitude and Be Thankful?
During the holiday season, it can be easy to look at others with jealousy. Taking a moment to be thankful can help to absolve jealous feelings as well as help you to feel happier and calmer.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Thankful Trees are not only for decoration, but they are also a way to connect your family in November.
Whatever leaf shape and style you choose, you can guarantee your family will enjoy writing the things they are thankful for all month long.
Then, at the end of the month, you will have an amazing Thanksgiving Thankful Tree.
What a cute tree and a wonderful idea, Debbie. Love it!…Christine
This is so cute Deb, love the little punkins and this is so sweet. Great tradition.
Very cute and clever. Gotta love the Dollar Tree store.
How cute is this tree..and so nicely decorated love it!!
Of course you made this so beautiful! Sharing!
I love your Thankful tree! What a great idea Debbie!
I love this Debbie! So talented! Perfect size tree, too.
Thanks Barb! I love my Charlie Brown tree:)
Charlie is perfect!
Where did u get the tree
Target a few years back.
So sweet, love this idea!
Blessings,
Cindy
Simply adorable tree; love it!
Thanks Peggy! Hope all is well.
This is suchva wonderful idea! It’s really pretty, too!
That is adorable! You are amazing!
Such a cute idea, and it sure looks easy. I put my Halloween tree away today, but now I’m thinking that I should get it back out and change it into a thankful tree! Thanks for another easy and inexpensive inspiration!
You are welcome Judy! Mine almost went away too, but then I asked on instagram and this idea came up. I thought it was perfect and very fitting for the season and Holiday! I love it.
Turned out great Debbie! You are so clever!
Thanks Heather it was fun!
A great idea, and I love that it has rooster representation! I think it’s great to see the same things decorated in different ways. After all, most of us keep using the same things in our homes, so it’s good to be inspired to think about them in new ways.
Of course a roo or two:)
I love it!! So cute and sweet. I feel like after Halloween is over people just blow Thanksgiving over and go right to Christmas. Thanks for sharing this I love it!
Oh thank you Jeanette! I agree and this year I want to slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww it down:)
That is just a darling idea, Debbie. You are so clever and what a perfect fill-in until Christmas! xo Diana
Love the idea! Hmmm….in a group participation/ice breaker activity, maybe you could have your T’giving guests write what they’re thankful for on the leaves and then put them on tree….? Make people reflect & count their blessings…
Btw, where did u pick up Charlie? It is THE perfect size!
I found Charlie at Target last year:) I am betting they will have it again. Great idea BTW:) Thanks.
Debbie that is a GREAT idea! I love the leaves!!
I love it too Debbie and I love your rug!!
Thanks Martina. We found the rug on ebay last year. It’s from Pottery barn.
I adore your Thankful tree! It’s so festive and pretty and just right for the Thanksgiving season.
Thank you Sharon. I love it and so happy I did one this year.
Love ALL of your ideas and so-easy to follow instructions!!!! Definitely my favorite newsletter!!!! I have a special folder for them!!! Great work, Debbie!!!! God bless you and your family!! ❤️
Aww Sylvia, that is awesome. Thank you so very much. XO
TOOOO cute!! Great job!