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Ever Giving Gratitude Tree
Isn’t this time of year crazy?
It’s hard to find ways sometimes to get our family to think outside of themselves – or an activity that’s affordable, easy, quick, worthwhile, have positive results and will engage everyone.
After some brainstorming this idea came to me – a Gratitude Tree!
With this little tree, teaching gratitude will come naturally to your family.
The concept is so simple. See each leaf will have a word on it that can be chosen as a family or by a parent, depending on the age, or your situation.
For example, if the leaf has the word neighbor written on it, then the leaf could not be hung on the tree until a service is done by the entire group for the neighbor of choice by the family – or at least by the majority 😉
Now the fun begins as everyone puts in their suggestions, which could include: anonymously raking leaves, making and taking cookies or spending a little time visiting an elderly neighbor.
More than just reporting or saying what family members are thankful for, this little activity will motivate and involve everyone into ACTION to fill the tree!
Effortlessly on your part, everyone will want to help and bless others, and leave the entitlement attitude behind. Service naturally brings out the best in everyone.
As they are involved in choosing who and how, they will want to make sure it happens as they will feel ownership in the project to serve and help others.
I have everything easily ready for you to start and have FUN together!
EVER GIVING GRATITUDE TREE
Supplies:
Tree, is one to check out
Pre-cut leaf shapes, the ones in the library would work great, or THESE are perfect
Twine, is a nice fit
Directions:
Trace desired shape onto paper and cut out OR use pre-cut shapes I suggested above.
Punch a small hole at the top of the leaf.
Tie a square knot with the string through the hole in the leaf.
Here are some ideas for ‘words’ your family might want to include for people to serve:
Neighbor(s) Grandparent(s) Teacher(s) Mail person Family – think extended; aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. Veterinarian Doctor Dentist Church leader(s) Military Foster Parents/kids Animal Shelter Brainstorm with your family, the list will amaze you and the results will bless you.
This Gratitude Tree can be easily adapted for the Christmas season also.
Click HERE for an idea for ornaments
Recognize a blessing and be a blessing today.
Copyright Carrie Groneman, A Mother’s Shadow, 2013, 2019
What a great idea! Love this tree, such a great way to keep these things in front of us to remind us of God’s many blessings! 🙂
What a great idea – just love this idea! It caught my eye over at the Real Family Fun Party.
What a lovely idea! I have pinned this to my “parenting” Pinterest board.
Very cute. Thanks so much for sharing with Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Link party.
Debi and Charly at Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
What an easy way to be reminded of all the wonderful things we have to be Thankful for! Thank you for linking to Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s! You were the most viewed post and are featured this week!
So cute! Thanks for linking up with the Ginger Jamboree, I hope you will link up something fabulous again today!
Such an easy way to be reminded of all the reasons we have to be Thankful this year! Thank you so much for linking to Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s!! You are the most viewed this week
This is such a good chance to sit down while making this and think of all we have. Sometimes we just forget to take the time! Thanks for sharing on the Four Seasons Blog Hop!
Too cute! I love this.
Fantastic way to serve the be reminded of the kindness es done!
Thanks Melinda, I’m glad you like it.