Family Thankfulness Tree

A wall tree made from a paper tree trunk with bare branches, covered with handprint or leaf-shaped thankfulness notes from each family member, becomes one of the most meaningful Thanksgiving decorations a family can make together.

What You'll Need

• Brown butcher paper or cardboard — for the tree trunk and branches
• Fall-colored paper — for leaves or handprints
• Markers — for writing thankfulness notes
• Tape — for wall mounting
• The whole family — every member contributes

How to Do It

Step 1: Make the tree. Tear or cut a tree trunk and branching limbs from brown paper. Tape to the wall.

Step 2: Make leaves. Trace and cut handprints OR leaf shapes for each family member.

Step 3: Write. Each person writes or dictates what they are thankful for on their leaves.

Step 4: Add to the tree. Tape leaves to the branches until the tree is full and colorful.

Step 5: Read together. Read every note aloud at Thanksgiving dinner.

🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop

Collaborative art — Contributing to a shared art piece builds cooperative creativity.

Gratitude articulation — Identifying and expressing thankfulness builds emotional intelligence.

Tips & Variations

• Add to the tree daily throughout November.
• Keep a photo of the tree each year to compare how it changes.
• Give grandparents their own branch for notes sent by mail.

My Two Cents

The power of this activity lies in reading the notes together at the holiday meal. Pass each leaf around the table. Children are deeply moved when adults read their notes aloud with genuine attention and appreciation.