We do not have many holiday traditions in our home. The one I might enjoy the most (and continue to do every year) is Thankful Leaves.
November 1st I grab fall colored construction paper and start cutting out leaves. I use a template like this one.
But over the years I just stick to the most basic maple shape because my hands rebel against cutting all those squiggly lines. And really it’s easier to stack the construction paper and cut a few leaves one time.
The blank leaves sit in a stack and each day all of us grab one. We write, sometimes draw, what we’re thankful for and then tape the Thankful Leaves to our back door.
Friends, Art, Field Trips, Grace … the leaves share one word sometimes more, but hold heart memories!
Our back door is mostly glass so it’s also nice to see some ‘fall leaves’ and color in Florida.
During Thanksgiving dinner we take down all the leaves and each read them, randomly, and share our gratitude around the table.
We remember stories, laugh, and thank God for the blessings. Often times we’re reading our thankfulness of each other. It’s really a simple inexpensive tradition, but one that keeps me focused on thanks-counting.
Sometimes it’s hard for the boys to remember what happened yesterday or come up with an answer on the spot. These leaves help them Denver and share with the rest of us.
During other holidays we have made Thankful Snowflakes, Thankful Valentine’s Hearts, Thankful Easter Eggs (requires a bit more decorating), and such. It really takes little effort to make thanksgiving a yearly practice!