Thankful Tree

I was talking with a friend over the weekend about how hard it is to really teach kids about Thanksgiving.  Last year we started hunting for things to help alleviate this problem.  One tradition that has really helped us is the Thankful Tree. 

This month we've been memorizing James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."  I want our kids to be thankful, but more than that I want them to know who receives our thanks.

Each day, we add a new leaf to tree that has something we are thankful God has given us.  Before putting them on the tree, we each take turns praying, telling God thank you and why we are thankful.  I have to say, I've seen such a change from one year to the next.  Last year we listed every toy imaginable as well as some friends and family.  This year, I have seen so many more mentions of family and friends.  Now don't get me wrong, we do have Luke's frog (it's fake), the train table, each kazoo, race cars, Titus' night-night (he only has three leaves because of his very limited vocabulary) and even chocolate (I'm thankful for this one too!), but they've mentioned each of their brothers, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends much more often! 

I love this tradition, and plan on keeping it around.  It is such a simple idea, yet gives me a glimpse at all of our hearts and what we are treasuring most of all.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!