Nurturing Thankfulness: How to Build A Family Gratitude Tree

Today’s day-to-day schedules can get overwhelming.  Between work, school, and endless to-do lists, our days can start to blur together. 

Creating family traditions like a Family Gratitude Tree are special ways to slow down, reflect, and celebrate what truly matters most. And just in time for Thanksgiving, a gratitude tree can show the love, connection, and appreciation you have for your family. Let’s dive into what makes the perfect gratitude tree!

Gratitude Trees are made from branches, paper leaves, and imagination.  Each family member writes something they’re grateful for on a leaf and hangs it on the tree.  Over time, the branches fill the tree with gratitude, becoming a meaningful family display.

Here are some tips on how to start one with your family.

Find The Perfect Spot

Choose a cozy, central place in your home like the dining room table, entryway, or living room where everyone can see the tree each day.

Gather Your Materials

Make crafting the tree part of the fun! Take a family walk to collect branches, then come home and prepare your leaves together.

Reflect And Write

Each person writes something they’re thankful for on a leaf. If you’d like to, you can even pick your own real leaves and write on them!

Encourage everyone to think beyond the obvious—maybe it’s a friend who makes them laugh, a favorite meal, or a small moment of joy.

Hang The Leaves

Attach the leaves to your branches. Watching your gratitude “grow” is a beautiful reminder of how blessed you truly are.

Add To It Often

Keep your gratitude tree up for a week, a month, or even the whole season. Add new leaves whenever you feel grateful. It’s fun to see how it fills up over time!

During this month of November, a gratitude tree in your home will strengthen family bonds, boost positivity, and nurture the love you have for each other. 

So, gather your family, grab some paper leaves, and let gratitude take root in your home and in your hearts.