This year, we created a Thanksgiving tree, which visually helps remind us all of what we're thankful for. It has been a highlight of this Thanksgiving season, so I thought I'd share it with you all.

(Sidenote:  If you're interested in making that leaf garland you see in the background, you can find that tutorial here.)

Here's what you'll need:

• A branch - for your tree
• Construction paper - for your leaves
• A jar - to use as your base
• Rice - you could also use beans, rocks, foam (whatever you have on hand)
• Scissor
• Paper hole punch
• Mini twinkle lights (optional, but totally recommended)

Here's what we did:

First, we found a branch large enough to hold the approximate amount of leaves I thought we might use. I also wanted it to be small enough to fit on the table, but large enough to be a focal point in our natural autumn decor. You may have to remove a few dead leaves and trim it up a bit until it looks nice and clean, and well balanced.

Next, I cut out the patterns and traced them on to the construction paper. The kids could do this, but I wanted to make the best use of the paper space. It's up to you whether or not you have the them do the tracing. Depending on the complexity of your leaves and the age of your kiddos, they may like that step.

Here's the leaf pattern we used, but you sure could Google another leaf printable you'd like. There are many free ones out there. I wanted to use oak leaves, as we just finished adding them to our nature journals, and making these adorable felted acorns.

After we traced, we cut, and cut, and cut, until we had enough leaves for each member of our family, for each of the 7 days before Thanksgiving.

Then the kids punched a hole at the base of each leaf. I was going to have them use string to tie a little hanger, but I got out-voted. Our tree had so many tiny branches that that step seemed unnecessary. {Good thinkin' kids!}

We poured the rice into our jar to stabilize the tree. Beware mommas, this could get messy. I pulled out a funnel and it helped quite a bit. But, no biggie, if you don't have one. Rice sweeps up quickly. Watching little hands so involved is always worth a little mess, if you ask me.

And finally, you place your stick/tree into the base and start hanging those leaves.

The best part:

On each leaf you write what you're thankful for. We do it at the dinner table each night. Sitting around a sweet little hand-made, twinkle-lit, centerpiece that the kiddos are so proud of, has lead to many sweet conversations this week. You just have to try it.

This past week, the kids and I have had a week off of school. (We're doing a six week on / one week off approach to our schooling year.)  So we used the week to play outside a ton and do some fun projects, this Thanksgiving tree being a favorite. I think we just may have created a new tradition!

Oh, and these are the sweet acorns we created in combination with our Thanksgiving oak tree. If you're interested in that handicraft, you can find the link to it here.

Thanksgiving holds such value in teaching a child the importance of practicing a thankful heart. In effort to be more aware of vocalizing all that we're thankful for, the Thanksgiving tree was created. You just have to try it! It works for grown-up hearts too ;)

Until next time!

Heidi