This one, I had on the calendar 2 weeks in advance.

Since it was our third year with this sweet tradition, I didn’t want to miss it! The humble beginnings of our traditions mean so much to me; and it is my privilege to keep them safe from year to year.

Our Thanksgiving Tree prepares our hearts and minds for Thanksgiving. I noticed, that as we spent this time together, our hearts were filled with the words we’ve been memorizing, “Rejoice evermore.Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)

We started the evening with some home-made pizza. The girls stole the show and took care of every little detail. (I’m counting on the fact that someday, it’ll be Crusted Salmon and Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Then, we’ll all agree that the cheese sprinkled on the floor was worth it!)

After our delicious dinner, we cleared the plates, and got to work on our Thanksgiving Tree.

Step One: Make the Leaves.

We spread newsprint over the kitchen table and got to work dabbing autumn colors with bits of sponge.

Step Two: Find The Perfect Thanksgiving Tree. (grin)

While the paint dried, we donned coats and hats, lugged flashlights, and searched for the “Tree” (which is really a handful of branches).

Vivienne loved being outside, under the country stars, flashlight-in-hand, crunching around in the leaves. She said, “I could stay out here and search for branches all night long!

As it turns out, we had done such a good job picking up sticks from a recent wind storm, that there were no branches on the ground.

Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like a sacrificial tree.

Step Three: Fill a Vase with the empty tree. Fill a Basket with the empty leaves.

Step Four: Wait for the gratitude to bloom.

(In our tradition, each person gets to name something for the Thanksgiving Tree every night at dinner time.)

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100: 4-5

Extravagant or humble, mushrooms or cheese, we want to know all about your Family Fun! Please link in or comment!