Last Thanksgiving, I wrote about the fun tradition of creating a gratitude tree. Here's a new idea for gathering your gratitude in a colorful and birdy-ful way.
I was at a baptism over the weekend and the church had hung a special collection of origami cranes from the parishioners. Everyone wrote a prayer inside. Aren't they beautiful?
This would be a great idea for collecting thanks or prayers in your home on Thanksgiving Day.
- Give each family member or guest a piece of origami paper (found at most craft stores or even Target or Wal-Mart).
- Have each person write a gratitude/hope/prayer inside.
- Fold the papers into pretty cranes (here's an origami crane video tutorial; also love the swallows or the swans).
- Or better yet, have the big kids do the folding part!
- Hang the colorful cranes in a sunny window, on a indoor tree or plant, or from the ceiling. Display them in a large bowl or save them for your Christmas tree.
So pretty — and a lovely reminder about the true meaning of the holiday.
On Thanksgiving, does your family have a tradition of sharing or honoring its gratitude? Do you share at the table, write a few things down, or something else?
A Gratitude Tree for Thanksgiving
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces alá Nature
Comments (1)
I love this idea. Our family can't even decide on a day to get together and have Thanksgiving this year. For one it is the big meal before going hunting, for others it is about football, and of course our Matriarch worries what she forgot to put on the table. (Usually the jello.) A simple activity to focus on gratitude and remember we are fortunate to have food and family to share it with is a great idea.
And an excuse to go to the craft store....