Keeping the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving (DIY Projects)

As a mother of two, there are few things I love more than watching my children learn and grow and step outside themselves and feel (and show) gratitude. Especially with the approaching of December, when holidays can sometimes take a turn for the greedy, November is a month I like to help my entire household focus on giving thanks.Here are five wonderful DIY ideas that can increase gratitude and, hopefully, spark happy traditions and memories in your home.

Books of thanks

Thankful Turkey – Wrap a couple of styrofoam balls with yarn to resemble a turkey. Then have your children (or the whole family) write what they’re thankful for on paper feathers. These feathers stick into the turkey’s back. What a fun idea for a centerpiece at Thanksgiving or for a regular decoration all month long!{found on parents}.

Books of thanks

Gratitude Rolls – Have everyone write things that they’re thankful for on strips of parchment paper. These are rolled up into crescent rolls and baked. At dinner time, everyone gets to read what someone is grateful for; you can even guess who wrote what, for a fun twist. My favorite parts of this: (1) that you can use store-bought crescent roll dough (who doesn’t love a time saver this time of year?) AND (2) that it’s almost like opening a fortune cookie.{found on beautyandbedlam}.

Books of thanks

Thankful Table Runner – Each year after the family’s Thanksgiving Day dinner, everyone writes on the runner itself something (or many things) that they are thankful for that year. The runner is pulled out every year for the special day, and how fun to read a history of gratitude by family members through the ages.{found on site}.

Books of thanks

Thankful Tree – Turn these leaves into gratitude leaves by writing on them things for which you are thankful. This is not only a sentimental, gratitude-focused activity…but it’s beautiful to boot. I would use this during the entire month as a prized piece of holiday décor.{found on beautyandbedlam}.

Books of thanks

Book of Thanks – Purchase a sturdy, high quality book that will stand the test of time. Each year, everyone in the family writes what they are thankful for in that book. After a family photo is taken, print it out and include it on that year’s page. The book will last a lifetime and will contain priceless memories…for the entire family.{found on eighteen25}.