Materials you will need:
twigs from the yard
dried beans, pebbles, or even sand
a tall container
ribbon or burlap
basket, or plate
small pumpkins, leaves, or pinecones
Once you have the basic tree then you can set it on a counter or table...use it as your centerpiece, or put it on a plate or basket.
Next you will want to print out the leaves from A Holy Experience
My kids and hubby come home with this strange group of twigs on the bar. They don't ask questions because they are used to this crazy momma's ideas. Once they left and when they came back the entire kitchen and dining room were red:) We sit down at the dinner table, five bowed heads for the grace, and begin to eat. The little one finishes his plate and begins to get up. I ask him to sit. The middle one asks to be excused and I say no to his puzzled expression.
I go to the basket under the tree...pull out a leaf and come back to the table. The oldest says, "I knew it!" I read the scripture and ask them to say something they are thankful for as I write it on the back of the leaf. We bow our heads again...this time each giving thanks for that thing we named out loud.
Everyone scatters as I tie a leaf to a twig and I wonder what they will think of this when they are older. Could it be something they lead their own children to do? Maybe they will just laugh as they tell the "remember whens" of their younger years.
I notice I am smiling as I clean dishes. I don't know if this thanksgiving thing will change the hearts of others...but it is changing mine. I remember the things listed at the table...an 8 point buck, grandfathers who take you hunting, elderly antics at a nursing home, and the One who is worthy of all the thanks.
