Now that December is almost here, we have been busy not only decorating but thinking of ways to make our season really special. A dear friend of mine, Kjersten, had delivered a thankful tree to our front porch during Thanksgiving week. It was a wonderful thing to see our children fill up the tree with thoughts about what they were most thankful for. I decided to keep the tree up for Christmas, but give it a new twist. I took down the thankful leaves {kept them of course} and now we have a beautiful giving tree for us to fill up. 
What You Need: 1. Branches 2. Gold or silver spray paint 3. Mason Jar 4. Decorative ribbon 5. Paper for your gift tags. 
Since I already had what we needed, all I did was spray the branches gold to give them some shimmer. I added a ribbon and used the silhouette to cut out gift tags {although it was probably more time consuming than just grabbing premade gift tags!} Might even be a great activity to have the children cut them out. I think I will do that next year. 
The Plan: For photo purposes, I hung many tags . . . but we will start with the bare tree and add to it as we “give” to others. This can be anything from donating a toy to giving a compliment when someone really needs it. My three year old son received a lollipop from the store today and decided to give it to his sister{without any prompting from me . . . a proud mommy moment}. I am excited to watch the tree fill up and to see our focus turn to others as much as possible. 
I am linking this craft up to Cassie’s Holiday Link Party! Come on over and join us. 
On Thursday I will be showing you one of my Christmas Vignettes and inviting you to link yours up as well. {And if you are like me and was confused by the term Holiday Vignette . . . it’s ANY Christmas décor you have around the house!} I will be showing my sideboard. Maybe you decorate your entry, or your buffet . . . it can really be anything! So don’t miss out. I can’t wait to see what you are up to. Now head on over to Hi Sugarplum! and get those crafts linked up. …………………………………… Sharing the Giving Tree with My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
A wonderful idea for a warm tree – I mean warm because it will turn into something full of good feelings! Loved it!
i love this idea! it is sweet, pretty, and what christmas is about.
So cute, courtney! This is a great craft because it's sparkly and it teaches kiddos to be grateful and remember what the holiday season is all about!
Oh this is such a great way to teach them about giving! I love this!
What a cute idea and so simple to put together!! Looks amazing! I'm absolutely in LOVE with your blog, so glad to be a new follower! xoxo
What a great idea, girlie!! this time of year, my kids get so 'gimme' — I think I need to set one of these up pronto!! Great photography, too!!
Fabulous! Totally going to do this with my children! Thank you!
that is adorable… love your photos!!!
How gorgeous those little glittery leafs are! They make it feel even more special…and the cute little tags…so darling! I love that it helps focus on the real meaning of Christmas, too, that is the very best part!
The tree is so so cute and continues to remind us why it is so good to be thankful all season long. Love it!! Can't wait for your link up this Thursday! 🙂
I love this idea and do something similar but with envelopes.
Oh super cute! Love this idea!
I love this, Courtney. So pretty and meaningful.
Yes. Thanks for reminding me of the giving tree. Instead of making purely a Christmas tree I'll make it also a giving tree.
thanks,
jeavon @ Interior Design
I am in love with this idea. I'm in college and plan to make my own for my apartment. It's such a constant reminder of love & meaningful things!
Such a great way to make the Christmas season meaningful for your little ones. We do something similar: the chain of kindness….paper chains to decorate the tree with, made out of scraps of Christmas wrapping paper, with any acts of kindness committed around our house written on the inside.
How sweet was your friend for bringing a thankful tree???
Enjoy Christmastime with your kiddos, Courtney.
This is such a cute idea! What a good way to inspire giving not only gifts on Christmas day but as a way of life… I will definitely use this one day when I have kids 🙂
I meant to do something like this for Thanksgiving, but didn't get to it. Kudos to you for such a sweet holiday tradition.