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Start the Holiday Season with a Gratitude Tree

  • Writer: Allison Weeks
    Allison Weeks
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

A Companion Blog Post for Monday Motivation #39, Season 26, Ep9, of The Art of Home


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As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the rush of decorating, shopping, and preparing. But what if we paused to intentionally cultivate gratitude before diving into the festivities?


A gratitude tree offers a beautiful way to practice thankfulness throughout November. The concept is simple: set up a tree early in the month—whether it's your Christmas tree adorned only lights, a branch from your yard, or even a tree drawn on kraft paper—and use it as a daily reminder to acknowledge your blessings.


Why Gratitude Matters


Gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a discipline. Like any muscle, it needs regular exercise to stay strong. Without it, our hearts can drift toward discontent, envy, and bitterness. When we intentionally pause to recognize God's goodness in our lives, from the smallest joys to the most significant provisions, our perspective shifts and our joy multiplies, regardless of our circumstances.


Our tree, supplies, & scrapbook of gratitude tags from years past.
Our tree, supplies, & scrapbook of gratitude tags from years past.

Creating Your Gratitude Tree


The setup is straightforward:

  • Choose your structure (tree, branch, or paper)

  • Gather simple supplies: tags, a pen, and string or clips

  • Write down things you're grateful for on tags throughout the month

  • Invite family members and guests to participate


Don't wait until you feel grateful to write something down. On difficult days, the practice becomes even more important. Turn to scripture, pray for insight, or simply acknowledge the ordinary blessings we often overlook.


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thes 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thes 5:16-18


A Lasting Keepsake


Consider saving your gratitude tags in a scrapbook each year. Looking back on previous years' entries creates a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness through every season. It's tangible proof that goodness and mercy truly do follow us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6).


This November, before the ornaments go up and the full Christmas celebration begins, create space for gratitude. Let your tree be a visual reminder to slow down, notice the blessings, and give thanks—establishing a foundation of gratitude that will carry you through the entire holiday season.


EPISODE RESOURCES


Ready-Made Tree

This Gratitude Tree Kit from Amazon is all ready to go for you.

 

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These are the tags we use. There are lots of them and they come with the twine for hanging.



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Other Ideas for Tags:

  • simple shapes cut from Kraft paper or construction paper (leaf, pumpkin, acorn)

  • strips of colorful construction paper

  • faux fall leaves--you would probably have to use a paint pen to write on these



 

to create a Keepsake of past years' tags


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Center Your Heart on Christ This December



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The Art of Home Advent guide will help you focus your heart and mind each day with a short devotional. Designed with busy homemakers in mind, this guide will walk you through the 4 themes of Advent (hope, peace, joy, & love) in the weeks leading up to Christmas.




 
 
 
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