Thanksgiving Traditions

I wanted to share a couple of Thanksgiving traditions I started quite a few years ago that have stuck around. I think these are great traditions that you and your family can start this year for Thanksgiving with just a few supplies. 

First up is the "Thankful Tree" I cannot remember where I got the idea for this but I love it and think it is so fun to re-read the leaves from year to year. 

Supplies you will need:

• Tree-this can be as simple as a vase with sticks from outside, this is what I used for years. I recently bought some "twigs" that light up from amazon and put them in a vase and have used it for our Thanksgiving tree as well as other holidays for various things. 
• Fall-colored paper- to make the leaves I have done this a few different ways but the most simple way is to just get fall-colored paper and cut out leaf shapes and punch a hole and tie a loop of twine or string to the top so you can hang them on the branches.
• Twine, string, yarn
• Scissors
• Marker, pen, crayon-to write on the leaves-to write what you are thankful for

I just put the Thankful tree on a side table during Thanksgiving and throughout the day people can write on as many leaves as they would like and say what they are thankful for. I have also done this throughout the month of November in preparation. It is nice to have a place to reflect on all that we are thankful for and my family looks forward to it each year. 

Thanksgiving Memory Tablecloth 

Next up is our Thanksgiving Tablecloth:

If I would have known this would be such a hit I would have spent a little more time choosing the tablecloths! I bought a couple of inexpensive tablecloths, a marker, and some embroidery floss, and it's all history from there.

Each year I use the same tablecloths and have each guest sign and date on the spot where they sat with the washable marker. Once the day is over I use embroidery floss to stitch over their names and then I wash it and it's ready for the next year.

I started the tablecloth in 2014 or 2015 and we have been doing it ever since. It is so fun to see the additions and it brings back fun memories from the day enjoying family and reflecting on all of the things we are grateful for.

My grandma just passed away and she especially looked forward to "signing the tablecloth". We were just talking about Thanksgiving with her and it's sad that she won't get to sign another spot on the tablecloth but I am so thankful for all of the other years we were together and she was able to sign it. 

Here is what you will need for the tablecloth:

• Tablecloth
• Marker-I use a washable black marker so that the ink washes out after I embroider the names on it
• Embroidery Floss
• Needle

What traditions does your family do for Thanksgiving? I would love to hear! about them!

@elevation_handmade or email me at [email protected] 

Happy Crafting!