Involve the whole family in giving thanks through this Thankfulness Tree!  Trace the children’s handprints onto fall colored paper and help them cut them out , if need be.  Meanwhile, a teen or adult can prep the poster board with the title “We are thankful for…” and tree shape as seen below.  The children use glue sticks to paste their handprint leaves all over the tree.  Then, each family member can write things they are thankful for on all the leaves.  Display in the kitchen or family room for a meaningful Thanksgiving decoration. 

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:13

Here are some of our cutie-patootie neighbor boys working on their family’s tree at our neighborhood Thanksgiving party last year.

In the hallway at church this Sunday, I heard a great example of a mom parenting with Scripture on the topic of anger.  My friend and neighbor, Jennifer, shared how her 3 1/2 year old had been struggling with anger.  She asked him if God would want him to be angry or happy.  He said, “angry.”  Jennifer suggested that they pray and find out what God says about it.  They looked up the topic and found that Proverbs 22:24 says,

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.” 

I love how she paraphrased to help him understand on his preschool level by saying it means that God doesn’t want us to play with angry people.  She also shared that Colossians 3:12 says,

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

She explained how God wants us to be kind, gentle, and patient rather than angry.  After the discussion, his attitude totally changed. 

On to the next day…When the anger flared again, she asked him if he remembered whether God wanted him to be angry or happy.  He replied, “Angry.”  Jennifer persisted and said, “Wait a minute, are you sure?  Do not…” (she paused to give him a chance to think).  Sure enough, that little one chimed in “play with an angry man!” 

Mr. 3 ½ year old had listened and hid God’s Word in his heart through that teachable moment! 

“Lord, you have given us so much.  Give us one thing more—grateful hearts.”  (Paraphrased from original below.)

I’ve heard my sister-in-law say this many a time.  Sometimes it would be to my nieces (who may or may not have been rolling their eyes from hearing it so much growing up).  Other times, it would be a well-timed reminder amidst an extended family discussion.  Now that my nieces are older, they admit to appreciating it more.  I have adopted the saying and hope it’s a nugget of wisdom that will quickly come to the heart and lips of my children.  What a wonderful principle to live by, not only this time of year, but all year long!

Preschool – Elementary Craft idea: 
Cut out hearts from fall colored construction paper.  Have children decorate them and write (or write for them) the words of Psalm 86:12, the quote above, or simply the word “Grateful!”  Hearts could be hung from a light fixture or ceiling, strung as a garland, or put on the fridge with magnets.

Simplest Grateful Heart – Preschoolers can help glue verse and color one heart.

 I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever.
Psalm 86:12

“Thou that hast given so much to me give me one thing more, a grateful heart:
not thankful when it pleaseth me,
as if Thy blessings had spare days, but such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.”    
– George Herbert (circa 1600) 

Grateful Heart garlands by 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders
(It’s hard to see, but several words are written on each heart.
They chose between the saying from the introduction and the Bible verse.)

Years ago, my mom started an incredibly special Christmas present tradition for her grandchildren – giving handmade nativity sets from around the world!  Through her involvement in WOM (Women on Mission) at her church, she became aware of www.worldcrafts.org.   Their mission statement begins, “World Crafts develops sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world. Our vision is to offer an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life to every person on earth.”  In buying their products, we are able to help make a difference across the world! 

This link is for their beautiful selection of nativity sets – http://worldcrafts.org/shop-subcategories.asp?cat=2&subcat=20.  Prices range from 19.99 to 79.99 not including shipping.  One year, for a more budget friendly option, my mom substituted a lovely handmade card with nativity scene for each of the kids.  http://worldcrafts.org/shop-subcategories.asp?cat=2&subcat=11  These come in sets so can be divided up.   I have known some of the nativities to sell out.  Thus, the early November post.  Get ’em while you can and mark your calendars for future years for a reminder to place an early order for best selection.

When family travelled internationally and brought back surprises, we added these sets to the collection.  As my kids’ collections grew, I began to get attached to them and requested a set for me and Tim as part of our Christmas presents also.  That way, when our kids head off on their own, they can take their sets and we’ll still have ours to enjoy displaying.  For now, we just put out one of each set and keep the others stored. 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:16