A Tree of Thanks

Friday's Grand Connection Fun
by Mary May Larmoyeux


For the first time last year, we had our "Thanksgiving tree." It’s a small plastic tree; gumdrops or pieces of cheese are supposed to be attached to its branches.

But instead of cheese or gumdrops, our little tree is covered with small notes of thanks to God for what He has done during the year. Jim and I, the kids, and grandkids periodically jot down things we’re thankful for on small cards and attach them to the tree. The cards are simple to make: just cut some index cards into small rectangles, hole-punch each one, and attach them to the branches with clips or pieces of ribbon.

Once again, we'll read the notes of gratitude when the family is together on Thanksgiving Day.

Two of the grands were at the house earlier this week when we put the little tree up on the kitchen counter. Last year our now four-year-old granddaughter would tell me what she's thankful for, and I'd I write it on her card. But this year, she wrote her notes of appreciation "all by herself."

If you don't have a gumdrop/cheese tree, you could make your own Thanksgiving tree out of some twigs. Also, small notes of appreciation could be dropped into a jar of gratitude instead of hung on a little tree.

How have you kept "thanks" in Thanksgiving?

Have a great weekend,
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com
www.grandconnection.org



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© 2009 by Mary May Larmoyeux.
Photo © 2008 by Mary May Larmoyeux.

A Thanksgiving idea to keep the main thing the main thing

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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

As I was thumbing through the newspaper yesterday, I couldn't help but notice all of the advertisements that are already out for Christmas. And, of course, it's still weeks before Thanksgiving!

Seeing those ads made me take a deep breath. "I've got to remember what really matters this holiday season," I said to myself.

Breath in ... breath out.

But keeping the main thing the main thing isn't always easy for me.  What about you?

Well, today I had the privilege of visiting with some bloggers from around Arkansas at FamilyLife; Barbara Rainey gave us some great ideas for keeping the main thing the main thing. She told the group about some of the beautiful resources that she has been creating for a new line of FamilyLife products, Ever Thine Home (everthinehome.com).

I'm really looking forward to using the Untie Your Story napkin ties on our table this Thanksgiving. The frayed edges give them a vintage feel, but what I really like are the different questions imprinted on each tie to encourage some great conversations.

To me, the holidays are great reminders of what matters most—faith and family and friends. And as a grandmother, I want to create customs that can be passed down from generation to generation. I hope that using the Untie Your Story questions will be an ongoing tradition for our family.

Another favorite tradition in our home is making gingerbread houses. It's really one of the highlights of the year for the grandkids. I'll share the recipe for this on Friday. It's a little bit of trouble, but well worth it!

What is something that you do during the holidays to help keep your focus on what really matters?

And what is one of your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas traditions? 

Have a great week!

He is able,
Mary
http://www.marymaywrites.com/

© 2013 Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.