Here in the Joseph F. Smith Building, students are taking a break from schoolwork, tapping into their creativity and thinking about what they are grateful for this season.
BYU's Craft Night gave students a chance to slow down, meet others and reflect on gratitude through art. Students designed paper trees and filled them with leaves listing the people, places and moments that matter most.
The event was open to anyone for four hours to come and take a break and think about what they are grateful for.
"It was fun to come and do it with a bunch of different people and meet a few new people. We were able to think about what we are grateful for and just reflect, which was good," said student Anna Hansen.
"This is my first time, actually. It’s been really fun. I came here for my UNIV 100 class as a freshman. I’ve been able to meet a few other people and get to know my creative side," said Liliola Malupo.
Each tree was so unique. Students were able to set aside time to think and reflect on family, others about friends, school, or small joys they experienced every day, and include those things on their trees.
"I included the gospel, Jesus, family, and I put myself because being here at BYU, I’ve been able to learn more about myself along with the gospel, which has been really great."
"I said family, food, friends — simple things I think we overlook. I just think there are little things that make each day so great, even a call or a text from a family member or being grateful for the food or the weather," said Hansen. "These little things make a big impact."
This simple activity was a way to visualize gratitude and let the tree serve as a reminder of everything they have been blessed with.
Students say that stopping school work and taking a moment to think about what they are grateful for while making these gratitude trees really helped them think about what they are thankful for this holiday season.