December 6

Mitten Tree Day

Spread warmth and kindness on Mitten Tree Day by donating mittens, gloves, and other winter gear to those in need - together we can make a difference!

Yearly Date
December 6
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

Get ready to spread some warmth and holiday cheer on December 6, also known as Mitten Tree Day! This heartwarming holiday originated in the 1980s when a teacher named Vicki Howard started the tradition of collecting and donating mittens and gloves to those in need during the cold winter months. Since then, it has become a beloved annual event where people all over the world come together to decorate trees with warm winter accessories for those less fortunate. It's a beautiful reminder of the spirit of giving and kindness during the holiday season. So let's get ready to hang some mittens and make someone's day a little bit brighter!

Mitten Tree Day Timeline

1980s
Inception of Mitten Tree Day
Vicki Howard, a teacher, came up with the idea of collecting mittens and gloves to donate to those who needed them during the cold months.
1990s
Expansion and Recognition
The concept of Mitten Tree Day started gaining recognition and expanded beyond Vicki Howard's school, with other communities and organizations taking part.
2000s
National Participation
Mitten Tree Day turns into a national event in the US, with schools, libraries, businesses, and charities across the country participating.
2013
Media Coverage
National media outlets began highlighting Mitten Tree Day events, spreading awareness and encouraging more people to participate.
2018
Global Participation
Mitten Tree Day became recognized worldwide, with participants in multiple countries contributing to their local mitten trees.
2021
Virtual Mitten Tree Day
Virtual methods for participation are introduced, allowing people to contribute to the cause while adhering to pandemic social distancing rules.

How to Celebrate Mitten Tree Day

1

Create a mitten tree display

Gather some colorful mittens and decorate a small tree or branch with them. This will serve as a beautiful reminder of the holiday season and also provide warmth for those in need.

2

Make homemade mittens

Get creative and make your own mittens to donate to those in need. You can use old sweaters or fabric scraps to create unique and cozy mittens.

3

Host a mitten drive

Organize a mitten drive in your community or workplace. Encourage others to donate new or gently used mittens to be distributed to those in need during the winter season.

4

Decorate a mitten-themed cake

Get creative in the kitchen and bake a mitten-shaped cake or decorate a regular cake with mitten designs. Share your creation with friends and family to spread the holiday cheer.

5

Donate to a mitten charity

Research and donate to a charity that specializes in providing mittens and warm winter clothing to those in need. This is a great way to give back and celebrate the true spirit of Mitten Tree Day.

Why We Love Mitten Tree Day

A

It's a way to give back to the community

Mitten Tree Day is all about donating warm winter wear to those in need. By participating, you are not only helping to keep someone else warm, but also spreading warmth and kindness in your community.

B

It's a reminder of the holiday spirit

During the busy holiday season, it can be easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos. Mitten Tree Day serves as a reminder to spread love and generosity, and to focus on giving rather than receiving.

C

It brings people together

Mitten Tree Day often involves a community gathering to decorate the tree with donated items. This brings people together and creates a sense of unity and camaraderie as everyone works towards a common cause.

Mitten Tree Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Dec 6
Wednesday
2024
Dec 6
Friday
2025
Dec 6
Saturday
2026
Dec 6
Sunday
2027
Dec 6
Monday