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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!

Sunday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 6

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Mitten Tree Day Timeline

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.

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.

National Participation

Mitten Tree Day turns into a national event in the US, with schools, libraries, businesses, and charities across the country participating.

Media Coverage

National media outlets began highlighting Mitten Tree Day events, spreading awareness and encouraging more people to participate.

Global Participation

Mitten Tree Day became recognized worldwide, with participants in multiple countries contributing to their local mitten trees.

Virtual Mitten Tree Day

Virtual methods for participation are introduced, allowing people to contribute to the cause while adhering to pandemic social distancing rules.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Mitten Tree Day

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.

MAKE

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.

HOST

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.

DECORATE

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.

DONATE

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Mitten Tree Day

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.

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.

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.