I get it, I truly do. The Christmas season has wrapped up. And what exactly is a Wishmas tree, you ask? It’s a concept our family uses to focus on others. I initiated this a few years back with my kids since this time of year tends to revolve around wanting things for ourselves, am I right? So, I created the Wishmas tree to shift that focus to wishing for others instead.
Initially, it’s a modest tree that now resides in our dining area, but when the kids were younger, they were thrilled to have it in the kitchen! It was “nearly” as exciting as their advent calendars. I adorn it simply with a garland—this year’s being a bell design from Michael’s. I got it last year, but I spotted some similar ones here and here.
While that was not its main purpose, it has turned into somewhat of a time capsule for us. Each year, the children express wishes that reflect what’s happening in our world. I have a senior in high school this year, so you can imagine how much she hopes for it.
The guidelines are rather straightforward. They have to wish for someone or something beyond just their own desires. The Wishmas tree serves as a moment for considering others. My son may have wished for lower taxes 😉, but he also had a wish for a colleague to recover. No questions asked. I’m simply delighted to see him thinking of someone else.
If you ever feel inspired to create your own Wishmas tree, I hope this offers you some motivation! I store the cards/ornaments away to revisit as they grow up…and somehow forget that we’ve had this tradition until I remind them. Ugh.
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**Creating Our Christmas Wishmas Tree – A Festive Journey | Just a Girl Blog**
The festive season is a time of joy, introspection, and celebration. For many, it’s also a moment to embrace creativity and traditions while decorating our homes. This year, I set out on an exciting festive project: crafting a “Wishmas Tree.” It’s a unique twist on the classic Christmas tree, merging seasonal joy with personal wishes and hopes for the coming year. In this entry, I’ll guide you through the journey of creating our Christmas Wishmas Tree, from the inspiration that sparked it to the finishing touches that made it truly enchanting.
### What is a Wishmas Tree?
The concept of a Wishmas Tree dawned on me as I pondered the deeper significance of the holiday season. While Christmas trees are typically adorned with decor, lights, and tinsel, I wanted to create something also symbolizing hope, gratitude, and the aspirations we hold for the future. A Wishmas Tree is a tree decorated not just with festive items but also with personal wishes, goals, and messages of love. It’s a way to intertwine the joy of Christmas with the power of setting intentions for the new year.
### The Inspiration Behind Our Wishmas Tree
The motivation for the Wishmas Tree arose from a desire to make the holiday season more meaningful for our family. Every year, we adorn our tree with lovely ornaments, but I aimed to introduce a personal element that would enable us to reflect on our gratitude and our aspirations for the approaching year. The Wishmas Tree became a means for the entire family to engage in a creative and thoughtful activity, transforming our holiday decor into something deeply personal and uplifting.
### Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Wishmas Tree
If you’re interested in crafting your own Wishmas Tree, here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you on your journey.
#### 1. **Choose Your Tree**
The first step is selecting the tree that will serve as the base for your Wishmas Tree. Whether you prefer a real or an artificial one, the choice rests with you. We decided on a classic artificial tree with lush, green branches that could easily accommodate our ornaments and wishes.
#### 2. **Gather Your Supplies**
To create a Wishmas Tree, you’ll need a few essential supplies:
– **Ornaments**: Traditional Christmas ornaments are essential! Select a variety of classic baubles, stars, and other festive shapes.
– **Wish Tags**: These tags are the heart of the Wishmas Tree. You can use small pieces of paper, cardstock, or even wooden tags. We opted for decorative paper tags with string loops, which we found at a local craft shop.
– **Pens/Markers**: You’ll need something to write your wishes on the tags. We used metallic markers in gold and silver for an added festive flair.
– **Lights and Garland**: To maintain the festive feel of the tree, be sure to include twinkling lights and garland to complement your wishes.
– **Ribbon or Twine**: If you want to add a rustic or elegant touch, use ribbon or twine to hang your wish tags from the tree.
#### 3. **Decorate with Traditional Ornaments**
Begin by adorning your tree with traditional ornaments. This will provide your tree with a festive and familiar appearance. We utilized a combination of red, gold, and silver ornaments to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Don’t forget to add your lights and garland during this step!
#### 4. **Write Your Wishes**
Now comes the exciting part! Assemble your family and friends and encourage them to jot down their wishes for the upcoming year. These can range from personal goals, aspirations, or even messages of appreciation. Motivate everyone to contemplate what they wish to achieve or experience in the new year. In our family, we each penned down three wishes: one for ourselves, one for someone else, and one for the world.
#### 5. **Hang the Wishes**
After writing the wishes, it’s time to hang them on the tree. We utilized small loops of twine to attach our wish tags to the branches. As we placed each wish, we took a moment to reflect on its significance and the positive energy we were inviting into the holiday season.
#### 6. **Add Personal Touches**
To make the Wishmas Tree even more special, we included a few personal attributes. For instance, we added family photos in small frames and hung them alongside our wishes. We also incorporated handmade ornaments crafted by our children over the years, which imparted a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the tree.
#### 7. **Top It Off**
Lastly, we topped our Wishmas Tree with a star, symbolizing hope and guidance for the year ahead. You can select any tree topper that resonates with you,
