I get it, I get it. Christmas has come and gone. And what on earth is a Wishmas tree? It’s our family’s unique way of focusing on others. I initiated this tradition years ago with our children because this season tends to be all about wanting things for ourselves, you know? So, I invented the Wishmas tree as a way to wish for things for other people instead.
It’s a modest tree that we now place in the dining room, but when the kids were younger, they adored having it in the kitchen! It was “almost” as thrilling as their advent calendars. I adorn it with a simple garland—this year it was a bell garland I bought from Michael’s. I picked it up last year, but I found some similar options here and here.
Although it wasn’t meant to serve this purpose, it has turned into a bit of a time capsule for us. Every year, the children express wishes that reflect what’s happening in the world around us. I have a senior in high school this year, so you can imagine how much she longs for certain things.
The rules are quite simple. They need to wish for someone or something beyond themselves. The Wishmas tree is a moment for thinking about others. My son may have wished for lower taxes 😉, but he also wished for a colleague at work to recover. No questions asked. I’m just pleased to see him considering someone else.
If you ever feel inspired to create your own Wishmas tree, I hope this provides you with some ideas! I keep the cards and ornaments tucked away to revisit as they grow older…and somehow always forget that we’ve had this tradition until I show them. Ugh.
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**The Christmas Wishmas Tree: Sharing Holiday Joy**
The holiday period is a time filled with happiness, unity, and generosity. It’s a season that brings families and communities closer, united by traditions that warm the heart and foster joy. Among the many symbols of Christmas, the Christmas tree stands proud as a symbol of festive spirit. Recently, a delightful new twist on this cherished tradition has emerged: the Christmas Wishmas Tree. This unique creation merges the magic of holiday wishes with the elegance of the Christmas tree, fostering kindness, generosity, and connection during this enchanting season.
### What is the Christmas Wishmas Tree?
The Christmas Wishmas Tree serves more than just a decorative role during the holidays—it possesses a meaningful purpose. Unlike a conventional Christmas tree decorated solely with ornaments, lights, and tinsel, the Wishmas Tree is intended to be interactive and significant. It acts as a space for people to share their wishes, convey gratitude, and promote goodwill.
At its essence, the Wishmas Tree is embellished with small cards, tags, or ornaments that display handwritten wishes, messages of hope, or gestures of kindness. These wishes can be personal, such as “I wish for good health for my family,” or directed towards others, like “I wish for peace and understanding in the world.” Various communities and organizations utilize the Wishmas Tree as a means to gather and fulfill wishes for those in need, transforming it into a powerful instrument for giving back.
### The Origins of the Wishmas Tree
While the precise beginnings of the Wishmas Tree remain uncertain, the concept is inspired by several global traditions. In Japan, for example, the Tanabata Festival features a custom where individuals write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and tie them to bamboo branches. Likewise, in many cultures, trees have historically symbolized hope, renewal, and the realization of dreams.
The contemporary Wishmas Tree likely arose as a way to blend these customs with the essence of Christmas, creating a meaningful activity that aligns with the season’s themes of hope, affection, and generosity. Over the years, it has developed into a beloved tradition in households, schools, workplaces, and community centers.
### How to Create Your Own Wishmas Tree
Starting your very own Christmas Wishmas Tree is a straightforward yet impactful approach to unite people and spread festive cheer. Here’s how to get started:
1. **Select Your Tree**: Whether you choose a classic Christmas tree, a small tabletop version, or even a DIY tree made from branches, string, or other materials, the choice is yours.
2. **Prepare Wish Tags**: Provide small sheets of paper, cardstock, or pre-made tags for individuals to write their wishes. Blank ornaments or ribbons can add a decorative flair.
3. **Establish the Theme**: Determine the purpose of your Wishmas Tree. Will it serve as a space for personal wishes, a collection of acts of kindness, or a tool for charitable efforts? Clearly communicate the theme to participants.
4. **Motivate Participation**: Invite family, friends, coworkers, or members of the community to express their wishes. You can set up the tree during a holiday gathering, in a public area, or in your home.
5. **Disseminate the Joy**: If your Wishmas Tree is linked to a charitable cause, take steps to fulfill the wishes. For instance, consider gathering donations for a local shelter, sponsoring a family in need, or organizing a toy drive.
6. **Reflect and Celebrate**: Set aside time to read and reflect on the wishes as a group. Celebrate the positive energy and sense of community that the Wishmas Tree generates.
### The Impact of the Wishmas Tree
The Christmas Wishmas Tree holds the potential to elevate the holiday season to new heights of meaning. By encouraging individuals to articulate their dreams and hopes, it nurtures a feeling of optimism and purpose. When employed as a means of giving, it transforms into a tangible way to positively impact the lives of others.
For families, the Wishmas Tree offers a wonderful opportunity to instill values of gratitude and thoughtfulness in children. In workplaces, it can enhance morale and strengthen relationships among colleagues. In communities, it serves as a unifying element, inviting people to come together for a shared cause.
### Stories of Wishmas Tree Magic
Globally, the Wishmas Tree has inspired countless acts of generosity and kindness. In one small community, a collective Wishmas Tree became the highlight of a holiday fundraiser, with residents providing gifts and essentials to fulfill the wishes of local families in need. In another case, a school adopted a Wishmas Tree to encourage students to document acts of kindness they planned to carry out, creating a ripple of goodwill throughout the community.
On a personal level, the Wishmas Tree can also be a source of comfort and inspiration.
