Yes, I get it. Christmas has come and gone. But what in the world is a Wishmas tree? It’s our family’s way of considering others. I initiated this tradition many years ago with our children since this time of year is often filled with requests for our own desires, you know? So I devised the Wishmas tree to focus on what others might need instead.
It’s a simple tree that we now place in the dining area, but when the kids were younger, they adored having it right in the kitchen! It was “almost” as thrilling as their advent calendars. I adorn it with a straightforward garland—this year, a bell garland from Michael’s. I bought it last year, but I discovered some similar garlands here and here.
Though it wasn’t meant to be, it has become somewhat of a time capsule for us. Every year, the kids have wished for things that connect to current events in our lives. Since I have a high school senior this year, you can imagine her strong wishes around this time.
The rules are quite straightforward. They must wish for someone or something beyond their own desires. The Wishmas tree signifies a period of caring for others. My son might have wished for lower taxes 😉 but he also wished for someone at his job to recover. No questions asked. I’m just glad to see him thinking of someone else.
If you ever feel inspired to create your own Wishmas tree, I hope this provides some motivation! I store the cards/ornaments away to revisit as they grow… yet somehow, I often forget we have this tradition until I show them. Ugh.
