I understand, I understand. Christmas has passed. So, what exactly is a Wishmas tree? It’s how our family chooses to think about others. I initiated this tradition many years ago with our children because this time is heavily focused on asking for personal gifts, you know? Thus, I devised the Wishmas tree to instead request things for others.
It’s a modest tree that we currently keep in the dining area, but when the kids were younger, they adored having it in the kitchen! It was “nearly” as thrilling as their advent calendars. I adorn it with a simple garland—this year featuring a bell garland from Michael’s. I bought it the previous year, but I discovered similar garlands here and here.
Although it wasn’t meant for this purpose, it has turned into somewhat of a time capsule for us. Every year, the children have made requests that reflect the current events around us. I have a high school senior this year, so you can imagine how keenly she hopes for this.
The guidelines are quite straightforward. They must wish for someone or something beyond their own personal desires. The Wishmas tree represents a moment for considering others. My son might have wished for reduced taxes 😉, but he also wished for a colleague at his workplace to recover. No questions asked. I’m just pleased to see him thinking of others.
If you ever decide to create your own Wishmas tree, hopefully, this will inspire you! I keep the cards/ornaments stored away to revisit as they grow… and I can hardly remember that we’ve had this tradition until I show them. Ugh.
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Title: The Christmas Wishmas Tree: A Holiday Tradition
Introduction
The festive period is a time of happiness, unity, and beloved customs. Among these customs, the Christmas Wishmas Tree stands out as a distinctive and heartfelt practice that merges the joyful spirit of Christmas with the influence of wishes and community. This article delves into the origins, importance, and methods to integrate the Wishmas Tree into your holiday festivities.
Origins of the Wishmas Tree
The idea of the Wishmas Tree is thought to have started in Europe, where communities would congregate around a central tree to express their hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. As time progressed, this activity transformed into a more organized tradition, with families and communities crafting their own Wishmas Trees embellished with symbols of their dreams.
The Significance of the Wishmas Tree
The Wishmas Tree acts as a representation of hope and harmony during the holiday season. It motivates individuals to contemplate their wishes and aspirations while nurturing a sense of community as people unite to exchange their hopes. The act of noting down a wish and placing it on the tree is a significant gesture that encapsulates the essence of giving and receiving, serving as a reminder of the necessity of supporting one another.
Creating Your Own Wishmas Tree
1. Selecting the Tree: Opt for a tree that holds personal relevance or is readily available to your family or community. It can be a traditional Christmas tree or a specific Wishmas Tree.
2. Crafting Wish Ornaments: Provide supplies such as paper, pens, and decorative items for people to create their wish ornaments. Encourage innovativeness and personalization, allowing each individual to articulate their wishes in a distinctive manner.
3. Sharing the Wishes: Arrange a gathering where attendees can vocalize their wishes before attaching them to the tree. This can be a touching way to connect and aid one another’s goals.
4. Reflecting and Celebrating: As the holiday period progresses, take time to contemplate the wishes and celebrate any that have materialized. This can be achieved through a subsequent gathering or by setting up a specific area for wish updates.
Incorporating the Wishmas Tree into Your Celebrations
The Wishmas Tree can be tailored to fit various environments, ranging from family gatherings to community events. Schools, workplaces, and religious institutions can also adopt this tradition, promoting a sense of togetherness and common purpose. Furthermore, the Wishmas Tree can be integrated with charitable endeavors, such as collecting donations or volunteering, to widen the spirit of giving beyond personal aspirations.
Conclusion
The Christmas Wishmas Tree is a wonderful tradition that enhances the holiday period by fostering reflection, connection, and optimism. By embracing this practice in your celebrations, you can create enduring memories and reinforce the bonds within your family and community. Whether continuing an old custom or initiating a new one, the Wishmas Tree is a meaningful means to embody the true essence of the holidays.
