Friday, December 24, 2010

The Wishmas Tree

 I started thinking that I push the idea of thankfulness at Thanksgiving, but then I turn around and encourage the kids to “make Christmas lists”, “think of what you want for Christmas” blah, blah, blah. I spotted this little tree at Lowes, and a light bulb literally went on over my head.

small green tree

When I brought it home, I cut up some strips of craft paper and was ready to tackle the decorating. If you ever take on a similar project, I have one piece of advice—don’t get overly wordy in explaining it to your little ones. Kids apparently “get it” that you want them to think outside themselves every once in a while. They made that very clear to me.

wish for Haiti

The concept was simple. While we sat down for lunch, the kids were to come up with wishes for other people this holiday season. I tried to keep the guidance to a minimum, and they came up with the most heartwarming wishes. Some were more universal…

army wish

Some were reflective of what 8-year olds are thinking about right now…

santa wishes

And some made me cry…

scrapbook paper cra

Some coffee filters served as a little bit of filler, but the decorating was left up to the wishes. I think I’m in love.

wishmas tree

So that leaves me with my wish. I wish for all of my blog friends—my blog family—to have a safe and happy holiday. I am so thankful for your comments of encouragement, your words of advice, and your ability to make me laugh. THANK YOU!

mini tree

I’m off to visit family for a few days. I’ll be back next week! Stay safe!

40 comments:

arkie said...

What a wonderful tree! Great for teaching!

LaVonne said...

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Beautiful. :)

Merry Christmas!

Nima said...

wow...what a lovely idea...Merry christmas to you and yours...happy holidys..

Nancy Hood said...

This is precious, Chris, and so much like you :) I am sheltering this idea to use next year at Thanksgiving/Christmas ~ and a very Merry Christmas to all of you and yours ~

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

LOVE this! You had ME in tears! Have a wonderful and snowfilled Christmas!

Kristin @ Yellow Bliss Road said...

I've been thinking the same thing...the more my three year old talks about Santa coming and leaving presents, the more I want to do something different! This is a great idea and I think I will save it for next year. Merry Christmas!!

Life In The Thrifty Lane said...

The most beautiful tree! Have a great Christmas, Veronica.

LWLH said...

Beautiful tree..I love the meaning behind it.

Willo said...

That is beautiful, in concept and appearance. I am so taking off on this idea for us next year! Thanks for the great idea (as always) and very safe travels and happy holidays!

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

This is my favorite Christmas tree I have seen. What a wonderful idea. Great way to make your kids think about others.

Laura said...

What a great idea - for kids or adults! It's great to think about others during this time of year and putting those thoughts on a tree for anyone to see is a wonderful idea. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thanks for all your give us readers throughout the year!

Lori said...

What a great tree ~ love it! Have a very Merry Christmas ~ enjoy the week-end to its fullest.

The Martys said...

OMG I so love this idea. What a wonderful thing to do with your kids. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Here's to a great New Year.

Anonymous said...

You are raising kids right.
Doesn't it make your heart grow when you see wishs like this and know you did not prompt them?

Beautiful presentation too.

Unknown said...

this is so sweet! we do something very similar for new years eve-we have a "wish box" where we place all of our wishes for the new year. it is fun to look back on our previous years to see if any of our wishes have come true!

Nichole said...

Love your tree. Such a wonderful idea.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Unknown said...

That's the sweetest idea! And looks like you have super sweet kiddos! Merry Christmas!!

Michelle (Lemonadegal) said...

I LOVE, LOVE this idea! It is so beautiful - and perfect for the season! Merry Christmas to you!!

Kristen said...

Coming out of blog hibernation and cookie making to tell you I love this idea. I was thinking of you this morning, you know my sarcasm but that aside, I am truly grateful for your friendship this morning. You have given me some much needed laugh out loud moments this year.

Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.

Cassie Bustamante said...

this is a wonderful idea that really shows off the true meaning of the holiday. i will have to save this one for ext year with my kids!

Melinda said...

What a creative idea-love it!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!

Stay safe too.

Melinda

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

What a neat idea ... we may have to do that next year.

Unknown said...

What a great idea ... this is just precious! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas too!

Brooke and Brett Martin said...

Okay you are UNBELIEVABLE!! What creativity- have a great trip ;).

Mom Daughter Style said...

beautiful tree, great idea

Melanie said...

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Froggie said...

Wow! What a great idea! I love it!!

Christina said...

Merry Christmas !

Rebekah Lindenmayer said...

This is a great idea, I am thankful for all of the lovely blogs that inspire me to be a better person, mom and crafter :)

The Cottage Chick said...

I love this idea! You have inspired me to try something new next year with me kids!

Merry Christmas
Denise

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

This is such a wonderful idea. I'll have to file this away in the back of my brain for next year! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

Rachel said...

this is so wonderful and lovely. i'm definitely doing this next year

shabbycottagegirl said...

What a fantabulous idea!! And I love that you are sending the message to your kids that Christmas is about more than just wishing things for ourselves. L-O-V-E it!

AndreaLeigh said...

wonderful idea, and what sweet and thoughtful children you have!

Amy said...

So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

What a good idea! Can you remind us of it next November--I'll never remember and this is something I'd love to do!

Anonymous said...

love this so much!

The Teacher's Wife said...

GREAT idea!
We will deffinitely implement that into our Christmas next year.
Thanks for sharing!

Barb said...

Love it! I hope your kids remember this tree project for years to come.

Mom

3egirls said...

Oh my gosh.....i love this idea. Next year, i'm starting this thoughtful tradition in my home!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...