This year, the holidays are not going to creep up on me last minute. Sure thanksgiving hasn't happened yet, but it's really just the opening act to the Christmas season anyway which is what we're all really looking forward to :) so I'm gearing up again to follow through on a new tradition we set last Christmas and maybe if I'm feeling ambitious... add another one to our repertoire.
Last year Eric and I were thinking about new traditions, being that we are still a new family unit and the topic around gifts came up. How much emphasis should be placed on gifts? What is a gift really? Does it have to be a physical object? What were we grateful for? How could all of that play into a new holiday tradition?
Inspired by the anticipation built from the advent calendar + Yoko Ono's wishing tree concept + our own twists, together we created... *The Gifting Tree*
How it works
1 - The countdown begins December 1st.
Prepare 25 empty tags with a ribbon ready to go. I used leftover antiqued tags from a previous wedding shower. Tags from Etsty Shop: {5 Dollar French Market}
2 - Each day, on the gift tag, draw a number and leave a message of gratitude.
The number represents the days left before Christmas and the message can take on whatever perspective of *gifts* that is most meaningful to you! Eric and I took turns drawing the numbers and on the back (without peeking), we both wrote down a moment/event/gesture from the past year that we were grateful for. Things that we felt were like *gifts* from friends, family, and each other. Just the act of doing this brought about some giggles as we secretly scribbled our thoughts down.
Then watch the *gifts* grow on your tree!
3 - On Christmas Day, "open" and read the gifts ALONG with the physical ones!
Afterwards, you can put a printer label on the back to re-use, collect them in a book or continue to use them as a personal touch on your tree. I like the look and the idea of continually adding these tags to the tree, so I'm excited to get started on the next set! Get the kiddies in on this...and make it your own!We'd love to see how this turns out for you! Post a photo or link in the comments below or use the tag #giftingtree on instagram!
• • • LESSONS LEARNED • • •
Make a habit of collecting gratitude and
it'll always feel like Christmas.
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