Heritage2Legacy

Oh Christmas Tree – O Christmas Tree…  How lovely are thy branches.

This month’s H2L theme is the Christmas tree, or more specifically – YOUR family Christmas tree.  This month we are writing about a family memory, tradition, and/or story surrounding the family Christmas tree.  Maybe it’s a tree from a story you heard at your own grandparent’s knee.   Maybe it’s a tree you remember as a child; or maybe it is simply a documentation of a tradition you have with your family today.   Whatever story you decide to write, here are some questions to get you started.

• Did you always have a real or artificial tree?  (aluminum foil with rotating lights?)
• Did your family ever cut down a tree in the woods or from a Christmas tree farm?
• Is there a unique story you remember about the family tree?  (too large – all the needles fell off)
• What about ornaments – any traditions there?
  Ones made by family?
  Same ones every year?
  Ornaments with a theme?
  Great-grandparents use candles?
  Ever string popcorn?
• Christmas tree lights:  Multi-colored or white?  Large or small?  Twinkling or still?
• When did/does your family put up and decorate the tree?
• Is there a story that goes along with the tree skirt you use.  (Why not have every family member sign it every year and watch the signatures change.   Begin a family heirloom tree skirt tradition…)
• How many trees did/does your family put up each year?
• Did you ever decorate a tree outside with food for animals friends?  (See the upcoming Night Tree review…)

Perhaps you are motivated by reading some of the books we have listed below.  Does one prompt a specific memory in your heart?  Or maybe like me, after reading Night Tree, you decide that you are going begin a new tradition of decorating an outdoor tree and then gather together to read this book by Eve Bunting (maybe with some hot chocolate & marshmallows)!

Heritage 2 Legacy basics:

1. Write your story on acid-free paper. (remember to keep it short).
2. Choose your children’s book.   (Some begin with the children’s book.)
3. Place your story in the back of the book.
4. Place your book label dedication (if you have come to an H2L event, this will make sense;)
5. Wrap the book up and give to a loved one (for Christmas, birthday, Mother’s Day, Baby Shower – ANY DAY) so they can add it to their Heritage 2 Legacy home library.
6. Wait for January’s prompt (Winter Fun) or think about another unique story that you have that is just yours… and begin adding to your family storytelling legacy library.

You can do it!

Are you interested in hostessing a Heritage2Legacy event in 2023?

Free download

December Booklist (pdf)