When we were first married we wrestled with the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree. Why do we do it? What does it mean? Do we like what it means? We’re not really ones to do something because everyone’s doing it.

So we began to consider giving the Tree meaning and making it a huge, pine-scented teaching tool. This meaning has made a significant difference in what we teach our children and answers that question of why we do it anyway.

We use the Advent calendar to help plan how to decorate it. On Day 1, Creation, we put up the tree as a symbol of all that God created and to represent the trees described in the Garden of Eden- a tree of life, and a tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you ask our kids why there is a tree in our living room, this is the meaning they will give you. I like for them that the tree itself represents a story and not just tradition for tradition’s sake.

Day 5, God’s Promise to Abraham, is their favorite day. On this day we put on the lights- star lights! These represent the stars in the sky, the innumerable blessing of heritage promised to Abram. They also like singing the silly “Father Abraham” song. They said this was their favorite night.

Each day of December one ornament goes up that tells God’s story and how we are part of it. Trees are powerful symbols in Scripture, beginning in the Garden and ending with us being grafted in as part of that promise to Abraham through our relationship with Jesus. We are adopted and part now of His family tree.

Reasons for Progressive Tree Trimming:

1. Sometimes getting the tree is hard work enough for one evening! I remember when we were first married, driving 45 minutes away as the sun was setting after work, to a quaint Christmas tree farm. Of course, we had cut it down ourselves, in our dress work clothes, drag it back to the counter in the dark, and with hands covered in sap drive home to fight with the antique tree stand (we have to do everything the hard way!). That excursion was enough for one evening without de-tangling lights.
2. You get to enjoy decorating all month. If you do enjoy adding to your tree and finding the right branch for each ornament, then you get to do it all month! Why not spread out what you enjoy?
3. The slower pace builds anticipation. Each night we reveal one Jesse Tree ornament and the kids get to put it on the tree. So just like our countdowns that get us one day closer to Christmas, the tree gets fuller and fuller as a visual reminder that celebration is coming.

After considering why, we do put up a Christmas tree, but have enjoyed the “progressive schedule” we’ve adopted to decorating it. And though I love the ribbons and glittery ornaments too, I have been surprised to find satisfaction in the simplicity of decorating over the month and mainly with our handmade Jesse Tree ornaments. Every branch holds a lesson and the years of repetition have paid off in that this history is stored in their hearts. In a world of hurry, there is something special about doing life slowly and meaningfully and adjusting our traditions to mirror that speed.

Why not try it and see if you like the change?