Do I have a true Christmas tree story for you—a chance to share the whole story and its emotional significance!

But first, I love the winter holiday season and that means Hanukkah and Christmas. In my beautiful Chicago, branches and tree trunks are covered with sparkling, white lights. High rises are decorated in their finery, and the storefronts are a marvel. You cannot help but feel a burst of joy as you walk down Michigan Avenue. Shoppers of all ages fill the streets, holding hands and carrying packages bursting with presents for their families and friends. There is one word to describe the city…radiant! When the sun shines on the city, it adds an extra layer of brightness and warmth to the festive atmosphere. This is the reason December is my favorite month of the year. It is the month of holiday tradition, ceremony, history and love.

During each holiday season, my mind wanders back to a few of my favorite holiday stories, including classic tales of a little fir tree and a pretty little birch tree, both filled with sentimental and moralistic themes. Sometimes, I remember the feeling of the warm sun from earlier seasons, a comforting contrast to the winter chill, and how that warmth seems to linger in the spirit of the holidays. I hope that you enjoy this true story about a little Jewish girl and a Christmas tree.

Through the Eyes of a Little Jewish Girl – A Christmas Tree Story

There once was a little Jewish girl who, during the sparkling Christmas season, found herself invited to her friend’s home for a holiday celebration. As she stepped inside, her eyes widened in awe at the sight of a beautiful Christmas tree standing tall in the living room. The warm room was filled with festive decorations, and the fir tree was adorned with twinkling lights, delicate ornaments, and at the very top, a golden star that seemed to capture the magic of the season.

The little girl wandered closer, mesmerized by the way the lights danced across the branches and the ornaments shimmered like tiny treasures. She listened as her friend’s family shared stories about the tradition of decorating Christmas trees, explaining how the fir tree had become a symbol of hope and joy in Christian culture. The family spoke of how, each year, they would gather together to transform the tree into a beautiful Christmas tree, filling their home with warmth and laughter.

For the little girl, it was a moment of wonder and gratitude. She felt honored to be included in her friend’s traditions, to learn about the meaning behind the fir tree and the golden star that crowned it. The experience opened her heart to the beauty of cultural exchange, reminding her that the Christmas season is a time for understanding, sharing, and celebrating the stories that make each family unique. In that moment, surrounded by the glow of the Christmas tree, she realized that the true magic of the holidays lies in the connections we make and the traditions we share.

Lizzie’s Adventure

Meet Lizzie, a bright-eyed and curious young girl with a love for exploring the great outdoors. Lizzie’s home sits on the edge of a bustling Christmas tree farm, where rows upon rows of fir trees, including many young trees, stretch as far as the eye can see, waiting to become the centerpiece of someone’s holiday celebration. The fresh air is filled with the scent of pine, and birds sing in the background, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere.

One crisp morning, Lizzie decides to set out on an adventure through the Christmas tree farm. She’s eager to discover how these fir trees, from the tiniest saplings to the grandest evergreens, make their journey from the farm to living rooms aglow with holiday cheer. As she wanders between the trees, Lizzie spots a pretty little fir tree, its delicate branches shimmering in the morning light. She meets the friendly farmer, who welcomes her with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye.

The farmer explains how each Christmas tree begins as a tiny seedling, carefully planted and nurtured over the years. Lizzie learns about the different types of fir trees, like the fragrant Fraser Fir and the sturdy Douglas Fir, each with its own special qualities. She’s fascinated by the care that goes into shaping and pruning the trees, ensuring they grow strong and beautiful for the Christmas season.

As Lizzie listens, she discovers the importance of sustainable farming practices and how Christmas tree farms help support local communities. She leaves the farm with a newfound appreciation for the fir trees and the people who tend them, excited to share her adventure with her family and friends.

The Christmas Tree Decorating at the Christmas Tree Farm

A Christmas tree farm is a magical place, especially as the holiday season approaches. Here, acres of fir trees—Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and more—as well as pine trees, stand tall and proud, their branches reaching skyward in anticipation of becoming someone’s cherished Christmas tree. Each tree is carefully nurtured from the moment it’s planted, with farmers tending to their fresh growth, pruning and shaping all its branches to ensure they’re full and lush, working on the branches till the tree achieves the perfect shape.

During the Christmas season, families flock to the farm, eager to choose the perfect fir tree for their home. The air is filled with the scent of pine and the sound of laughter as children dart between the rows, searching for the tree that will soon be adorned with lights and ornaments. Many Christmas tree farms offer the chance to cut your own tree, making the experience even more memorable.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The farm often buzzes with holiday activities—sleigh rides through the snow, cups of steaming hot chocolate, and even visits from Santa Claus himself. Helpful staff are on hand to wrap and load each Christmas tree, ensuring it arrives home safely. Some farms even offer tree disposal services after the season ends, making the entire process joyful and stress-free.

A visit to the Christmas tree farm is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a beloved tradition that brings families together and celebrates the beauty of fir trees during the most wonderful time of the year.

Through the Eyes of a Little Jewish Girl -A Christmas Tree Story

Years ago, our family lived in a homey, two-story house on Kahala Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii. With two dogs, two cats, and two daughters, our home was constantly filled with noise and laughter. The walls hung pictures that added to the cozy, decorated environment, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. Folding doors connected the living spaces, creating an open, inviting area that made it easy for children and guests to move freely and gather together. Our daughters’ numerous friends, of all nationalities and religions, ran in and out of the house, leaving mountains of flip flops at the front door. I ran a loose ship, not because I didn’t care about the mess, but rather because I did care. I wanted my girls’ friends to feel welcome at our home. Knowing they were under my watchful eye gave me a sense of ease. So, I made our Kahala home inviting to children.

The Problem

Unfortunately, there was one time of the year when our home was relatively quiet. Christmas. Our family celebrated Hanukkah while our daughter’s friends all celebrated Christmas. This was a problem for one of my daughters and made her feel separated and different from her friends. As a little Jewish girl, she was not a part of the holiday spirit of Christmas and longed to be like the other trees—her friends—who seemed to shine brighter during this season. She hoped that to morrow she might be included, her heart filled with anticipation for what the next day could bring.

As much as I explained the significance and difference between the two holidays, Hanukkah and Christmas, this daughter of mine would not be consoled. She wanted to be like the rest of her friends and to celebrate Christmas with a tree all aglow with lights and presents underneath, just like the other trees she admired. Her longing gave her a kind of bark ache, a deep ache of wishing to belong.

So began a three-year saga with my little Jewish daughter and her Christmas trees…

The first year, my tenacious daughter removed photos from our family album and taped them to the wall in our den in the shape of a Christmas tree! Talk about finding compromise over the holidays! This “picture tree” was affixed very low on the wall, resembling a little tree from classic Christmas stories, with real presents she had made, even for our dogs and cats, lying on the carpet beneath the tree. I could not believe my eyes! In her fresh youth and young life, she found creative ways to rejoice in thy youth, expressing her innocence and hope through this imaginative act.

We lit the Hanukkah candles that year with these photographs of us smiling and holding hands in the background shaped like a tree. We told our traditional Hanukkah stories, sang our Hanukkah songs and passed out presents. All the while, I was smiling to myself. I allowed my daughter to leave her “picture tree” on the wall,  praising her creativity, but again trying to help her understand her four-thousand-year-old Jewish heritage.

The Second Year

As the Christmas tree saga continued, the next year I was in for a bigger surprise. One evening as I drove into our driveway, I noticed red, green and white twinkling Christmas lights flashing on and off! My daughter stood on a ladder inside and was decorating our large, indoor palm trees to look like Christmas trees!

Again, I was speechless. With a smile, I thought to myself, “This daughter of mine has determination, resilience and spunk — great qualities if channeled properly!”

I remember walking into our living room smiling and laughing, carrying Hanukkah presents and our Menorah that held eight candles. Jewish families around the world would light one candle each night, for eight nights, to celebrate the miracle reflecting this holy time.

I explained to my daughter that differing religious beliefs did not set her apart from her friends, but rather made her the unique individual whom others loved. To put her at ease, I suggested she invite as many friends as she wanted the next night to watch us light our Menorah. I would tell her friends the story of Hanukkah and she could hand out little gifts. She was thrilled, as was I, when she happily agreed!

The next evening turned into a great night for everyone. As the festivities began, children rushed into the living room, eager to see the Menorah and join the celebration. We shared splendid stories that filled the room with joy and warmth, making the celebration even more memorable. When I finished telling the story of Hanukkah, the children clapped with excitement, their faces glowing with happiness. I could tell by my daughter’s body language how happy and proud she felt as she lit the Menorah candles. This was her first experience in realizing how important it is to be true to yourself. Everyone was happy! The other children asked me questions, and everyone loved their little presents. I served potato latkes, a traditional Jewish pancake made with grated potatoes (get my latke recipe here and read about my Hanukkah traditions). All seemed well…

The Ugly Old Fir Tree’s Tale – The Story of the Ugly Old Fir Tree

In a quiet dark corner, away from the laughter and lights, stood the ugly old fir tree. Once, it had been the pride of the Christmas season—a beautiful Christmas tree, its branches adorned with sparkling ornaments, gilded apples, golden apples, tallow candles, and a golden star that gleamed on Christmas Eve. The great stove in the room filled the air with warmth, and the room rang with laughter and music. Children had danced round its trunk, their faces aglow with wonder, and families had gathered to share stories and songs beneath its boughs.

But now, the fir tree’s needles had faded, and its branches drooped with age. No longer the center of attention, the tree sighed as it remembered its days of glory. It thought back to the time when it was a young fir tree, full of fresh growth and hope, chosen from among many to bring joy into a home. The tree recalled the warmth of the room, the laughter of merry children, and the way the golden star at its very top seemed to light up the world. It remembered its dear old companions in the forest, the linden trees and little bushes, and how the wind blew gently through its branches. Among all its limbs, one branch had always stood out—strong and proud, reaching higher than the rest.

After the festivities, the tree was placed in a dark corner, forgotten as the days grew colder and the snow lay thick. Little mice and merry little mice would gather around, listening to the tree’s memories. The tree could share only one story, but the mice listened with wide-eyed wonder. Sometimes, the tree would reflect, “You old fir tree, what a journey you have had.” It thought of its glorious path from the forest to the heart of the home.

When the servant dragged the tree away, daylight shone on its faded needles for the last time. As it was carried out, the tree reflected on the entirety of the tree’s life—its joys, its sorrows, and the happiness it had brought. With a deep sigh, the tree found peace, knowing it had fulfilled its destiny as a Christmas tree. Even as its branches grew bare, the spirit of the fir tree lived on in the stories and smiles it had inspired, a gentle reminder that every tree’s life has meaning, long after the last ornament is packed away.

The Christmas Tree Story Continues

I thought the “Saga of the Christmas Trees” had been put to rest following our success with the Hanukkah party the year prior. I was mistaken, however, because the next year…

As December came around, at first nothing appeared lit up or out of the ordinary in our home that season. That is until one night when I went upstairs to tuck my daughter into bed and kiss her good night. To my surprise there was a small fir tree, a tiny, live Christmas tree on her nightstand, all lit up and aglow with lights flickering on and off, decorated with pretty toys that added a joyful, festive touch.

Thinking, “Here we go again!” I smiled inwardly as I sat down on the edge of her bed. My daughter looked up at me with her huge, green eyes and said, “I am proud of my heritage, Mom. I am proud of who I am. I just love how happy everyone is during the holidays and I also love my little, live tree with its flickering lights.”

Smiling broadly, I responded with tears in my eyes,  “I understand, my darling girl. I totally understand. For you see, the holidays are my favorite time of the year too with the joy of giving, laughter, and family togetherness.” And with that, my daughter and I gave one another an extra-long hug. As I turned off her light, my last image was of my little Jewish girl lying next to the small fir tree, her tiny Christmas tree, all her own, all aglow in its special place next to her bed.

And the next year…there was no tree.

With that I’d like to wish you all a happy holiday season full of light and love!

Does your family celebrate any special traditions that are outside the ‘traditional’ box? I’d love to hear about them!

 

 

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