My friend Erin is a talented and creative individual who shares her creative talent through her blog, Whimsical Walls. She recently wrote about a Wish Tree she created for her mantel. I was amazed at the simplicity of it, yet how impactful it could be in ones home. I fell in love with the concept immediately.
A wish tree is a tree, or in Erin’s case a few branches, in a decorative container that displays printed wishes or prayers.
I was familiar with the Christmastime wish trees that many organizations and stores use to display children’s Christmas wish lists, but hadn’t realized that wish trees are used at different times of the year.
Erin uses hers to say a prayer, big or small.
“Now whenever I hear a disturbing story on the news, I say a prayer and write a wish for help and hope. Then I tie it on the tree (gently, so it doesn’t tear). It’s been a few weeks, but our tree is already filling with wishes — for big things like Haiti’s troubles, little things like potty training success, and personal things like friends going through a rough patch. Sweet, heartwarming … and pretty!”
I love this concept because it visually puts everything you are thinking or worrying about into perspective. You have a reminder that life is bigger than yourself. Not only can you visually see what is on your mind, but your burdens can be lifted from your shoulders.
Apparently, wish trees can be popular at weddings too (great idea!): During the reception, have each quest write a wish for the couple and hang it on the tree. After the ceremony, the couple can take all the notes and put them in a scrapbook.
Here’s a great pic of a wedding wish tree, full of good wishes for one couple.
Don’t let wish trees be only for stores or weddings, create one for your home to support all your wishes, dreams and prayers for you, your family and others.
Photo courtesy Erin Heston
Related:
- Wish Tree definition on Wikipedia
- Erin Heston’s Whimsical Walls blog. She’s got lots of inspirational posts to help make your home something you’re proud of.
- Check out a few photos from a Dr. Suess nursery she did last year.
- Hire Erin! Contact her directly to find out about freelance mural painting or writing.
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ABOUT ALICIA: Alicia is the founder of Balancing Motherhood.com. Last year, she managed to stay sane while completing an MBA, working full-time, blogging, and still baking amazing birthday cakes — all while raising a young family at home.
Esam says
Imagine if you could reproduce that tree! 3 thnigs I would wish for is 1.somehow I wish we could be closer to all family members stretched across Australia so catching up didn’t always seem impossible. 2. I could get my act together so I could achieve more. I frustrate myself on so many different levels some days!3. That everyone feels happy and loved.