Monday, December 10, 2012

A Jesse Tree




Now that Edmund is three, we wanted to start some more meaningful Christmas traditions within our family. My mom did a Jesse Tree with my brother and me one year when we were kids, but for some reason it didn't become a yearly tradition. I remembered and liked the idea, however, and so this year I found a set of ornaments from Etsy seller Inspired Traditions. (If you are unfamiliar with the meaning of a Jesse Tree, she provides a good explanation in her ornament listings.)

The ornaments come with a little booklet that explain each symbol and give suggested scripture reading, so we've been doing that each morning at breakfast. The ornaments are simplistic, just little wooden discs hung with twine, with colorful but plain symbols on each one. The illustration style reminds me of what you might see on banners and cloths in more traditional churches. I like the visual symbolism, and it's certainly easier for a toddler who can't read yet.

My mom donated a four-foot Christmas tree that she wasn't using, so Edmund has his own little tree. It's nice that he can decorate it however he wants and I don't worry if he takes ornaments off and puts them back on, or if they're not hung in a very picturesque fashion. I think this will make a really lovely addition to our family Advent traditions in years to come.

4 comments:

  1. Oh, Laura, what a wonderful idea! I love
    your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Laura
    What an adorable picture! The idea of a Jesse tree is cute,
    I think my boys would enjoy that.
    I see your mom donated the tree, did you move back close
    to family? If you did Im sure it was a very happy
    transtition.
    Wishing you all the very best this Christmas season!
    Blessings
    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, ladies! Yes, Irene, we did move this summer and are currently living with my parents while looking into other options. The house we planned to live in fell through. :-/. But it is great to be so close to our families!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Edmund looks so classy and well dressed! :) Happy Christmas!

    ReplyDelete