Additional Coverage:
- My dad loved cutting down our Christmas tree every year. After he had strokes, our family adjusted our tradition so he could still be included. (newsbreak.com)
Family Christmas Tree Tradition Adapts to Adversity
Every year, the author’s family would go to a farm to select their Christmas tree. After her father suffered a stroke, they found a way to include him in this beloved tradition.
Despite his mobility limitations, the family ensured that their father remained involved in the tree-fetching ritual. With the help of a hay wagon and a four-wheeler, they transported him to the farm and assisted him in selecting and cutting down a tree.
For over a decade, they continued this modified tradition, creating new memories while preserving the essence of their family ritual. Even after the author’s father passed away, the family continued to visit the farm, honoring his memory and keeping the tradition alive.
The author reflects on the importance of family rituals and how they evolve over time. By adapting their Christmas tree tradition, they were able to maintain a sense of continuity and keep their loved one’s spirit alive.