Children’s Tree Goes

Up This Weekend

By Shannon Hicks

A small evergreen tree in the side courtyard of C.H. Booth Library in Newtown is about to become the center of attention for children and their imaginations.

On Saturday, December 2, the Fraser-Woods Montessori School will again host a free, ongoing workshop from 10 am to 2 pm to decorate “The Children’s Tree.” The idea was introduced last year, and children of all ages responded enthusiastically.

In four hours, the tree is expected to go from a simple evergreen beauty to a tree covered with handmade ornaments created by children to celebrate winter and the holiday season. The tree is non-denominational, with no specific holiday meant to dominate the workshop or its results.

Children are invited to visit the side courtyard at any time during the workshop. (If it is raining or snowing on Saturday, the workshop will move into the library’s story hour room, which is within the children’s library area.)

Of course, the earlier they arrive, the longer children will have to concentrate on their unique ornaments. When it was completed, last year’s tree was covered with foam letters adorned with glue, glitter, beads, and other decorations; pinecones were given a similar treatment. It was estimated that 200 children attended last year’s inaugural event.

 Parents and school ambassadors will be guiding children who attend the workshop this weekend in creating similar ornaments. A winter theme will be adhered to, with children encouraged to decorate snowmen, snowflakes, and icicles.

Light refreshments will be served during the workshop.