A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in a church or church-like environment during Advent and Christmastide. Chrismon ornaments were first created by Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Georgia in 1957. It began as an offering to God, a symbol of praise and Thanksgiving, and has spread to all Christian denominations.
Evergreen itself symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides. It differs from a regular Christmas tree in in that it is decorated in all white and gold ornaments and clear lights.
In the late 90s, one of our Morningside at Meadows residents, Nita Perdue, had the pattern to the Chrismons. Our staff was delighted to start with such a craft and went out and bought the beads and other material to get it started. Staff, Nita, and countless residents made anywhere from one to three ornaments that year. It took the project a whole year to finish every ornament.
The tree was entered in Texas ArtInspire Contest in Austin and won First Place as a Group Project. The tree goes up every year the day after Thanksgiving. It has been a tradition for the last 20+ years. Nita Perdue headed the group that would decorate the tree, until last year when she moved to assisted living.
We thank everyone here today helping with the tree. It is your home; it is your tree. Residents will come and just sit and admire the tree, pray, and give thanks to live in such a great community like The Meadows.
