WHEN THE PAPER ANGELS come off the tree, the personalized ornaments go up. From Angel Tree to Memory Tree, an artificial tree standing in the narthex of my church, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, morphs each holiday season.
First, my long-time Bible study group assembles and decorates the tree which serves duo purposes. From this tree, people choose paper angels upon which anonymous identifying information is printed. Age, sex and Christmas gift ideas. People who pick an angel then buy gifts and bring them back unwrapped. My bible study group wraps most with some left unwrapped as nonprofit social service organizations request.
Once this project is done, the tree becomes a Memory Tree, a place where people can honor loved ones via a personal ornament tagged with the name of the deceased and his/her death date.
I love this idea because we have all lost loved ones whom we miss, especially during the holidays. The ornaments on this tree are a visual reminder of our loss and love. This tree represents communal grief. To acknowledge and share grief is to find our way toward healing.
This Christmas, may the memories you hold of loved ones now gone bring a smile to your face, joy to your heart, perhaps even tears to your eyes. We grieve because we loved. Hold onto the memories, hold onto the love.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
This is such a lovely idea. The holidays can be a brutal reminder of those who are no longer with us. This is the perfect way to remember them in a unique way. Thanks for sharing.
And I know you really miss your mom this time of year.
You know it! I wrote a post for Wednesday about all my friends who have lost loved ones this year before I read this. It’s just so difficult but part of grief. How blessed am I to have had such a lovely relationship with my mom that makes the grief so profound.
You have the right perspective. We grieve because we loved. Hugs to you, my friend. I’m still reading your posts, but haven’t yet figured out how to comment. Maybe my tech support can help now that he’s in-house for a bit, although at his sister’s for a few more days.
No worries! Computers sometimes have minds of their own!
Unfortunately, they do.
what a beautiful and loving idea. giving of ourselves to the living and our hearts still holding room for those who have left. ❤
Well said.
What a wonderful “memory” tree. I especially like the idea of adding ornaments to remind you of a loved one.
I think it’s a wonderful idea, too, and people really appreciate it.
My oldest first cousin is a Harland who farmed, had a confirmation class Marv and definitely knew Barb…remember them all fondly and many wonderful, blessed Christmas’ services at Trinity. And same to your household, Audrey, for all you and Randy do. Merry Christmas!
I’m not surprised you know Harland, Marv and Barb. So many wonderful people at Trinity. Merry Christmas to you, Sandra!
I love this idea. It is a special way to remember loved ones throughout the Christmas season.
My mom always leaves a seat empty for my sister 💔
That is so sweet of your mom to leave an empty place for your dear sister Brittany. It must be hard on holidays, especially, without her. She was much too young to leave you all.