The basic idea behind the Tree of Life is to represent the unity of the family or community member as participants in the whole of Life.

First, choose a nice fresh-cut or living evergreen tree. This brings the element of aliveness.

Then cover it with little white lights, representing the light of life the glows from within all living things.

The ornaments are hand cut from colored paper. In my childhood, shiny paper was used, but if you can't find it, any stiff paper will do. Poster board works well because the color is on both sides and they hold up well enough to be used more than once or twice.

• Copper-colored diamond-shaped ornaments represent the rock and mineral kingdom.
• Green triangle-shaped ornaments represent the plant kingdom.
• Red square-shaped ornaments represent the animal kingdom.
• Blue star-shaped ornaments represent the human kingdom.

Instead of or in addition to these symbolic ornaments, you can also use various objects that represent the different kingdoms. Hang crystals, feathers, dried flowers or whatever you like to bring these kingdoms to the tree.

Multicolored paper chains are added too to represent the interconnection of all life. We make these from colored construction paper. Cut strips of paper about 1/2-inch to 1-inch wide and 5-6 inches long. Take a strip of paper, make a loop, then staple it shut, then make another loop by sliding another strip of paper through the first loop.

Then have each person in the family choose an ornament to represent themselves, and place it on the tree. As part of the project, you could make ornaments with family pictures by purchasing or making small frames and tying them to the tree with ribbons.

The finished tree shows the family living within the harmonious whole of life.

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