We'll be frank; we came up with the Tree of Life idea when our oldest daughter would not cease sighing woefully every time she saw a Christmas Tree, which was decidedly missing from our Jewish home. But more than a mere December gimmick, we decided our Tree of Life will stand tall and proud all year long, decorated for the gamut of Jewish holidays as well as family occasions, national holidays, and other important events.

Any tree can be a Tree of Life, though we recommend something that is suitable as an attractive household plant even when its unadorned. A ficus, real or artificial, is probably the most common tree available.

To decorate your Tree of Life, your imagination is the limit. Some suggestions:

Rosh Hashanah: artificial apples (real apples are probably too heavy)

Sukkot/Thanksgiving: indian corn, baby pumpkins, corn husks, or other fall fruits. Ornamental artificial varieties can be found at craft or floral stores.

Hanukkah: blue and white lights, dreidels, and bags of Hanukkah gelt.

Tu B'Shevat: Place new fruits at the bottom of the tree.

Purim: Colored lights, masquerade masks, crowns.

National Holidays: country's flag or ribbons with your country's colors.

Birthdays: Streamers, birthday hats, place birthday presents under the tree, etc.

Shabbat: One idea is to keep plain white lights in the tree during non-special times of the year. Only light its lights for Shabbat!



Check back here for updated photos of the Tree of Life decorated for Purim, Sukkot, Birthdays, Rosh Hashanah, and more.