Whispers of Hope
This year, our tree is inspired by the original writings and illustrations of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. We used actual clippings from a 1946 copy of the book, and upcycled ornaments and related trinkets.
In particular, a poem included in the introduction from 1867 entitled “Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child”, helped us connect this fanciful classic to the holidays:
Lady dear, if Fairies may
For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
'Tis at happy Christmas-tide.
We have heard the children say—
Gentle children, whom we love—
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
Came a message from above.
Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
They remember it again—
Echo still the joyful sound
"Peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Yet the hearts must childlike be
Where such heavenly guests abide:
Unto children, in their glee,
All the year is Christmas-tide!
Thus, forgetting tricks and play
For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
Merry Christmas, glad New Year!
