CULLMAN, Ala. – The lobby of the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center (CWAC) was full to the brim on Saturday, Dec. 2, as the Cullman Tree Commission unveiled its new endeavor, the inaugural Festival of Trees. Students from five local public schools and four local private schools came together and donated their time and creativity to decorate the trees.
Tree Commission Chairman Barry Slatton addressed admirers and school representatives at the Festival of the Trees opening ceremonies, sharing the heritage and history behind Christmas trees before relinquishing the mic, saying, “I’d like to give a brief history of the trees. They were first brought into German homes in the 1500s. By the 1600s, the decoration of the trees in German homes very much spread into that country and spread into England. It came to America in the 1850s; the national holiday of Christmas was established by the President of the United States at the time, Ulysses S. Grant in 1870.”
Phyllis Hain, volunteer consultant, excitedly said, “We hope these trees will be able to be enjoyed this entire holiday season. That’s why we wanted to set up early; this will be a free display so all children from the schools can come and admire their trees.”
City schools were invited to come to CWAC and “sponsor” a Christmas tree, decorating their tree to the style becoming of the students it would represent; many of the ornaments that adorn the freshly cut 7-foot tree were handmade by those same students. The nine greenery giants were farmed and harvested in Alabama soil, just a drive down the road. Frazier Christmas Tree Farm in Albertville, is the master behind the gargantuan sprigs.
West Elementary students chose “Alabama Math” as their theme because Alabama Crimson Tide plus Auburn Tigers equals a rivalry. Students, faculty and staff got creative and employed the STEM program’s 3D printer, constructing Alabama and Auburn ornaments. Each team’s gear and colors are placed on opposite sides of the tree. Streamers and pom-poms balance on the boughs, with glittery and sequin netting in hues of orange and blue to crimson and white.
“The Sweetest Time of Year” was a tree of CandyLand proportions, decorated and sponsored by Cullman High School. Giant lollipops and sugary sweets hang from the branches, drawing in any sweet tooth in the room. Cupcakes and ice cream cones rest atop the pink and silver wrapped gifts around the base of the Cullman High School’s contribution.
Cullman Christian School selected “The Names of Jesus” to embody its school’s community. A pirouetting angel circles the highest point of the tree, declaring His name on a banner behind her. The many names of Jesus are emblazoned on wooden ornaments, the correlating verse written just below. Angels and a nativity scene rest throughout the sentimental and gorgeous display, made with burlap and tulle ribbons, leaving each visitor in awe.
“Play, Create, Inspire” was the motto that East Elementary followed when preparing their school’s contribution to the Festival of Trees, laden with student-made ornaments that truly showcase each artist’s creative streak. Black and gold ribbon and tulle encircle and weave in and out of the boughs, creating a spectacular sight to see.
With salt dough ornaments rolled, cut and stamped with the school’s logo, Cullman City Primary School’s tree is decorated to the theme of “Bearcats.” Over 100 hand-cut Bearcat and angel ornaments hang and magnify the simple beauty of soft lights and green needles. Students from CCPS have been pouring their love and holiday spirit into making these adornments.
A small wooden trolley, driven by Santa himself, surrounds the skirt of Cullman Middle School’s tree, the “Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley.” CMS’ festive tree is an explosion of traditional Christmas colors; ornaments and baubles of red and green give the tree a sweet, pure Christmas feeling, enveloping the simple joys of this time of year.
Hundreds of nativity scenes and yarn animals make themselves at home on Sacred Heart’s tree, themed “Away in a Manger.” Each hanging nativity scene is a personal contribution from each student involved. A tee skirt filled with a zoo of handprint manger animals flock to the sides of the display, toward the nativity depicted at the base of the moving display.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School students chose “Life at St. Paul’s” to depict their lives at the private school. Popsicle stick frames hold classroom pictures filled with smiling students and caring teachers. The school’s colors of blue and silver weave in and out of the décor, adding a sparkling touch.
“Hark the Herald” was the anthem that was decided upon by the last tree sponsor in the 2023 Festival of Trees. St. Bernard Preparatory School decorated its tree in many shades of gold, angels and holy scrolls on every branch. Soft lights and gold ribbon make the care and love embedded in this tree apparent.
Hain said to Saturday’s gathered crowd, “I think these trees represent the true reason for the season, and that is, of course, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Alabama is blessed with such an abundance of natural God-given resources and God has charged us to be good stewards and take care of our resources. The Cullman Commission on Trees is doing exactly that.”
The Festival of the Trees is open for viewing the entire month of December. The trees and decorations are housed in the wellness lobby at CWAC, located at 1636 Field of Miracles Drive SW. These beautifully decorated trees are available for viewing during CWAC’s operating hours and at no cost to the community.
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