The Hope Tree

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There are few things that spread as much peace, joy and holiday cheer as the sight of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. But this season, Christmas Tree Market is making the holiday season extra special with their Christmas In The Community Program.

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As part of this program, Create With Joy was invited to spotlight a charity that’s near and dear to our hearts and to share our experience decorating their 6.5 Foot Unlit Alberta Spruce Evergreen Tree.

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Since we believe in being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, we are thrilled to introduce you to Big Cat Rescue – a Florida-based charity that’s one of the world’s largest accredited sanctuaries for exotic cats!

The Hope Tree Undecorated

Big Cat Rescue is a world-renown group that fights to end the abuse of captive big cats and save wild cats from extinction. They are home to 100 exotic big cats, including Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Cougars, Bobcats, Lynxes, Servals, Ocelots, Caracals, Jungle Cats – even a Geoffroy Cat!

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One of the things that we love about Big Cat Rescue is that they strive to make each holiday special for their cats! Christmas is a particularly special time of year for the residents of Big Cat Rescue! As you can see from the following video, the Big Cats enjoy Christmas presents and Christmas trees as much as we do!

Big Cat Rescue has received 4 Stars from Charity Navigator (their highest rating), has one of the highest ratings of any animal-based charity – are certified as a “Best Charity In America” by Independent Charities of America. Please take a moment to visit this fabulous organization today!!

Since Big Cat Rescue provides HOPE to big cats in need, we made that the theme for our Christmas tree!

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We have never decorated an artificial Christmas tree before, so we were surprised to discover how easy it was to create a stunning and realistic-looking Christmas tree using the beautiful Alberta Spruce Evergreen Tree as our base!

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Christmas Tree Market delivered the tree to our door a few days after the order was placed – no traipsing around in the cold and lugging a heavy tree up the stairs!

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Assembling the tree was easy – you simply slide the three clearly labeled pre-assembled sections into place, then spread and position the branches to achieve the level of fullness you want. That’s it! No messy pine needles to clean up! If you live in an apartment or home where space is limited, the Alberta Spruce Evergreen Tree is a perfect choice for you!

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Once we set up the tree, the real fun began! First we filled the tree with 800 tiny white lights to brighten the tree.

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Then we draped strings of pearls and added our hand-picked ornaments.

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We chose elegant white and clear ornaments because we wanted our tree to reflect the Light of the World – Christmas season.

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Finally we added the topper – a lighted Capiz shell Star Of Bethlehem Star – to symbolize the light and hope that Jesus, the Son of God brings into the world.

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Here is what the Hope Tree looks like when it is lit up at night!

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Thank you, Christmas Tree Market, for allowing us the privilege of being a part of your Christmas In The Community program!

How you are spreading hope in your community?
Please leave a comment!

Christmas In The Community 2014

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61 Responses to “The Hope Tree”

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  1. Nikki C says:

    Your tree looks so pretty all in white and those cats look like they had a blast playing with all those boxes and trees great video hugs Nikki 3

  2. Chris Porter says:

    What a lovely thought – and a great tree to work with. I love the decorations, especially the capiz shell star – beautiful. Happy WOYWW, Chris # 8

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for visiting this week Chris – we looked all over for the perfect topper for this tree and fell in love with it immediately when we saw it! Have a blessed Christmas season and a Happy WOYWW!

  3. Lisca Meijer says:

    I couldn’t find your WOYWW 289 but I’ve seen the tree of hope which is beautiful! Just the way I like it: all white and clear symbolizing the light of the world.
    Have a good week,
    Lisca#18

  4. Robyn says:

    Beautiful tree- worthy cause.
    robyn 7

  5. Gabriele says:

    Now that was a cool christmas party!!! Your christmas tree is so pretty – I am sure you would not want to share it with the kitties 😉
    Happy holidays
    Gabriele 19

  6. XmasDolly
    Twitter: Xmasdolly
    says:

    You sure love your kitties don’t you! LOL Love your big kitty video… too cute (as long as they’re on their side of the fence and I’m on mine LOL).

  7. What a beautiful tree, and I LOVE the idea of the big cat rescue. When you’re a cat person you can’t help but love those big cats too. Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #41

  8. Shel C says:

    That is a beautiful tree 🙂 Great charity saving big cats..and they look excited about the presents. Happy WOYWW. #25

  9. Pat says:

    Your love jumps right off the page. We now use a prelite artificial tree without any traditional ornaments. The bottom is sprayed to discourage Socrates and Newton from chewing on anything that sparkles and shines.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Pat #49

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thank you Pat – that’s the nicest complement I’ve received in a long time!
      I truly love animals and the Big Cats hold a special place in my heart!

      So glad to hear that you are taking care of Socrates and Newton!
      Tsunami has barely acknowledged Christmas but we’ve had to keep a VERY watchful eye on Magellan!

  10. Gilligan says:

    Those are some serious cats! Not what I expected! 😀

  11. What a beautiful Christmas tree! I have a 6.5 foot fake tree so maybe I’ll have to break it out next year. Oh, but I do love my little pink tree.

    I loved the video of the big cats playing with the trees and presents. You chose a wonderful charity to support!

    Happy WOYWW
    Peace, Kay (43)

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Your pink tree is lovely (you know how I love pink!)
      Cats of all sizes bring such joy to our lives – isn’t it wonderful to have an opportunity to bring joy to theirs as well?
      Merry Christmas to you Kay!

  12. I was mesmerized by the video – thanks for sharing!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for watching the video Cathy – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
      Big Cat Rescue regularly shares high quality videos about the lives of their cats on their website, and I frequently share them with my readers at our Wordless Wednesday party!
      (Just can’t get enough of those beautiful Big Cats!)

  13. Amy says:

    That is one of the prettiest trees I ever saw. Really. You did Big Cat Rescue proud. Thanks for featuring them. I found them earlier this year. They are a fantastic and tireless organization working on behalf of wildlife. And thanks for the Created With Joy hop! Amy at Terra Toby

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thank you so much Amy! I’m so glad you are familiar with Big Cat Rescue and know what a fabulous organization they are.
      I love your blog and look forward to getting to know you better in the New Year! 🙂

  14. Beautiful tree, beautiful cats, and all for a great cause. Love this post.

  15. Thank you for sharing the information about this awesome Big Cat Rescue! After watching the video, all I have left to say is “cats will be cats” ;-))

  16. Feed Me Dearly says:

    Your tree looks absolutely beautiful – you did such a great job, and for a great cause, too!
    Happy holidays!

  17. Tanya M @Mom's Small Victories
    Twitter: momsvictories
    says:

    This tree is stunning. I love the symbolism and beauty of the white and clear ornaments and light. Pearl strands are a classic and elegant touch too. Thanks for sharing with #SmallVictoriesSundaylinkup!

  18. Rhonda Albom says:

    Wonderful tree. Merry Christmas.

  19. Nena says:

    Gorgeous, beautiful, and simple:) Plus, what a warm and inspiring message to have in your home:)

  20. Natalie A says:

    I love your hope tree! It is beautiful! This is such a great idea, and I love the causes!

  21. Molly says:

    Such a pretty tree. It actually looks a bit like mine

    Mollyx

  22. Thank you do much for joking the Linky party. Your hope tree is beautiful and thank you for the beautiful joy you bring to your community. Merry Christmas to all!

    Debby
    Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com

  23. Your tree is beauful. Love the colour choice.

  24. Mother of 3 says:

    That is such a beautiful tree! We had heard about Big Cat Rescue on our last Florida vacation and were so bummed not to make it there to see what it was all about.

  25. OMG, that is the cutest. Typical cat to destroy the Christmas tree straight away.

  26. What a beautiful tree! I love the theme of hope, and what a fabulous cause to highlight. Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Community, Ramona. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  27. Gorgeous tree, and you are spotlighting a worthy cause.

  28. mireille says:

    It looks beautiful!

  29. Sandra Magle says:

    Always love an all white tree, and what a great charity you have brought to light. My BF works for the ASPCA and keeps me informed on all the work that still needs to be done.
    Here from Ffriday, Thanks, Sandi

  30. Sa says:

    What an incredibly lovely tree!

  31. Lafayne says:

    Beautiful tree. Happy holidays! Thanks for hosting.

Trackbacks

  1. […] program, Christmas In The Community, to spread the word about a favorite charity! Please visit The Hope Tree to learn more about this special […]

  2. […] This beautifully decorated tree for Big Cat Rescue features white lights, clear and white ornaments, and other handpicked decorations. Strings of […]

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