The Mitten Tree - A UU Tradition

This time of year, the calendar fills up so fast with so many commitments. It's a relief to make time on Sunday mornings for some reflection, some shared company, and a break from all the busy of December.
Which doesn't stop me looking forward to a few of FirstU's annual events. The double services we do at First Unitarian every Christmas Eve - usually with a community dinner (bread and soup) between them, so everyone can eat together, no matter which service(s) they attend - is definitely one of them. But before that, there's a tradition that Unitarian Universalists all across the continent take part in: Mitten Tree Sunday.
This tradition started a long time ago, in the middle of the previous century, as a way for UUs to help their friends, fellow congregants, and neighbours who had trouble making ends meet. Scarves, hats, and mitts make a big difference when it comes to keeping warm, but they can be easy to lose when your five - or even fifteen (we've all been there) - and replacing them isn't in everyone's budget. Especially not when you and your family are stuck sleeping in a "sprung structure" or a community centre dorm with dozens of other people.
At our church, we collect winter woolies in kid, teen, and young adult sizes and send them to The Snowsuit Fund or other local organizations for distribution. Everyone brings something - or picks up an item or two from the Knitting Group's fundraiser table before the service - and we decorate our tree together.
This year, the service is on December 15. Maybe you'd like to join us?

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