Writing a Book with Your Child: A Town's Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree – Unfiltered!
There’s something magical about sitting down with your child and creating something from scratch, especially when it involves the spirit of the holidays. Writing a book together, like A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree, isn’t just a creative project; it’s a bonding experience that celebrates the values of family, collaboration, and tradition
The ’Aha’ Moment
The idea for A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree began as a casual conversation with my son, 9 at the time, after leaving our town’s tree lighting event, later blending inspiration from a Target commercial.
Children have a way of seeing the world through a lens of wonder and imagination, often noticing details adults might overlook. By nurturing this idea together, parents and children can turn a fleeting moment into something amazing—a book that reflects their shared creativity and values.
The Writing Journey
Writing a book together isn’t just about stringing words into sentences. It’s about exploration and teamwork. When working on a story like A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree, families can discuss key themes:
Perfection vs. Imperfection: The “not-so-perfect” tree symbolizes how flaws can be beautiful when viewed under different circumstances.
Community and Collaboration: A central theme could be how the town comes together to celebrate the imperfect tree, teaching children about unity and acceptance.
As you brainstorm together, you’ll see your child’s eyes light up when their ideas are incorporated into the story. Their imagination might spark unexpected plot twists or charming characters. And while you guide the process, helping with structure and pacing, your child will feel the pride of seeing their thoughts come to life.
To this day, I can recall the wonder in my son’s eyes as he was sketching out illustrations for each page. This was his gift to me, an everlasting impression that I will cherish forever.
Life Lessons Along the Way
Writing a book as a family isn’t just a fun project—it’s a way to teach valuable life skills:
1. Creativity and Problem-Solving: Children learn to think creatively and work through challenges, such as how the tree might win over the town despite the imperfection of Christmas tree lights.
2. Patience and Commitment: Writing is a process, and completing the book teaches the importance of persistence.
Capturing the Holiday Spirit
The holidays are about more than decorations and gifts; they’re about creating memories and honoring traditions. Writing A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree with your child is an opportunity to celebrate the true meaning of the season: togetherness and kindness.
Imagine weaving in details that reflect your town’s unique charm. Perhaps the town’s tree-lighting event mirrors one your family attends each year, highlighting the beauty of the town green and recognizing the surrounding shops brought to life in illustrations.
Sharing the Story
Once A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree is written, sharing it with others can amplify the joy. Printing the book and gifting copies to family and friends adds a personal touch to the holidays. Alternatively, you might explore self-publishing, allowing your child to see their name on a real book cover—a moment they’ll never forget.
Reading the story aloud during family gatherings or at your town’s tree-lighting ceremony could also be a meaningful way to celebrate. It’s not just about showcasing the book—it’s about bringing people together through a story born of passion and collaboration.
Being interviewed on primetime television alongside your son about A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree is truly a moment to remember—a special ‘star’ atop the most cherished tree in town.
Creating a Legacy
A book like A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree is more than a story—it’s a family keepsake, a memory of the time you spent together. Years from now, when your child is grown, they’ll look back at this project and remember not just the story itself, but the memories of writing it with you.
They might even pass it down to their own children, sharing the tale of the “not-so-perfect” tree and the lessons it taught. In doing so, your story becomes the fabric of your family’s history, connecting generations through shared values and love.
Conclusion
Writing a book with your child is an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and love. A Town’s Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas Tree represents more than a story—it’s a celebration of imperfection, community, and family. In creating it together, you’re not just crafting a tale for others to enjoy; you’re weaving a memory that will last a lifetime.
So, this holiday season, gather your ideas, grab some paper (or a keyboard), and let your imaginations run wild. You may find that the process of writing a book with your child becomes the most meaningful gift of all.
While collaboration and tradition were my family values in this article, add a comment what might have been your family value? Describe it with your family and place it on your Family Values Roadmap worksheet, downloadable as a free PDF on my site when you sign-up on alldadsondeck.com
Share my story with a friend and ask them what would be their family value connection!
SEE THE FULL VIDEO CLIP OF A TOWN’S NOT-SO-PERFECT, PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE, BELOW AND NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM