An 80-year-old woman from Worcestershire, England, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband by continuing a cherished Christmas tradition they started over 40 years ago. Avril and Christopher Rowlands planted a small fir tree together in their garden back in 1979, marking the beginning of their first Christmas in their new home. Fast forward to today, the tree has grown to an impressive height of over 50 feet, becoming a beloved sight for locals and tourists alike during the festive season.
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Tragically, Christopher passed away from emphysema earlier this year, leaving Avril to navigate through her first Christmas without him. Determined to honour her late husband’s memory, Avril decided to adorn the towering tree with thousands of twinkling lights, just as they had done together since 2004. The tree has become a symbol of joy and remembrance in the community, with the couple’s tradition of lighting it up every year bringing cheer to all who see it.
“This year is going to be slightly different because we are using thousands of LED lights,” Avril shared. She explained that the previous year’s tungsten light bulbs were blown off by strong winds, but a local firm generously donated the sturdier LEDs for this year’s decoration. The switch-on ceremony for the tree drew a crowd of around 2,000 people, further solidifying its status as a local landmark that signals the start of the festive season for many.
Avril expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, noting that the tree has become a symbol of hope and joy for the community. Despite the bittersweetness of celebrating without Christopher by her side, she finds solace in continuing their holiday tradition and bringing happiness to others during this special time of year. The tree has not only been a beacon of light but also a source of charity, with Avril and Christopher raising over $33,000 for various causes over the years through donations from tree visitors.
This year, Avril has chosen to raise funds for Asthma + Lung UK in memory of her late husband, highlighting the positive impact their simple gesture of decorating a tree has had on the lives of many. The enduring legacy of their tree serves as a reminder of love, perseverance, and the power of shared memories to bring communities together. As the tree stands tall, adorned with lights and love, it continues to shine bright in honour of a special bond that transcends time and space.