Hartford Has It! Tree by the Hartford Business Improvement District Festival of Trees and Traditions Wadsworth AtheneumHartfordDec. 13, 2024It’s Christmas time, so that means that it’s time for the annual Festival of Trees and Traditions at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford. Every year, community members, artists, and volunteers from local organizations donate specially decorated trees to sell for the benefit of the Wadsworth’s programming. This year, the 50th anniversary of the event, the theme is golden discoGoing to see the new ways that people decorate their trees has become one of my own favorite traditions. This year didn’t disappoint. “Reflections of Christmas” by the Talcott Finance Group “Reflections of Christmas” by the Talcott Finance Group is a simple enough concept, with a mirror serving as the backdrop for the tree. But what drew my attention was the variety of found items that the tree is made up of.Amongst the earrings and brooches that adorn the tree are some interesting pieces, such as the necklace of birds towards the top It struck me as a particularly appropriate decoration, since the 12 days of Christmas prominently feature birds as gifts. “Northern Lights Extravaganza” by the Sager Family The Sager Family’s submission, ​“Northern Lights Extravaganza,” felt in keeping with the golden disco theme, from the golden star at the top to the lights that seems to be shooting off the tree like sparks. Perhaps birds were a secret theme this year, because this tree, too, featured birds along with more traditional decorations.“American Sign Language" by the American School for the Deaf One of the cooler trees was submitted by the American School for the Deaf. It was named simply ​“American Sign Language.” The scarf was definitely a creative touch; it made me smile thinking about the kids who may have included it so that the tree doesn’t get cold.The standout element of the tree was the ​“star” at the top, a recreation of the tower that sits atop the actual building in West Hartford. The detail is meticulous, down to the oxidized gold dome atop the building.“Spruced Up Maine Shutter” by Craig Schneider The award for the tree made out of the most surprising material has to go to ​“Spruced Up Maine Shutter,” submitted by Craig Schneider. The tree consists of the panels from a window shudder. The weathered look gives the tree a charming color.The little diamonds are a nice touch as well, although I don’t know what they’re supposed to represent.“A book is a gift you can give again and again” by One Heart Ministry My favorite tree was the submission from One Heart Ministry, with the somewhat wordy name, ​“A book is a gift you can give again and again.” I’m a writer, so I’m of course partial to the written word as a gift. The variety of books is noteworthy, too. One of the classics — The Neverending Story -- is right there on the lower shelf. Kids hate getting things like books for Christmas, so this is a clever way to give books without it actually counting as a gift.There were far more trees than I could include in one story, and when I went to see them the Wadsworth was abuzz with people. It seems I’m not the only one who looks forward to this tradition every year.NEXTJamil walks on the wild side and goes to see Kraven the Hunter.