A Christmas-themed arrangement featuring dried apples, apple cider packets, pine branches, donuts, and an open book is complete with a red book titled "The Apple Tree Christmas" and the delightful 24 Teas of Advent—Piper and Leaf Advent Calendar 2024 from Piper & Leaf Tea Co. to enhance your holiday cheer.

Day 17 of Advent

The Apple Tree Christmas

Our mom's adoration for everything apple is boundless, truly, boundless. She was delighted to find that this story brings apple trees and Christmas together! The story, filled with heartfelt sadness over the loss of Katrina and Josie's cherished apple tree, transforms into a tale of resilience and enduring Christmas spirit, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, beauty can shine through.

-Brigette

Include us in your day! Tag @piperandleaf and #piperandleafadvent

Scripture Reading for the Day

Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said: My soul praises the greatness of the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.
56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

Activity for Today

Apple Ornaments & Apple Fritters

Make your own cloved apples by simply pushing the stems of whole cloves into fresh apples in any design you want or to make it easier, take a skewer and pre punch the holes, the add your cloves in after! You can also do this with really any fruit, but the most popular are apples, oranges, and even pears! Traditionally, when cloved apples are not used to decorate the tree, people would hang them in their closet to make their clothes smell good!

One neat fact about cloves is that they are used as a natural preservative! Some say that cloved fruits can last for decades! If you make a cloved apple now, who knows, you could be putting it on your tree 20 years from now with your kids or even grandkids!

You can also slice apples and dry them in a 200 degree oven for about an hour. Then string the dried slices to decorate.

Make some Apple Fritters!

Make a Pomander Apple!

Spiced apples wafting holiday cheer, filling the air and hearts with Christmas joy!

Let's spill the tea about Mistletoe Grove...

Eloquent Description

Gingery, citrusy, lightly spiced rooibos that, with its full, lively, and bright texture, evokes a glorious walk down a tinsel trail. This yearly caroling reunion of soothing flavors glides down the tongue with joyous merriment.

Ingredients

  • Green Rooibos
  • Apples
  • Orange Rind
  • Hibiscus
  • Rosehips
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Lemon Rind
  • Peppermint
  • Lemongrass

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 212 water for 7 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

"I love to relax in the evening with a cup of hot tea, and Mistletoe Grove is a truly delicious tea, especially as it’s caffeine-free, but doesn’t taste flat like most decaffeinated teas! It’s so smooth and relaxing especially with a little natural honey added! I love it and enjoy it every evening when it’s time to unwind and just relax!" - Diann K.

All about The Apple Tree Christmas

  • Fun Fact!

    We called our mom to ask her why she loved this book so much, and apart from the beautiful illustrations and the heartfelt story, her honest answer was that she just really loves apples!

  • The Apple Tree Christmas

    "As the snow fell gently outside, and the tree sparkled with light, Sarah and her family sat together. They didn’t have much, but they had each other. The apple tree outside their window wasn’t just a tree. It was a reminder that sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones that don’t come wrapped in paper, but are grown in the heart."

  • About the Author

    Trinka Hakes Noble grew up on a farm in Southern Michigan as one of seven siblings, spending summers exploring creeks and fields. Her love for art began with the smell of crayons in an old cigar box, and her dream of becoming an artist was sparked when her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Stanley, displayed her Santa drawing.

    After receiving a drawing board from her dad, Trinka created Apple Tree Christmas to show her appreciation. She is best known for the Jimmy’s Boa series, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, which has been translated into seven languages and featured on Reading Rainbow.

    Trinka graduated from Michigan State University, taught art, and studied children's book writing in New Jersey. She has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Woman in Arts and Letters in New Jersey. Now living in a historic 1780 house, she continues to create delightful stories for young readers using the drawing board her father made for her.
Make a Pomander Apple!

& The Apple Tree Christmas, a match made in heaven.

View all