Rustington revives age old Christmas custom

The museum, in The Street, is holding a Tree Dressing Day, alongside the village’s Christmas shopping event, and festive activities at the adjoining Garden Café, including carol singing and a table sale.

Throughout the day, families and children are invited to help dress the museum’s Christmas tree with ribbons, shapes and lanterns, or hang messages on the branches. The decorations will be provided.

Tree dressing ceremonies are held across the world – in Japan, prayers are written on strips of fabric or paper, and tied to trees.

The museum hopes that, as well as being part of the preparation for Christmas, the event will highlight our responsibility to look after trees and remind people of their cultural and environmental importance.