Every stake on Oahu pitched in again this year to ensure the 17 Christmas trees at the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center were covered in decorations centered on Christ and the season.
“The purpose is to bring in the spirit of Christmas,” said Sister Priday, whose husband is the director of the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center. “There's nothing like twinkling lights and Christmas trees.” The Visitors’ Center provided all of the pre-lit trees, explained Sister Priday, and, besides the four trees which the sister missionaries decorated and one tree done by the BYU–Hawaii Women’s Organization, the stakes provided the ornaments to decorate their own trees.
The stakes decorated a tree based on a scripture or theme, choosing themes from among a list Sister and Elder Priday sent out. This is an annual tradition, as is the young single adults of the Waipahu stake setting out poinsettia plants, according to Sister Priday.
“A lot of them choose the same scripture every year,” said Sister Priday, “but every stake does a different theme. Some rotate between presidencies within the stake, and a couple of them have the same person who does the decorating every year.”
This year, the Married Student Stake made plumeria ornaments and other decorative accessories out of recycled pop bottles. “I like how they're all very creative,” said Sister Leng, a missionary from Cambodia. “The one with all the plumerias is really creative. I think it's really amazing that they used all the things you can find around here.”
The other tree decorations range from the handmade wooden angels of the Mililani Stake, the printed names of the Savior Jesus Christ from the Laie YSA 1st Stake, and even a baby Jesus doll cradled in the branches of the Kaneohe Stake’s tree.
“We want to create an atmosphere here in the center to add to the season,” said Elder Priday, “and to provide a place where people who may be away from home can come spend a few minutes reflecting on the Savior because all the trees focus on the Savior.”
The trees, officially lit on Nov. 29 following the fireside, will be out on display throughout the Visitors’ Center until the first week of January, said Sister Priday, who invited all to come see and enjoy. Each tree that is decorated by the various stakes has a sign in front of it with its corresponding scripture.
“We get a lot of nice comments. People just love the spirit here and love coming here, especially because of the trees,” said Sister Priday. She added they received comments from the people who decorated the trees, who really loved it because “in a way they were decorating for the Lord.”