CHEK Upside: Oak Bay gratitude advent tree turning heads during pandemic

CHEK
WatchAn Oak Bay man's front yard holiday display idea is drawing rave reviews from neighbours and community members alike.

An Oak Bay man’s front yard holiday display idea is drawing rave reviews from neighbours and community members alike.

Michael Cunliffe has created a “gratitude advent tree,” which he says is a way to spread some holiday happiness.

“With everything that’s been going on this year and all the struggle that people are having this seemed like a prime time to put out a little message of positivity and gratitude,” says Cunliffe.

With the help of twin sons Joshua and Jacob, Cunliffe set out to create a Christmas tree like no other.

“I had this idea but I wasn’t sure how it was going to fully form and I was heading off to the lumber store to pick up some wood and I got a message saying that someone in the neighbourhood had some free pallets,” says Cunliffe. “I went and picked up the pallets, brought them home and had my boys come out and help me start cutting the wood up and painting and setting it all up.”

Each day Michael consults his family for positive messages and uplifting ideas.

“Every night we talk about what we’re going to put on the next day as a family,” says Cunliffe. “We discuss our days and what we’ve gone through and what we’ve been through try and come up with a message that we think is going to be important that we can put on the next day.”

The unique ornaments are a small way to brighten people’s day.

“I can see in the morning as people go to school they look at it and I’ve heard some people actually read it and do those things,” says Joshua.

“It kind of helps people that are kind of struggling to figure out something to be grateful for,” says Jacob.

Cunliffe hopes his tree will inspire others to create their own trees.

“I’m hoping to move beyond that we’ll start to see these pop up in other communities up and down the island, B.C. and across the country,” says Cunliffe.

The advent tree is located at 834 Monterey Ave.

Cole Sorenson

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