Tammy Hardman’s new book, “The Grateful Gumdrop Tree: A Sweet Holiday Tradition,” helps families to slow down during the busiest time of the year and practice gratitude.
Hardman said that The Grateful Gumdrop Tree is a cherished tradition that she shares with her family every year. Each person adds a gumdrop to the tree while sharing something they’re grateful for. They take turns until the gumdrop tree is fully decorated. This tradition sparks joy, gratitude and togetherness.
Hardman first learned about this tradition from her grandmother, Bertie Mae Phillips Dollar, when she was growing up in Louisiana.
“We went into the woods and found a thorn branch or any branch that could hold gumdrops. Then the family gathered around the gumdrop tree and said what we were grateful for while placing gumdrops,” Hardman said.
Although she doesn’t know who first started the tradition, Hardman learned that her grandmother’s brother, Wayne Phillips, also made gumdrop trees with his family. It was a time-honored tradition among siblings, and its legacy continues today.
Hardman knew that she wanted to share this tradition with the world and honor her grandmother’s memory. With the encouragement and support of her husband, Rich, and their three children, Will, Cooper and Alaina, Hardman began to write a whimsical story full of holiday magic. “The Grateful Gumdrop Tree: A Sweet Holiday Tradition,” follows the story of three elf children in Sugar Plum Valley where they make Christmas treats for Santa to give to the children of the world. During their annual Candy Christmas Tree Contest, they learn about giving and gratitude.
“The Grateful Gumdrop Tree” keepsake box includes a 40-page hardcover storybook for ages 3-plus, a 13-inch, white plastic gumdrop tree and a storage tray to keep everything safe each year.
“The tree can be decorated daily as an Advent calendar starting on Dec. 1 or can be decorated anytime family is together over the holidays,” Hardman said.
She said her family worked together to make “The Grateful Gumdrop Tree” a reality. Her daughter, Alaina, even helped sketch some of the illustrations for the book. Hardman and her family are selling “The Grateful Gumdrop Tree” keepsake box from their website, The Nocatee Fall into Christmas Market, and soon at the three local Playa Bowls locations.
At a recent Christmas market, Hardman set up a gumdrop tree and asked kids if they wanted to pick a gumdrop and help decorate the tree by sharing what they are grateful for. She said that it was so sweet to hear what the kids had to say.
Many of them said that they are grateful for Jesus, their family, food or animals. Some kids had very creative answers, too.
“One little girl said she was grateful for her brain,” Hardman said, laughing.
“My goal is to encourage everyone to spread gratitude,” she added.
Learn more about “The Grateful Gumdrop Tree” and find a non-artificial, dye-free and homemade gumdrop recipe at https://gratefulgumdroptree.com.
