More Than a Christmas Tree

About the Book

This story revolves around a determined little Christmas tree as she discovers that it’s the simple moments shared with family that truly capture the spirit of Christmas. This story will warm your heart and remind you that every ending can be a new beginning… even for trees that end up on the curb after Christmas!

The Author's Journey

"Our journey to writing "More Than a Christmas Tree" began with a clash of traditions within our own family. Kristen was adamant that we should take down the Christmas tree the day after Christmas. Her Mom thought that her choice to remove the tree was detrimental to our son's holiday experience. As someone prone to overthinking, Kristen mulled over this conflict which led her to see the situation from an unexpected perspective.

One night, her imagination took flight, manifesting in a vivid dream where the Christmas tree itself became a character, feeling rejected and abandoned on the curb. Witnessing its desperate attempt to escape the fate of the garbage truck, she was struck with the realization that there was a story to be told beyond the typical holiday narratives. From this dream, the idea for "More Than a Christmas Tree" was born.

Although the initial idea came from a dream, a lot more intentional thought went into how the story ended. If the tree wasn’t going to be picked up by the garbage truck, what would its fate be? We knew there was only one way we could end our story. The tree had to get back into the house, but would have to undergo a transformation.

Kristen is an elementary music teacher and Mike is a songwriter. Music is the glue that holds our family together, not only during Christmas, but throughout the year. It didn’t take us long to realize what could be made from a spruce tree…"

Meet the Authors: Michael and Kristen Brunacini

Michael grew up with a mix of both real and artificial trees, has a preference for color lights, and has a soft spot for raspberry thumbprint cookies. His favorite Christmas special is “Night of the Meek” – The Twilight Zone. Kristen grew up in an artificial tree home, prefers white lights, and loves her Mom’s spritz cookies. Her favorite Christmas special is Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Every Christmas Eve, we both watch The Muppet’s Christmas Carol with our son before bed!

Meet the Illustrator: Ash Pickering

Ash grew up with an artificial, loves colorful lights, and mis-matched ornaments. She loves all cookies, especially Italian chocolate cookies. Her favorite Christmas movie is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys. Every Christmas, she and her husband watch Die Hard.