Rustic wonderland-themed tree honors a grandmother’s legacy of love

One of Ayla’s (pictured far left) favorite childhood memories is attending the Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival with her siblings.

Each year, Akron Children’s Hospital is blessed to have individuals and businesses donate beautifully decorated trees to its annual Holiday Tree Festival. With 153 trees on display this season, many tell a story of love, hope and remembrance. For donor Ayla Hargett, her tree’s theme, Rustic Wonderland: A Tree of Warmth and Whimsy, is a tribute to her grandmother and the traditions that shaped her favorite time of year.

“Some of my favorite childhood memories of going to the Tree Festival are sending Christmas letters to Santa and walking through the displays of Christmas trees with my family,” Ayla said. “I always dreamed of having my own tree here one day. To be part of it now is so special.”

Honoring her grandmother’s joyful spirit

Ayla’s grandmother, and her love of Christmas, inspired her to donate a tree this year.

Ayla’s tree honors her grandmother’s memory and her joyful spirit. “She always said Christmas was best when it felt cozy and rustic, so I chose a rustic theme to reflect her warmth and love for simple, meaningful traditions,” Ayla explained.

When her grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009, doctors gave her only 6 months to live. But she proved them wrong, living for another 3 ½ years. “Even when she didn’t feel well, she never stopped being the fun, loving grandma who made every moment feel special,” Ayla recalled. “Her strength taught us what true resilience looks like and how powerful a heart full of hope can be.”

That word “hope” became an important part of Ayla’s life, too.

Ayla has many fond memories of coming to Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival through the years.

Giving back to the community

“I became interested in giving back to the community after seeing how Stewart’s Caring Place and The James Hospital cared for my grandma and so many others,” Ayla said. “She always spoke so highly of the kindness and respect she received from both places.”

As a hairstylist, Ayla started a fundraiser called Spreading Hope, which works alongside Stewart’s Caring Place, a community organization that supports those facing cancer. Ayla volunteers her time cutting wigs, helping at spa nights and raising funds to bring comfort to others. “Witnessing the impact firsthand – seeing people leave with genuine smiles and renewed confidence deepened my commitment to give back,” she said. “Each face told a story of strength, and hearing those stories made the journey even more personal.”

Ayla’s tree, themed Rustic Wonderland: A Tree of Warmth and Whimsy, is a tribute to her grandmother and the traditions that shaped her favorite time of year.

Reflecting on the magic of Christmas

This year’s tree, which Ayla decorated with support from her family, reflects the magic of her childhood Christmases. “Every year, my grandma would stay the night on Christmas Eve,” Ayla said. “We’d watch the Santa tracker together and read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ Christmas morning, we’d wake up before sunrise, make coffee for the adults and gather by the tree surrounded by presents. It was warm, cozy and filled with love.”

Ayla hopes her tree inspires those who visit the festival to pause and reflect on their own cherished traditions. “When people see my tree, I hope it reminds them of their favorite family Christmas moments,” she said. “For me, this tree is more than decoration. It’s a symbol of my grandma’s spirit, her fight and the joy she brought into our lives.”