Extra Large Christmas Tree Donated to No.6 for Autistic girls.

Christmas 2024 will see an extra large Christmas tree donated to No.6 for autistic girls.

Bright coloured baubles, the smell of pine and the rustle of tinsel are forever etched into the minds of many when they think of Christmas in Edinburgh and the legendary Jenners. Jenners, an Edinburgh icon was a Victorian era department store which operated from 1880 to 2020. Known for it's expensive clothes and luxury items, many an Edinburgh native poured their way through her oak doors to experience the magic of an old age department store and just a hint of luxury.

At Christmastime, the store becomes a shrine to the magic and true idea of Christmas. Every year, a 30 foot Christmas tree made the long journey from Norway to Scotland to grace the inner sanctum of the store's foyer. With handmade baubles and lights in every knook and cranny, the tree exuded warmth and festivity and brought a twinkle to the eye of everyone who looked - even the most humbug of folk.

Sadly, the store has now fallen into what Edinburgh natives call The Abyss, a term used to describe many an Edinburgh historic building under forever construction soon to be turned into apartments or a hotel.

However, on one July morning when walking past the remnants of the store Kat, a no.6 user,

began to think of all of the lives that would have passed through the doors of the timeless building. This would no doubt have included autistic girls either diagnosed or undiagnosed in a time when autism didn't exist. All of whom struggling their way through life.

There, Kat had the crazy idea of autistic girls creating their own smaller version of the tree - autistifying the Jenners' Christmas tree if you will.

Kat contacted No.6 in July enquiring about the possibility of putting a floor to ceiling Christmas tree in the entrance to No.22 Hill Street. After a lengthy conversation with staff, the plan was given the go-ahead.

The tree will now be delivered to No.6 at the start of December and be hand decorated by autistic women and girls. A small ceremony to mark the occasion will take place. Autistic women who attend the meetups have also offered their time to run an evening on how to make ornaments.

May Flynn, a 99 year old Edinburgh native and known autism advocate and philanthropist will be in attendance.

With Christmas fast approaching operation Autistify Jenners' Christmas Tree is now in full effect.

If you would like to create a Christmas tree ornament or come along to the decoration session, then please message below or email me at katycameron@rocketmail.com

Kxxxx