The holiday season is often associated with excess—endless shopping, elaborate decorations, and mountains of wrapping paper that go to waste. But what if Christmas could be a time of giving back, rethinking traditions, and making mindful choices?

At Pass It On Studio, we had the privilege of bringing this vision to life in collaboration with Millenia Walk. Commissioned for their Christmas campaign, we created The Trees That Pass It On—a strikingly innovative Christmas tree crafted from locally felled Angsana wood. This installation was more than just a festive centerpiece; it was a statement on sustainability and mindful gifting.

Rethinking the Christmas Tree

Rather than using traditional materials or artificial trees that contribute to landfill waste, we chose to upcycle Angsana wood—a species commonly found in Singapore’s urban landscape. The wood, salvaged from fallen trees, was given a second life as a sculptural interpretation of a Christmas tree. Its organic form and warm, natural tones stood in contrast to the usual glitzy, plastic-heavy decorations, prompting visitors to rethink what a festive tree could be.

A Tree That Gives Back

True to the spirit of Pass It On, this tree wasn’t just something to admire—it was interactive and purposeful. Instead of typical ornaments, we adorned the tree with upcycled gift wraps and sustainable decorations, which were free for the public to pluck off and take home. Each element was designed to encourage more conscious consumption during the holiday season, offering an alternative to the single-use culture of gift-giving.

As visitors engaged with the installation, they weren’t just taking an ornament; they were taking part in a conversation about sustainability. Some used the gift wraps to wrap presents for loved ones, while others repurposed them creatively in their homes. This act of sharing reinforced the idea that sustainability isn’t just about what we consume—it’s about how we pass on resources and values.

Inspiring a More Mindful Christmas

The Trees That Pass It On stood as a powerful symbol of circularity, inspiring shoppers to rethink their holiday habits. We hoped to spark a shift in mindset—one that extends beyond Christmas and into everyday choices. By choosing thoughtful, upcycled, and reusable options, we can redefine what it means to give meaningfully.

Our collaboration with Millenia Walk was a testament to how brands, businesses, and consumers can come together to create impact. Sustainability isn’t about sacrificing traditions; it’s about evolving them to be more conscious, creative, and community-driven.

As we look ahead to future projects, The Trees That Pass It On remains a proud milestone for us. It represents what we stand for: design that tells a story, materials that carry history, and ideas that inspire change.

Would you like to see more sustainable activations like this in Singapore? Let’s keep the conversation going—because every small action we take today shapes a more sustainable tomorrow.