BISMARCK – The Office of the First Lady is inviting artists and craftspeople to provide handmade ornaments for the North Dakota State Christmas Tree, according to a news release. The tree will be on display in Memorial Hall at the state Capitol starting with a tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Submitted ornaments can vary from traditional to contemporary arts. Items that are commercially produced or made from kits are not eligible.

This year’s theme, “Branches of Hope,” is inspired by First Lady Kathryn Burgum’s initiative to end the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Just as a tree’s branches extend outward, the theme symbolizes how hope reaches everyone impacted by addiction. Ornaments may reflect personal recovery journeys, support systems or community resources, showcasing how hope branches out in many meaningful ways. Designers are also free to create ornaments in any shape or medium of their choosing.

Each ornament should include the name of the person entering it, their email address and a brief one- or two-line description of the ornament, including the art form used and the special circumstances through which it was created, such as a class or senior center project.

Ornaments must be received in the Office of Management and Budget office no later than Wednesday, Dec. 4. The ornaments become the property of the Office of the First Lady and may be hung on the state tree in ensuing years.

For more information contact the Office of Management and Budget in Bismarck.

Gov. Doug Burgum and the first lady encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 in Memorial Hall at the Capitol.