“The Little Christmas Tree”

Two fresh-baked loaves of zucchini bread are cooling on the rack. The living room is beautifully decorated , as well as the others throughout this home. I am almost done for this very long day.

Paul and Tootie Mae are curled up on the couch watching “Shepherds of the Hills, featured on the TV. It is a classic movie staring John Wayne. They seem to like the action/adventure. Although, I must say our elderly angel spends a fair amount of time admiring the seasonal décor in her scope of vision. She never disturbs the objects of her affection. She is not camera shy when Ms. Toot can be included in a photo shoot either. She scolded me when I moved her red car bed to run the sweeper to pick up stray needles that fell from the Balsam tree. She stood on the spot where it had been previously parked before she settled down beneath her dragging blanket-nap time!

I like looking at this artificial tree wearing her best dress ,old and new. Even Bob Ross is smiling. Imagine that ornament picture!

I have fond memories of those trees my dad found for our family amid the naked timbers ,bramble filled hills and fields on his hunting trips. Perfect or not they made the grade with us.

Christmas Eve it seemed extra special decorated with every ornament and seasonal keepsake we could find, lit by two stands of working bulbs most of the time.

We had nativity that sat on a side table and stockings hanging on both sides of the archway by the heating stove. Mother would sit down at the Hammond upright piano and we all joined her in song. We sang Traditional Christmas Carols and children’s favorites met up with her flourishing fingers. She sang like a songbird in springtime and we little peepers croaked along with our favorite woodsman near his tinsel laden trophy! Then when we decided to give our vocal cords a rest the poet and storyteller in the family entertained us, in a most delightful way. He knew how to hold our attention those special times. Happy memories linger...

This one he found in one of his old books owned by Auntie Shaw:

“The Little
Christmas Tree”

By Susan Coolidge---- From St. Nicolas magazine December 1885.

“The Christmas-day was coming, The Christmas eve grew near

The fir trees they were talking low, at midnight cold and clear;

And this is what the fir-tree said, all in the pale moonlight;

“Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the Holly Night?”

The tall trees and goodly trees raised each lofty head,

In glad and secret confidence though not a word was said.

But one, the baby of the band, could not retain a sigh;

“You will be approved” he said, but oh, what a chance I have?”

I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know.

How thick and green my needles are how true my branches grow;

Few toys and candles could I hold, heart and will be free,

And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas tree.”

The Christmas angel hovered near, he caught the grieving word,

And laughing low, he hurried forth, with love and pity stirred.

He sought and found St. Nicolas ,the dear old Christmas Saint,

And in his fatherly kind ear rehearsed the fir-tree ’ plaint.

Saints are powerful, we know, so it befell that day

That axe on shoulder , to the grove a woodsman took his way.

One baby girl he had at home, and he left home to find

A tree so small ,as she, just suited to his mind

Oh, glad and proud the baby fir ,and in its brethren tall,

To be the first thus chosen and singled out, the first among them all!

He stretched his fragrant branches ,his little heart beat fast.

He was a real Christmas tree: he had his wish at last.

One large and shining apple with cheeks of ruddy gold

Six tapers, and a tiny doll were all that he could hold.

The baby laughed, the baby crowed to see the tapers bright;

The forest baby felt the joy, and shared in the delight.

And then at last the tapers died and the baby slept,

The little fir in silent night a patient vigil kept,

He had no heart to grieve, “I have not lived in vain.

Thank God for
Christmas -eve!”