We have received requests for the following story to be posted again. Merry Christmas!
Years ago there was a child who was at that age when the belief in Santa, elves and flying reindeer was starting to fade. As she sat next to her father driving home from Christmas Eve dinner, she told him of her doubts about the season of miracles. Her father, who was dreading this talk more than the one about the facts of life, pulled into the garage and told her a story that his father had told him decades ago. On this Christmas Eve, we share the story with you.
That night was the coldest and windiest Christmas Eve ever. The seasonal Christmas tree lot was bare except for one little fir. People had wanted bigger, robust trees for their homes and the tiny tree just was passed by each time.
But despite the frigid temperatures, the tree and her guests huddled together and stayed warm. The little sparrows joined the mockingbirds and Mourning Doves in singing Christmas carols. The squirrels and mice applauded with great enthusiasm for each song. The little tree’s heart was warmed by all the happiness.
As the night went on, so the wintry conditions grew. Finally, just as the first ray of sunlight began to appear in the east, a great whoosh of breeze spun around the tree and there was silence. The tree and her friends discovered they had been joined by a sleigh, reindeer and Santa himself.
One of the mice peeked out from the tree’s branches and asked, “Perhaps you have a gift or two left?”
Mice can be a bit pushy, you know.
“I am pleased to say we had exactly the right number of gifts for children this year,” Santa replied.
“That’s remarkable,” said the tree. “How marvelous it must have been for all of my tree friends to be surrounded by presents. Just think what is happening right now? People are laughing and smiling and enjoying the happiness of Christmas. How lucky my tree friends are.”
“They probably are,” said Santa. “But unfortunately, I have a problem and must ask your help.”
The tree was surprised that Santa would ever need help.
“You see,” Santa continued, “I forgot to get a tree this year and Mrs. Claus is going to be very disappointed if I don’t return with one. When I passed overhead just now, I was advised by the reindeer of a singing tree. Well, I know it’s rather late, but I was wondering if you and your friends would let me take you home to the North Pole.”
Before the tree and the little creatures could reply, Santa added, “By the way, we’ll need you for quite a while. You see, we celebrate Christmas year round. It helps the elves keep focused.”
With that, Santa carefully lifted the tree into the sleigh and told all the creatures to hop on board for a trip to their new home.