Monday, April 30, 2012

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree By: Gloria Houston


Christmas was approaching in Pines Grove-Across the ocean the Great War was raging. In Spring Papa wanted Ruthie to pick a tree out with him because in their village it was custom that every family picked out a tree. They decided to get a balsam tree this year. They ventured for the perfect one and finally saw it and tied Ruthie’s ribbon to it to mark it. Since their family got to pick the Christmas tree for the town it was Ruthie’s turn to be the angel in the village Christmas play. The summer came and Ruthie’s papa was called away to fight in the war. Ruthie and her mother prayed for their father to be home for Christmas. One day a package came from Papa it had had beautiful silver stockings for mama and he said he would be home for Christmas. Ruthie and her mother tried to pass the time. A train came with a bunch of soldiers but her father was not on it. Ruthie needed a dress so she could be the angel but the family had no money until papa came home from the war.  The preacher came to Ruthie’s house on Christmas Eve looking for the tree but Ruthie’s father was not home so they did not cut down the tree. Mama assured him that there would be a tree. That night Mamma and Ruthie went through the woods and mountain looking for the perfect balsam tree. They finally found the tree with Ruthie’s ribbon. They chopped down the tree together while singing Christmas songs. When Ruthie went to bed Mama cut up her wedding dress and used the stockings papa sent to make her a doll and a dress. The tree was decorated and Christmas celebrations had begun. Ruthie looked just like an angel with the long fabric on her arms. When the village play was over presents were exchanged-Ruthie did not get one. Santa grabbed the angel from the top of the tree and gave it to her. When she went outside there was her father!

No comments:

Post a Comment