We Will Have a Christmas Tree

Molly hurried home as soon as finals were over. It was Christmas break and she was more than ready for home and holiday time. The forty minute drive was over in a flash. She pulled into the drive and dashed into the house without her coat.

Mom wasn't in the kitchen. Molly's dog was delighted to see her and jumped to be held and petted. She picked him up and enjoyed the dog kisses as she walked to the living room. There was no Christmas tree; no Christmas decorations anywhere.

Mom was in her favorite chair and was glad to see Molly home from college. Molly gave Mom a kiss and carried the dog to the couch to sit. "Have you made Christmas cookies yet," Molly asked. "No," was the only answer. "There aren't any children in our home anymore," Mom replied, "Christmas is for children".

It wasn't long until Dad arrived. He was in the house before Molly could get up from the couch. The dog was jumping again around their legs as they hugged. Molly made coffee as Dad and Mom talked in the living room. As she carried the coffee to share she heard Dad say, "We have children; we will have a Christmas tree". She handed each of them their coffee and Dad said, "We will make cookies after dinner". Mom smiled and Molly knew she was relieved; that the holidays would be merry after all.

After dinner Molly mixed up the cookie dough; Dad supervised and suggested more flour. He was exactly right. Mom was a bit surprised but didn't say anything as the cookies cooled. Mom and Molly decorated the cookies and put them into containers. Of course each had to taste a few that night.

The next day Dad was out of the house early, selected a Christmas tree and brought it home. It was just right. Mom and Molly had brought the decorations up to use. Dad fixed the tree in the tree stand and added water. Mom and Molly added the lights and ornaments. It took quite a while to put all of the ornaments on the tree because they had to talk about almost each one; sharing memories and stories. The last decoration was the tree skirt which Mom had made.

That evening they enjoyed the lights, nativity, ornaments and beauty of the Christmas tree as they joined together for the evening. Slowly presents began to be placed under the tree. Stockings were ready to be placed under the tree later.

That was the last year that there was a delay for a Christmas tree or Christmas cookies at their home. It wasn't long until there was a son-in-law and then a baby who was the first in a line of grandchildren to share Christmas cookies and to delight at the beautiful Christmas tree that always graced the home.

Dad passed on a few years later but Mom always continued to have a Christmas tree and to make Christmas cookies. She realized that Dad was right; we are all children at Christmas no matter how old we become. The spirit of Christmas is ageless. Dad's spirit was strong enough to share; strong enough for two; strong enough for a family.