Christmas Fig Tree

I made my own Christmas tree out of one of the house plants...the branches are ill-made to hold ornaments, but I don't care. It's lovely. There are twinkling coloured lights, and shimmering beads and baubles, and simple and cute wooden figures, like dolls, bells, angels, and horses. There are soft white cloth angels, each playing their own golden instruments, and a big cloth angel on top, balanced precariously on a blue light. At the base is my Nutcracker, held together with mostly glue and missing one foot, but he has stood guarding the Christmas presents for many years and he always will. There are a good many presents in shiny paper, with ribbons and stickers. I used to love sitting under the tree, poking around in the presents with my sister, or laying on the floor with crayons and markers and my Dad. He would draw ships and airplanes being piloted by Santa, and I would draw reindeer and angels and all that stuff. Mom was always ready to curl up under a blanket on the couch and watch the Grinch with me, or help me make paper snowflakes. I used to be so excited Christmas Eve, that I thought I'd never get to sleep. Me and my sister would often sleep in the same room together, hugging each other to keep us from sneaking downstairs for a peek at Santa. Then, come morning, there was nothing quite like the thrill of feeling the heavy-ish lump at my feet, and opening my eyes to see a stocking stuffed with goodies. We'd giggle with excitement, count the presents, and then take them to our parents to open them. The best part was that no matter how things were with my parents, they were always happy on Christmas, pretending to be surprised by what Santa had brought, the smell of cookies and milk on their breath. And then we'd go downstairs for Christmas breakfast, followed by the frenzied ripping of paper me and Meagan had been waiting 25 days to do. There were teddy bears and porcelain dolls for us, candles and soaps for Mom, Barenaked Ladies CD's for my Dad. One year I got a Sailor Venus doll and a Sailor Moon locket, and was so happy I nearly jumped out of my skin. Amber Cat would run around, trying to eat tinsel and shaking the piece of ribbon I tied to his tail with amusement. And when it was all over we'd have friends over, and eat dinner, and show our friends our new toys. But most of all, I'd wait until everyone was in the other room watching TV, and stand alone by the Christmas tree, and make a wish. I can't remember what I'd wish for, but it was always something really special. I thought of Santa, putting his feet up and relaxing, all the reindeer in their warm stables, and the elves having a Christmas party. I made my wish, and sent it all the way up to the top of our beautiful Christmas tree, and the best part was that deep down, in my seven year old heart, I believed that no matter what, it would come true.
I'd do anything to feel that way again.

Musical Quote of the Day

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow"

-Bing Crosby Title: White Christmas