The Little Fir Tree

Long, long ago on a high mountainside where the Wind roared loudly grew many beautiful fir trees. Their leaves were evergreen and they had sharp needles. The trees laughed and swayed to the music of the Wind. They enjoyed conversing with him. He told them tales of far and near describing gardens, children, houses, streets and even fairies, for he had been to Fairyland as well.

Soon Winter arrived and with him came the Snow Queen. She waved her white mantle and soft snowflakes covered the entire countryside and mountainside. One night the fir trees overheard Wind, Winter and the Snow Queen talking. They began to tremble with excitement at what they heard. The few snowflakes that had managed to sit still on their pretty bright green leaves slid off with delighted squeals.

“Ohh... how excited I am!” said the tallest Fir Tree. “I’m sure I will be the lucky one.”

“Pooh! What rubbish! I will be chosen. Look at my leaves, they’re so soft and pretty,” said another Fir Tree.

“Do you really think you’re more beautiful than me? You stand no chance! I will be preferred, certainly!” a dense Fir tree spoke loudly.

“How pretty you all look! All of you have a wonderful and equal chance of gracing the celebration,” softly said a small Fir Tree.

“Oh! You keep quiet! What do you know about these matters? You’re still too young,” said the tallest Fir Tree rudely.

“Yes, I think it would be better if you paid attention to growing up correctly. Your leaves on the southern side are too untidy,” sneered the dense Fir Tree.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Look who’s talking!” laughed the second tree. “Shortie! Don’t get too big for your boots!”

The young Fir Tree looked around in embarrassment as all the other trees too started laughing and making fun of him. How he wished he could grow up quickly and become as beautiful as the other Fir Trees! He prayed to God to hear his prayer.

The next couple of days passed in eager expectation and much excitement. The Fir trees kept boasting about themselves and quarreling with each other. The little Fir Tree heard every word but he dared not speak. He was afraid of being snubbed by either one or the other of the bigger trees. He continued to pray his small prayer with his whole heart. He hoped that he would bring happiness and smiles to many people by growing up into a handsome young tree.

One night, a little Robin got lost. It was really very cold and the trees knew that the Snow Queen would surely pay them a visit soon. The Wind had told them earlier that evening to expect a visit from her. The Robin flew to the tallest Fir Tree and said, “Hello Sir! I’ve lost my way. Could I take shelter in your branches? It’s so cold outside.”

“What? No way! Little Robin, you must ask someone else for help, I’m waiting for someone special to come for me,” the tallest Fir Tree said quickly and shooed him away.

“Hello beautiful Fir Tree! It’s so cold... I’m shivering! Please... please... May I sleep in your branches tonight?” the little Robin requested the second tree.

“Oh ... no... no... I can’t let you do that! I’m expecting a very special someone, soon... I may be chosen for a grand occasion. I’m sorry but I’ll have to ask you to leave,” said the second Fir Tree in a loud voice.

“Hello friend! Please help me!” The little Robin flew to the Fir Tree with its dense and bright green foliage. “If I don’t find shelter soon I’ll die of the cold. Please let me sit close to your trunk.”

“Little Robin, I understand you’re cold and hungry but I must apologize. I can’t let you sit close to my trunk or shelter in my branches. I too am waiting for that special moment. In fact I’ve been waiting for the occasion all my life!” the Fir Tree with the dense branches said.

“Little Robin... little Robin...” called the small Fir Tree. “You can come and take shelter in my branches. They’re not very big, dense or pretty but I promise I’ll keep you safe from Snow and the Wind. I know you need to keep warm to stay alive.”

“Oh... thank you! Thank you, little Fir Tree! You’re really very kind. I’m so cold. I can hardly fly,” the Robin gratefully flew into the branches.

“Robin, are you warm?” asked the little Fir Tree. “Why don’t you move closer to my trunk?”

“Thank you, little Fir Tree! I feel so much better. Your heart is so warm,” murmured the little Robin drowsily. Soon he fell asleep. One by one all the trees dozed off. The little Fir Tree, however, couldn’t sleep he looked up at the dark sky strewn with sparkling diamonds that shone brightly and sighed. Suddenly, he saw a bright star descend from the heavens in a flash somewhere in the forest on the hillside. Then he heard the loud jingling of bells and Santa calling to his reindeers as they glided in the sky above him. He couldn’t help thinking about what he saw and he wished he could tell the others but they were fast asleep. Soon he heard soft voices and footsteps.

“I’m looking for the best tree, Santa. I’m sure you know it should be perfect,” said a sweet voice.

“Yes, your majesty. I’ve heard of the most perfect Fir Tree and I know where it is. Please, come with me,” Santa replied in a deep voice.

“I hope it isn’t too far, Santa. We have to hurry and set up the tree before dawn. This tree will bring joy to many with it being beautifully decked up and all your gifts arranged at its foot. I can’t wait to see the faces smiling,” the sweet voice spoke again.

“Your majesty, you’re the Fairy Queen. It will not be difficult for you to arrange everything quickly,” Santa said.

“I know, Santa. I would love to place this tree near the beautiful crib of the Baby Jesus where everyone can thank and glorify Him for the joy they receive,” the Fairy Queen said.

“Very true! And, here we are,” Santa said stopping in the clearing.

The little Fir Tree saw Santa Claus dressed in his best Santa suit and he was accompanied by a lovely vision in pink. Her gauzy wings were so delicate and they gleamed in the pale moonlight. She walked closer gracefully and peered intently at the trees one-by-one. When she came to the little Fir Tree she stopped and turned to look at Santa, “Is this the tree you intended to show me?”

“Yes, your royal highness!” Santa said and smiled.

“Little Fir Tree, will you come with me?” asked the Fairy Queen.

“I? Are you speaking to me? I mean... I mean... warm regards, your majesty,” the little Fir Tree said, all flustered.

The Fairy Queen nodded, smiled and said, “Yes, my dear Fir Tree. Will you come with me?”

“I...I... would love to but... but... I can’t!” the little Fir Tree stammered.

“Why ever not?” the Fairy Queen looked in surprise at him.

“... because... because... Your majesty, I can’t desert my friend. He’s sheltering from the cold in my branches and I cannot send him away. He’ll die,” said the little Fir Tree in a rush.

“Ohh...” said the Fairy Queen.

“What did I tell you, your majesty?” Santa spoke up jubilantly.

“Hmm... you were right, Santa! Dear little Fir Tree your friend can come along too. Now will you come with me?” the Fairy Queen asked kindly.

“Oh yes! I mean... your majesty, yes I’ll go with you,” the little Fir Tree said happily.

The Robin who had woken up at the sound of voices trilled joyfully.

The little Fir Tree stood proudly beside a cosy crib and gazed admiringly at the newborn Babe in the manger. At his foot were numerous colourful gifts of different shapes and sizes. The Fairy Queen and her fairies and elves had left no stone unturned to make him look the loveliest Christmas tree. There were silver bells, bright baubles, candy canes, tinsel, fairy lights and other ornaments on his branches. He glowed with happiness as he remembered why Santa and the Fairy Queen had chosen him. As Santa arranged the gifts he had told him about the disappointment of his friends when they woke up. The other trees had heard the sound of reindeer hoofs as the sleigh flew into the sky with Santa, the little Fir Tree and Robin. They had grumbled loudly at the unfairness only to be silenced by the Fairy Queen who asked them why they had not helped the cold and hungry Robin.

The happy Robin now sat on the topmost branch near the brilliant star and sang songs of his friend’s generosity and kindness. A group of small children eagerly pushed open the door of the small, shabby living room of their orphanage. They looked in amazement at the pretty tree and beautiful baby in the manger. The Robin resumed his song...

Hear! O Hear!

I sing you songs of cheer

Of my friend the little fir tree

Who has a kind heart, you see!

“Ohhh... this is the loveliest Christmas Tree I’ve ever seen... and there’s a real Robin singing from its topmost branch!” exclaimed one of the small children at the orphanage and clapped excitedly.