December 23: The Tree and the Stockings
“I am getting so excited I can hardly wait,” said the Christmas tree. “The daddy of the children brought me to the house because he said it would be a great help to Santa Claus to have me all ready.
“I know Santa Claus will give me the most beautiful of decorations, for I’ve often heard my family talk of the wonderful Christmas trees there have been. Ah, how handsome many of my relations have looked, and I can hardly wait until Santa Claus comes to see me.”
“You’re not any more excited than we are,” said three stockings which hung up by the side of the mantel-piece.
“I belong to Dot, age four,” said the white stocking.
“I am hanging up for Jimmie, age eight,” said the tan stocking.
“And I am for Betty, age six,” said the black stocking.
“I’m for all of them,” said the Christmas tree.
“That’s so,” agreed the stockings. “But even if we’re not for all of them, but each stocking for one child, we’re just as excited as we can be.”
“Have you ever been here before?” asked the tree.
“Yes, we’re used every Christmas. We’re kept just for Christmas. That’s all we do all the year. We’re put up the night before, on Christmas Eve, and down we come on Christmas morning, but between then and Christmas morning the most wonderful things happen! Ah!” and the stockings waved a little as they talked of their evening and morning of pleasure.
“It’s far better than being around all the time and getting worn out. We’re very fortunate stockings!”
“You are indeed,” said the Christmas tree. “But for my part I am willing to be around for one season of the year and to have a glorious time then. Oh dear, I am so excited! I can hardly wait!”
“Patience, dear tree,” said the stockings. “Santa Claus will soon be here.”
“You don’t think he will lose his way,” said the tree. “I never heard of his losing his way from any of my relations. But perhaps he might forget about this house.”
“Santa Claus forget a house where there are children! Dear me, tree, but you don’t know Santa Claus. He never, never forgets! He’s Santa Claus—and that’s reason enough why we won’t be forgotten.”