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Young World
When the tree spoke
ANAND ISAAC
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Janet and Mary were unhappy. They wanted a nice green artificial tree in the supermarket. But their parents had bought them a plain casuarina one.
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Janet and Mary were giving the finishing touches to decorating their Casuarina Christmas tree. The children’s hearts were heavy because their parents had earlier refused to buy them the artificial Christmas tree which they wanted. As they finished decorating the tree and were about to leave the room, a small said: “Can you tell me why I am a better Christmas tree than all the other types available in the market?” The girls were stunned.
“Do not be afraid! I am your Christmas tree speaking,” the tree said. “I heard you girls grumbling about me, and so I thought it time for me to speak up for myself,” continued the tree. “I am natural and there are no artificial dyes, inflammable chemicals or loose parts in me which could harm children like you. Moreover, after the Christmas celebrations are over, we are classified as bio-degradable waste.”
Spirit of Christmas
“But by using you, we contribute to deforestation and that is bad for the environment,” said the sisters.
“We are commercial crops with a fast growth span .Every time we are cut, young ones are planted,” assured the tree. “Let me tell you another reason why we symbolise Christmas. You see, we are not sold in posh showrooms, but on the roadside by poor people who eke out a living by selling us. So, you help the poor when you buy us. Don’t you think that one act of kindness will make a difference to your spirit of Christmas?” asked the tree.
“There is one more reason why we are so special for the spirit of Christmas. We know that Jesus Christ was born to die for the sins of the entire mankind, so that we could have eternal life. In that sense, we too are Christ-like. We were planted to be cut one day, so that children like you can decorate us and be happy for Christmas. We give our lives for your happiness.”
This last statement from the tree brought tears to the eyes of the sisters.
Never again did they think that they were deprived children. Instead they now knew that they had the best Christmas tree that eulogised the spirit of Yuletide.
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