A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
Written by Colleen Monroe, Illustrated by Michael Glenn Monroe,
Page 1
Every year as traditions go,
they get in their cars at the first sign of snow,
and head to the farm at the edge of town,
to cut the family Christmas tree down.
Page 2
As Christmas neared, the trees rejoiced, for families would come and make their choice. Which trees would go and which would stay, "Oh, please pick me," the trees would say.
Page 3
“Take me to your home!” said the fat Scotch pine.
“Dress me with bulbs and lights!” said the fir so fine.
They all were excited except for one,
he knew that his days of being picked were done.
Page 4
"I've seen my sisters and brothers, daughters and sons,
grandkids and great grandkids picked, one by one.
I'll never be taken home, I'm too big and too tall."
His sobbing and crying made his pine needles fall.
Page 5
A little squirrel was wandering by
and stopped to hear the big tree cry.
"Take heart my friend
and don't you fear,
to many of us you are so dear."
Page 6
"Your branches keep us
safe and warm, you are our
shelter from the storm."
A cardinal flying by
chirped in,
"You are my safety
from the wind."
Page 7
Said a white-tail deer who was walking through, "Cheer up big friend because I need you. Your needles give me a nice soft bed, a place to lie down and rest my head."
Page 8
“These things you say to me are kind,
but nothing can really change my mind.
All my life I've wanted to be,
someone's special Christmas tree.”
Page 9
With that he drew
his branches in,
and closed his eyes
to dream again,
and wish that someday
he would be
more than just a
great, big tree.
Page 10
Fast asleep in dreams far away,
he did not hear the little squirrel say,
“You will be our Christmas tree,
let us decorate you for all to see.”
“Come gather around,” the little squirrel cried, to woodland animals both far and wide.
Page 11
“We need to act without delay,
to end our great big friend's dismay.”
“He is our friend, this wonderful tree,
and do you know where we would be
without the special things he gives?
I don't know how we all would live!”
Page 12
“Without ever complaining he's given these things, yet never knowing the joy that he brings. Offering friendship from the very start, never once revealing the dream in his heart.”
Page 13
“Everyone should bring a treasure, so our giant friend
can measure, the love for him that our hearts hold,
the feelings that we've never told.”
Page 14
Each animal came
with gifts to bear,
Page 15
over ground, through the trees,
and some through the air.
Page 16
With acorns, icicles, and berries so bright, they worked and trimmed into the night.
Page 17
The crows searched their nests full of shiny things, hoping to find the perfect present to bring.
Page 18
There among their treasures found from afar, was the most beautiful, bright, shining star.
Page 19
His woodland friends decorated him
with special things hanging from every limb.
Acorns were dangling off branches strong,
berries were strung as a garland so long.
Page 20
The first morning sun brought a wondrous sight, as icicles glimmered and captured the light. Colorful birds perched all over the pine, as beautiful as bulbs and just as fine.
Blue jays as blue as a crisp winter day, cardinals bright red perched near doves soft and gray. The birds were singing so soft and clear, their most beautiful songs for the pine tree to hear.
Page 21
The big tree stirred and opened his eyes, and what he saw was such a surprise.
“You have made me beautiful for all to see, and now I am a Christmas tree.”
“You are more than just a Christmas tree,” they said to him, “Why can't you see? You are special to us every day of the year, we would be sad if you weren't always near.”
Page 22
“We're glad you stayed with us all
these years, but we're sorry that it
caused you tears. We should have told
you the many ways you are special
to us and brighten our days. Through
winter and spring, summer and fall,
you are always here to help us all.”
Page 23
With that they gathered around the tree
and suddenly the tree could see, it wasn't as important to be a Christmas tree, but to always be the best friend you could be.
Page 24
And every year to celebrate
they come together on that date,
to decorate from end to end,
the special tree that is their friend.
