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A Christmas Tree for Lelani

© Mary Ellen Bradshaw

Lelani's family would not have a Christmas tree this year. As her father told them. "Turkeys and Christmas Trees cost about the same and we can't afford both." When he saw the sadness in his daughter's eyes, he added. "We'll take a vote, but remember a turkey will feed us for many days." Lelani's brother Kui shouted, "Turkey!" Mother and Dad also voted for the turkey, as did Lelani, even though she really wished for the tree. "We can decorate the house so it will look like Christmas." her mother said. "It will be so festive we won't even miss the tree."

The family set to work. They strung seashell and popcorn chains and huge flower leis, which they hung around the room. Then mother went to the cupboard and brought out Grandma's silver Christmas bells, which they hung on the doors, so they would ring every time anyone came in, or out. They made gifts for each other and wrapped them in ti leaves and bits of bright cloth, and Mother arranged them on the table. It did look very festive, Lelani had to admit, but it just wasn't the same.

A couple of days before Christmas the family drove to the East End of the island to deliver their handmade presents to their grandparents. On the way they passed through a grove, of Ironwood trees. As they rounded a curve, Lelani shouted."Stop, Daddy, Stop!" There on the side of the road was a Norfolk Pine tree, about six feet high. It was beautiful and, lo and behold, someone had hung a couple of glass balls on it.

Lelani was so excited she could not control herself. "Daddy, this can be our tree! We can put our decorations on it and it will be a real Christmas." Daddy answered with a wink, "Well... We'll have to take a vote on that!"

So after delivering their presents, the family went home and packed up all the decorations and Grandma's bells and headed back to the forest. When they had finished decorating, Lelani thought it was the most beautiful tree she had ever seen. "Everyone will see our Christmas tree!" she cried, as the family went home to wait for Christmas Eve.

At midnight the whole family went to the Christmas Eve service at their church to celebrate the birth of Christ. After the service they went to look at the Christmas tree. When they rounded the bend in the road they were surprised to see cars parked everywhere and a crowd admiring the tree.

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