Meaning of the Christmas Tree

It was the afternoon of Saturday, December 1, 2007, when Mr. and Mrs. Nioj were taking all the Christmas bags out of the attic to place the tree and the nativity scene with all the ornaments they had, besides adding the ones they had bought days before, because the family tradition was that every year, each member of the family would add new Christmas ornaments to the tree. However, the problem was that in previous years, only mom and dad had put up the ornaments since the children did not participate because they were playing on the Wii.

I wish this year the children would help us set up the tree and put up the nativity scene so they can be part of this tradition we have been doing for years. Do you remember the first time you did it?

How could I forget. I didn't know what size the ornament should be and I bought one of each size. (Laughs) And then at your family's party for the beginning of Christmas when they asked which ornament was which, I came out with all three and they all stared at me. What an unforgettable moment!

Without a doubt that day I knew you were the person I wanted to always have in my life, bringing me joy every day, giving more magic to my Christmas and making every experience a real party.

A party... You have given the best metaphor for what you are in my life and for what our story is.

Without a doubt that day I knew you were the person I wanted to always have in my life, bringing me joy every day, giving more magic to my Christmas and making every experience a real party.

A party... You have given the best metaphor for what you are in my life and for what our story is.

You are absolutely right, and that is that a party doesn't need many people or great music. Every moment shared with the people you love and who make you genuinely happy, turns out to be a great party that remains forever engraved in our most significant memories.

At that moment they rang the doorbell of the house. They put things down and when they opened the door they realized it was Mrs. Nioj's mother.

Mom, it's so good to see you!

Children, Grandma is here. Come down and say hello.

Busy?

Oh mother-in-law, those boys won't stop playing with the Wii! We don't know what to do anymore to make them see decorating the house as a fun family activity.

I know.

Kids, I brought you something. Last one there gets no presents.

Here we are Grandma!

That's very good. But now, I want you to turn off the Wii, and come over here because what do you think! I have lots and lots of presents for you and I need help putting them under the tree. So what do you say, will you help me?

Yes!

You turn off the Wii and I'll put everything away. The last one down gives his snack to the other one.

Everyone laughs. The children run into the room and the adults see each other laughing.

And did you really bring them lots of presents?!

Of course, a grandmother never stops spoiling. Grandchildren are those children to whom we can give the love we couldn't give to our children because of our inexperience in the task of parenting.

I'm home! Leonardo is out of snack today.

Now, Grandma, what are the presents?

You'll find out on December 25th. But whoever helps their parents decorate the tree the most while I tell them a story, will win a great gift. Of course, family tradition says that everyone has to add one more ornament to the tree.

I'll put my favorite stuffed animal on it

And I'll put the picture of us that I have in my room.

The children went to look for things to put on the tree while the parents took everything out of the bags in the attic.

Okay, that was very easy.

Use the right words in the right tone and you'll get further than you think.

The children returned to the living room with their things and began placing them on the tree along with the other ornaments.

Grandma What story is that?

Well, here it is. Legend has it that a family went on a trip to a mountain and they took a pine tree with them.

Just like the one we use!

That's right. From the moment they arrived until they left, they experienced many moments. Some days were good, others were bad. However, there was a strong storm and they had to leave the place where they were; when they were far away, they realized that the pine tree had been left behind. They were all very sad because that tree meant a lot to them since it was not just a pine tree like any other, but it also had the flexibility of a palm tree.

Why didn't they go back to look for it?

Well, the storm was very strong and they couldn't leave where they were.

So what happened, grandma?

After a year, it was time to go back. Then the youngest of them said:

Let's go get the pine tree to come back to us!

The older brother, wanting to make him cry, answered viciously.

After that storm there must be no trace of him.

Then, the voice of experience spoke to comfort the youngest.

Just because a storm has passed doesn't mean it's all over.

When they arrived at that place, they realized that the storm had brought many things with it, leaving them on the tree, and that at the top of the tree there was a starfish.

But if it had so many things they couldn't take it with them, so in the end they lost it.

Although they could not return with the tree, they took with them the memory of a wonderful work that the storms left behind.

That is why when something bad happens, we tell them that everything has something good and they just have to learn to see it.

And how does the story end?

Just as they were leaving, a sleigh pulled by reindeer was seen in the sky, and a pair of socks descended from it and landed under the tree. But the most surprising thing was that a peculiar laughter was heard from the sky that resounded throughout the whole place. And in case you were wondering, the laugh that was heard was “JOJOJO”.

And what was in the stockings?!

When they checked the stockings, they were thrilled to see that there was a gift in which they had written the following note: “For being united all this time in spite of the bad things, for each one of you is this gift”.

Wow!

That is why on these dates, a pine tree is used; because of how strong they are, and because it was a symbol of a family that stayed together despite the storms.

And that's why the ornaments on the tree are so important.

That's right, now do you understand the family tradition?

Yes, grandma.

I know! Let's have a party and decorate the tree to the rhythm of the music.

I agree. Because there's nothing better for the house to decorate than a big family party.

And so it was that from that moment on, the whole family started Christmas with genuine enthusiasm and real joy. Remembering that the important thing about a party, is to be with people who make you feel happy and above all trust and comfort.