//------------------------------// // 2. The Warm Tidings // Story: Christmas Trees and Warm Tidings // by JSA //------------------------------// “Aria can you pass some other ornaments?” “Here.” You looked down from the ladder to see the girl handing you the box of intricate glassware, as she mindlessly thumbed away on her phone. When Aria noticed the box still hadn’t left her hand, she looked up at you with a cocked eyebrow and a bored look. “Could you...hand them to me?” You asked, emphasizing your need for her participation. Your request is met with a drastic eye roll and an exasperated sigh as Aria stowed her phone away, plucked a green ornate orb out from its spot, and handed it to you. “Thank you." You said with a slight bow of your head. " Where’s your holiday spirit?” ”Up your butt.” She mumbled, glaring off into the corner. “What?” ”Nothing.” You narrowed your eyes at the girl before you gingerly took the ornament and hooked it onto an empty branch. This cycle repeated until the box was empty and each ornament gently swayed from it’s own little spot on the tree. “Sonata, how’s it going with the lights down there?” You asked, leaning back on the ladder to look down. From your point of view, Sonata’s entire upper half was hidden underneath the tree, as she struggled around with the last foot of lights around the branches. Her legs bounced and danced to the beat of the festive music you had playing softly throughout the living room.  “I gots it! I think…” She says with slight hesitation. In hindsight, you probably shouldn’t have trusted something that involves electricity to someone who thought outlets were coin slots for candy a couple months ago. But, if anything, Sonata’s always seemed to be a quick learner. You hoped. “Aria. Last box please.” Your request was met with a drawn out groan. “Aren’t there enough on the damn tree?” “There will be enough when we use the last ones. Go get ‘em, or no eggnog for you.” Aria grumbled something under her breath as she stomped away, the phrase ‘glass him’ being the only audible words. Adagio, who had come out from the garage to witness your brief exchange, shot her sister a warning glare as they crossed paths before turning to you with a curious smile. ”Should I turn the outside lights on now, Anon?" "Noooooooo! I wanna do that!" Sonata whined as she slid out from underneath the tree "I wanna turn on the pretty lights!" She huffed as she crossed her arms. “Let's hold off on that for now, we're doing the tree first. Adagio, were you able to find it?” ”I think so. This ratty looking thing?” Adagio approached the ladder and placed a decorative angel tree topper in your hand. You quickly but gently embraced the angel close to you and gave Adagio an accusatory look. “Hey hey hey! This ‘ratty thing’ has just so happened to have been in my family since my great grandparents.” You rub your thumb across the flimsy material of the angel’s robes. Holes and rips had begun to grow larger across the tattering fabric. It’s eyes stare back at you, the bright blue color that was painted into them so long ago was now dull and muted. The halo had snapped off some time ago, the top of it's head empty and barren. The signs of the times were definitely visible in this small doll, but the welcoming aura of familiarity was as present as it ever was. “I can’t remember a single Christmas without having put this up with my folks.” You calmly muttered as the warm feelings of nostalgia washed over you until they formed into small tears that trailed down your cheeks. Aria came back into the room with another The room is filled with peaceful stillness as you perched the figure carefully on the tip of the tree, and adjust it ever so slightly. Satisfied with your work, you carefully leaned back in the ladder to appreciate your handiwork, wiping away the moisture that continued to form in your eyes. “Do you know what Christmas is about, girls?” You asked with a serene smile growing on your face. The room stood quiet for a moment as the girls seemed to digest your question, but Sonata gleefully piped in first.   ”Presents?” She asked, brimming with excitement. ”Food?” Adagio chimed in curiously. ”Annoying songs?” Aria snidely commented. Each response brought out a little chuckle in you. “Not quite girls.” You felt the curious gaze of the three sisters focused on you as you climbed down the ladder and dusted yourself off. “These things do come with Christmas, but it’s not what it’s about. There’s something more to it.”  “What is it?” “Comfort.” You calmly stated as you snapped the ladder shut. “It’s about taking a moment, one time out of the year, to share in that comfort with others.” Sidling the tree, you carefully squat down to avoid brushing against the sharp needles. “Christmas is one time out of the year that you can stop for a moment to reflect on the things that make you happy, the things that you might overlook, and appreciating everything it all brings you.” As soon as you slide the plug into the socket, the room is inundated with a white glow. You creep out from behind the tree to see the girls staring at it, each seeming to be taking in a different part of it. You step behind them and gently wrap your arms around the three, joining them in their admiration. The soft glow given off by the lights reflects off the ornaments perfectly, making it appear as though they have their own small lights contained within them. Shadows of each needle in the tree are cast across the walls of the room,decorating the walls with their own patterns. On top of it all, the angel was illuminated in the center of it all, as if it gave off its own heavenly glow. "What do you mean?" Sonata tilted her head as she gazed at the tree, the sparkles reflecting in her bright blue eyes. "I thought it was about showing people you love them by buying them things!" You let out another chuckle and softly rubbed the top of Sonata's head, earning you a happy sigh as she closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. "That certainly is a way of showing appreciation to people you love, but this time of year is about finding the deeper meaning in your life." Much to Sonatas dismay, you pulled your hand away and turned around to admire your combined efforts. "Sure, it feels nice to get things you've wanted, but you can buy things any time you want." You swallowed down an uncomfortable lump in your throat and sniffed back more tears. "One time out of the year, where you could hit the pause button on anything that is stressful or overwhelming, and take the time to share with others what makes you feel happy." Turning back towards the girls, you stretched your arms wide and enveloped them in a large hug. "And what makes me feel happy is spending this time with you three.” Sonata hummed happily and nuzzled into your side. ”Merry Christmas, Anon!” She happily cooed. ”Merry Christmas.” Adagio said as she rested her head into your shoulder.  Aria grumbled before she wrapped her arm around your back. “...What they said…” “Merry Christmas, girls.”