Sweet true story about a Christmas tree long ago

cimeranrose · ‎03-10-2010

The Christmas Tree
From Harriet R. Uchtdorf, “‘Der Weihnachtsbaum’: Memories Linger of Small Tree,” (Church News, Dec. 12, 2009, 11).

"World War II had just ended, and most people in Germany had very little food or money. My birthday was coming up just a few weeks before Christmas. I did not expect to receive any Christmas or birthday presents, knowing quite well—even as a young girl—that our parents were struggling to meet our basic needs. In our big city, hunger was always present. It was a sad and dark time.

On the day of my birthday, to my surprise and delight, a wonderful present—just for me—was placed on the kitchen table. It was the most beautiful present I could have imagined: a tiny little Weihnachtsbaum, a Christmas tree, just one foot (30 cm) tall, covered with delicate handmade ornaments of tinfoil. The tinfoil reflected the light of our living room in an enchanting way. As I inspected the tinfoil ornaments, I realized with amazement that they were filled with small pieces of caramelized sugar. It was like a miracle. Where did my mother get the tiny evergreen tree, the tinfoil, and the rarity of sugar?

To this day, I do not know how she made this miracle happen at a time when none of those precious things was available. It remains in my heart as a symbol of my parents’ deep love for me, as a symbol of hope, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.

During the Christmas season, we still have in our home a Christmas tree, now decorated with electrical lights and ornaments of every variety. When we are together with our children and grandchildren, the beauty of the tree and the sparkling of the lights warm my heart and bring back sweet memories of a happy family moment that came from a tiny tree with shiny tinfoil ornaments."

lynnie61 · ‎04-28-2010

@cimeranrose What a nice story. If we could always be this grateful for something so small. The world may be a different place. As a child, we always got the gift we wanted, but we got maybe 5-6 presents. Never, ever felt we were deprived. Friends, even in the 60’s and 70’s got dozens.....yet some months they didn’t have meat or good meals.

I’m sure after the war, yes, they were happy with any present, or an orange or candy. I remember Christmas’ when my niece/nephews took an hour plus to open gifts......on and on and on. Yes, we contributed to that mess. It didn’t teach them a darn thing. I’m happy I had the childhood I had, I’ve been blessed.

desertrat8 · ‎04-26-2010

Thank you so much for your wonderful story! Christmases long ago were so special to many of us here and I again thank you for your precious memory. If only.....

Cakers3 · ‎06-17-2015

@cimeranrose Thank you.

"" Compassion is a verb."-Thich Nhat Hanh

Catiele · ‎08-20-2012

Thank you. It just became my favorite Christmas story.

Anonymous032819 · ‎03-29-2019

@desertrat8 wrote:
Thank you so much for your wonderful story! Christmases long ago were so special to many of us here and I again thank you for your precious memory. If only.....

@desertrat8

It is a cute, sweet, touching story, but I think that @cimeranrose was just sharing a wonderful story that she had run across.

If you notice, at the top of the post, it says the author is Harriet R. Uchtdorf.

The Sky looks different when you have someone you love up there.

cimeranrose · ‎03-10-2010

I'm glad you enjoyed the true story @desertrat8 , I did too. @Anonymous032819 is correct that it's not my story but one I read this morning and thought I'd share.