O Christmas Tree!
Edited by
Holly Pell McConnaughy
Smashwords Edition Copyright © 2010 by DoveTail Books
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright owner.
Copyright © 1996, 2010 DoveTail Books
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Cover illustration from Planet Art
Published in the United States by DoveTail Books
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Darien, CT 06820
ISBN: 978-1-889461-25-0
Contents
So now is come our joyful feast;
Let every man be jolly.
Each room, with yule leaves is dressed,
And every post, with holly.
Though some churles at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drowne sorrow in a cup of wine:
And let us all be merry!
—George Wither (1588–1667)
From “A Christmas Carol”
The celebration of Christmas takes many different forms around the world. Young Dutch children leave wooden shoes out for Sinter Klaas to fill with goodies. Latkes are cooked in Russia and in Germany trees are decorated with glorious abandon. On Christmas morn in Ireland, only young women named Mary may light the Christmas candles in their church.
Nevertheless, the sentiment of Christmas is everywhere the same: good will to all abounds. We shower our loved ones with all manner of gifts, count our blessings and find room in our hearts for those less fortunate than ourselves. We celebrate with family and friends, sharing good food and good cheer.
Each year, traditional legends and stories passed down through the generations are read and retold. This volume presents a selection of these stories and songs that preserve the spirit of Christmas and bring peace and joy to the world.
—Holly Pell McConnaughy
The Living Tree
The tree was planted in the middle of a great round table, and towered high above their heads. It was brilliantly lighted by a multitude of little tapers: and everywhere sparkled and glittered with bright objects…
Now the tree was decorated with bright merriment, and song, and dance, and cheerfulness. And they are welcome. Innocent and welcome be they ever held, beneath the branches of the Christmas Tree, which cast no gloomy shadow! But, as it sinks into the ground, I hear a whispering going through the leaves. “This, in commemoration of the law of love and kindness, mercy and compassion. This, in remembrance of Me!”
—Charles Dickens (1812–70)
From A Christmas Tree