Adorable Little Christmas Tree
A small fir tree grows at the edge of a large forest. On one side, the small tree could see the big trees in the forest much taller.
Close by standing an old oak tree. It has a huge trunk and a majestic crown. It is very proud of its size and is famous throughout the forest.
Many animals seek the protection of old oak trees. Woodpeckers build nests and care for tree bark. Squirrels run around the branches like a playground and eat acorns as they ripen.
Wild boars, rats and many other animals rely on oak trees when the acorns are ripe. Birds also live in the upper part of the crown and have a wonderful view of the entire forest.
The old oak tree has let all this attention get the better of it. It looked down at the smaller trees as if they were less important. It had never even noticed the little fir tree. It only talks to large trees nearby, like linden trees or oak trees.
The little fir tree sometimes heard their admiration and felt very small and insignificant. It tried to stretch itself to catch a few more rays of sunlight so it could grow taller, but the oak tree and other large trees took up most of the light. The same thing happens when the rain comes, and the little fir tree can barely catch a drop of rain.
Luckily, on the other side of the small fir tree was a clearing, where it was taller than the bushes nearby. It enjoys the view of open fields and catches many rays of sunlight here.
So it went, year after year, and the little fir tree adapted to its boring life.
Then, one day, something quite unusual happened. It was snowing when the little fir tree heard a loud noise. Then he heard children’s voices as a large tractor came rushing by.
“Dad, look! That is the most beautiful Christmas tree I have ever seen!” exclaimed a little girl with blonde pigtails and a red bouncy hat.
Suddenly, many children were running around the small fir tree.
“Please take this!” another child said. “It will be the most beautiful Christmas tree we have ever decorated!”
Their father now came and said: “Yes, it has grown beautifully. It will be our festive tree this Christmas.”
The little fir tree didn’t know why it got so much attention or why the children chose it over the larger trees in the forest. It will grace this family’s living room on the holy occasion of Christmas and be decorated, illuminated and placed in the centre of the room for all to admire.
Now, all the big trees are paying attention. The big old oak tree looked quite jealous, and the little Christmas tree felt quite happy as it was wrapped up to take home for Christmas.
