Traditions

I read something yesterday that reminded me of a story that has been passed down for generations in my family. A story of how one of the family traditions had gotten its start. I would love to share it with you all, in the spirit of the holiday season:


One Christmas season, a long long time ago, the North Pole was a rush of activity getting ready for the big night. And as fate would have it, there were problems everywhere and Santa was really feeling the pressure. Many of his veteran toymakers were sick with a nasty flu, and the remaining healthy elves were in danger of not having the toys finished on time.

He decided to take a break in the barn to calm his nerves, which visiting his reindeer always seemed to do. But when he got to the barn, he found out that most of them also had the flu, and may not be able to make the trip.

Loading the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground scattering toys everywhere. By this point Santa's frustration level was so high, he decided a drink was in order, so he went into the house for some Irish Coffee. He grabbed the coffeepot and headed for the liquor cabinet, which he found locked. He yelled for Mrs. Claus, who when she arrived reminded him that she always kept the cabinet locked around the holidays so Santa wouldn't drink and drive. On her way out the door, she told Santa that her mother and father were coming to spend the holidays with them.

This stressed Santa even more. In his frustration, he dropped the coffeepot by accident and it shattered all over the floor. When he went to get the broom he found that the mice had used the straw to build their nests. Just as he slammed the closet door shut, the doorbell rang. Fuming by this point, he opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas Santa! Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. I picked out the loveliest tree I could find, just for you! Where would you like me to stick it?

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.