THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS TREE

By Anthony Marchiori

This is an exciting story of a young boy who is on the verge of finding the meaning of christmas and has some strange and exotic experiences to find the answer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Nov 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9783743883260

Book preview

The first step

The Magic Christmas Tree.

The room was silent except for the loud rush of wind that blew against the two storey weather beaten house. Looking out of the window the air was dark and gloomy as the rolling black clouds moved in from a distance, heralded by the intermittent clasp of thunder.

Tom lay huddled under the covers of the single bed as Tibbles his small black dog lay curled up on the rug with his droopy eyes closing slowly. As his grandma sat by his bed side in the rickety old chair, her sunken but beautiful face was lighted by the desk lamp that sat on top of the old wooden desk. Tom's family was not very rich and even if he could not afford all the toys that the other children had, he was still happy, he had a mother and father who loved him deeply and he felt comfortable and safe.

Grandma, please tell me a story Tom pleaded

No, its too late, and tomorrow you have to go to school No please Grandam only a short one pleaded Tom. No Tom.

Please?

Oh very well only a short one.

As Tom closed his eyes listening intensely, Grandma sat back in her seat looking up towards the ceiling. Outside the clouds were almost overhead as the small droplets of rain tapping against the window rhythmically lulled Tom to sleep.

Now, where shall I begin?

As she took a pause she looked down at Tom and his comfortable smile.

"When I was a little girl we were very poor, and our family could not afford all the things that you have today. We had to use everything that we had in order that we would be able to survive. One day my mother and me were out shopping and as we walked past a store window we saw this lovely dress. It was so beautiful and I could see in my mothers eyes that she had instantly fallen in love with it. There was also another dress that I loved but I knew we could never afford. We would watch as the wealthy women walked into the store with their daughters and tried on the dresses my, how I wished that we could do the same.

I asked my mother and she said Come on dear, there is no way we could ever afford that But as we walked home together, I could not get that dress out of my mind and I knew that there must be a way. That night a strange thing happened. When I went to sleep I dreamt of a man that was selling these Christmas trees. Anyway a few day's latter I was walking past a yard when this man pulled me aside and asked me if I wanted to buy a Christmas tree, he said this was a magic tree and that if I bought it, it would bring me good luck and anything I desired.

At the time, I as on my way to the shop to buy a birthday present for my mother but he persisted and finally he convinced me. I was so happy that I gave him all the money that I had. I took the shabby tree home and when I walked in the door my mother asked me where I had gotten it. When I told her the story she forced me to take the tree back. I pleaded with her telling her how the man had said it was a magic tree but she took me back to the yard. When we got back, the man and the yard had disappeared.

Are you sure this was the place? my mother asked. Yes mother, it was right here.

There was only the vacant lot with a for Lease sign.

Well, I guess there's nothing we can do, and you spent all the money

As I nodded my head I could see the disapproval in my mothers eyes, I don't know what to tell your father." my mother said.

I took the little tree home and placed it in the best vase I could and put it under the window and after that you know what happened?"

Grandma looked down at Tom his eyes were shut and his. breathing was very slow Tom, Tom" called his Grandma softly, but he had gone fast asleep.

Never mind, Tom we'll finish the story later, night Tom sleep we'll. and leaning down she gave him a kiss on his forehead.

Switching off the light grandma silently walked to the door and closed it behind her. As the morning sun broke over the horizon the day was crisp and clean the night

rain left the morning grass coated in a layer of fine mist. The green and red coloured rosellas sang in the tree just outside Tom's window.

 Tom, hurry up You'll miss breakfast yelled out his mother from down stairs. Tom awoke from his sleep and yawned. Looking at the time on the digital clock next to his table he jumped out of bed and quickly dressed in his school uniform, he fought to put on his black shoes as he ran to the door.

Tom hurry.

I'm coming, I'm coming. he called out.

Running down the stairs he sat down at the breakfast table. His parents and grandma were already well into the meal.

Quickly, sit down or you'll be late for school

His mother placed a delicious plate of natural cereal and juice for him to eat.

Anne, Tom's mother had long golden blonde hair and perfectly shaped green eyes that shone whenever she smiled. Tom was the only child she and her husband Jack had. Jack, what have you planned today? Toms mother asked.

Well I don't know the manager wants to call a special meeting of all the employee's Dad I bet its a big promotion. Tom said eagerly"

I don't know about that but its definitely serious, and with the current economy the way it's going.

Come on Jack it'll be fine, and besides its coming up to Christmas you're been a loyal employee for years now, very thing will be all right. Tom's wife said as she gently squeezed his hand.

Of course darling your right. he said forcing a smile but there was no denying the heaviness he was feeling in his heart.

Want to hear a great story that grandma told me? asked Tom trying to lighten the mood. Sure why not Tom's father said

"Tom I thought you were asleep

Only half a sleep Grandma

Grandma told me about this Christmas tree that has magical powers...

Hold on Tom stop it right there as a scientist I can tell you categorically that there is no such thing.

Jack come on its only a story Anne said.

Still, I don't want Jacks head being filled with such nonsense the quicker that he realised what a tough world this is the better.

But dad. No butts that's it. And mum I would appreciate it if you could stop filling Tom with such stories.

It's true grandma tell him its true pleaded Tom as he poised his hands on the table. That's enough Tom. Jack yelled.

Jack have you really forgotten how to be a child again. his grandma said looking at him compassionately.

Stop it Tom there is no such thing as a magic tree its not logical and I won't hear of it any more, understood, understood?

Yes sir Tom said.

And mother tell Tom that you made the story up he said looking at her, she hesitated, Well, tell him

That's right, there is no such thing as a magic tree, I made the whole thing up she said with her lips clenched tightly together.

No called out Tom, I won't believe it he said running from the table Tom come back yelled out his mother.

It's okay, let him go Jack said, he'll be okay.

And mother please stop filling Tom's head with such nonsense Jack said. There was a magic tree, I wasn't lying

"Look mother I'm a scientist and in all my years I have never