STAR ON THE TREE

“Done!”, I thought to myself. I had just finished decorating my gothic Christmas tree. It was the 22nd and my spirit was jollyer than Frosty; the Snowman. Although everything looked right, I felt something missing. Hmmm...OH! How could I forget!?

“I’m so dumb.” I mumbled to myself. I bluntly forgot about the most important thing.

“There. NOW it’s done!” I say as I admire the star on the tree. “Oh this star has been through so much. It went through cries, laughter and almost broke in the process”. I sighed. It brings me back to when I was innocent. When life was good.

-Middle School Christmas-

I was hanging ornaments up with my bestie. I would have done this with my parents, but they had left to the north pole to stay with Santa. At least, I used to believe that. My bestie and her parents took me in and made me feel at home.

“You’re still using that busted star?” My friend asked.

“Duh, I am NEVER gonna throw it away.” She shrugs.

“Well Santa is gonna be disappointed when he sees a low lit star with tiny cracks in it.”

“And he is gonna be disappointed when he finds out that you are still on the naughty list for 12 years in a row!” I said back. We both laughed and continued hanging up the decorations.

-High School Christmas-

“That star is gonna break one day.” My dog said. Well, of course not! Just imagining my friend saying that to me. She got a job as Santa’s helper to deliver presents to everyone. Well, that’s what I tell myself. After she left for her job, I got my own house and a new dog! I live in a quaint house that I rent with the money I earn from my job at a cafe.

“AH! Starlight stop that tickles!” I shout as my dog tackles me with kisses and hugs. I hugged her tight and got her into her reindeer costume.

-College Christmas-

“You need to replace that star.” I said to myself and sighed. Looking over to my side where might Starlight be. She’s got hired to help train reindeers and help Santa whenever. I just keep telling myself that.

“You’re still using that busted star.” I chuckled to myself as I brought up my middle school Christmas. At least they’re having a lovely time with Santa. I hang my decorations up as I hum to carols being played.

-Present Christmas-

A tear made its way to my eyes as I recall the past Christmases I had. That star now bent and cracked was a memory.

“Mommy?” My 4 year old son and daughter came to me.

“Yes honey?” I bent down to their level.

“Why are you crying?” My daughter said. I smiled at them.

“I’m not sad. I’m happy! These are happy tears!” I explained.

“Oh...then why are you crying happy tears?” My son asked.

“Because I look at Christmas decorations and it makes me happy!” They laughed along with me.

“Guess who!” A stranger said as they put their hand on my waist.

“Hmm is it Santa?” I ask.

“Noo~”

“Uhhh an elf?”

“N!”

“Hmmmm OH, OH, OH! Is it my present?”

“Eh I guess you got it.” They say as they turn the kids and I around.

“Hi hon!” I stare at him. The kids started hysterically laughing.

“What on earth are you wearing?”

“ I’m your present!” He said. He had ribbon wrapped all over him and to top it off, a giant bow on his head. I started laughing with the kids. He rolled his eyes and brought all of us on his lap.

“Mom, dad. Can we open presents now!!!” My son yelled.

“YEAH! Pwease~” My husband laughs at their innocence.

“Go ahead.” He says. I snuggled closer to him while watching the kids open up the gifts.

“Merry Christmas sweetie.” I say.

“Merry Christmas hon.” He says as he plants a kiss on me.