The Christmas Star
December 16, 2024
“Hey Grandpa, what is with this ratty old star that you have sitting on the mantle?”
I looked over from my chair where my grandson was eyeing one of the relics of Christmas past. There were a few placed appropriately around the room, not to give it the ambiance that many people imbue in their home but to be a comfort at this time of the year.
“That Calvin, is a Christmas star ……,” I started.
“I can see that,” he replied quickly.
“Calvin, I am old. If you want me to answer your questions you need to give me time to do so.”
“Okay, okay,” he replied impatiently.
“This Christmas star has a long history. It represents the first star that is important in history.”
“The one when Jesus was born,” he answered. I smiled.
“Yes, that is true. In earlier times, when people were much more religious than today, it was put on Christmas trees to reflect their belief in what it represented. My parents had this star on the top of their first tree after they were married.”
Calvin’s face softened at that statement. “Their first tree? That means it is…”
“Yes,” I broke in. “It is older than I am.”
“Wow, that’s ancient.”
I laughed at his statement. “Well, not quite that old but yes it is very old to you. Sometimes when I look at it I can see Christmas’ when I was little. It brings back the memories from long ago.”
He looked puzzled. “Why is it on the mantle and not on the tree?”
“Long ago the wiring became bad. I could have replaced it and put it on the tree but at that time decided that we needed our own decoration on the tree. I got rid of the wiring and had to figure out a way in which it could still be used. I did that as you can see.”
I like the lights, even if some of the sparkly stuff has fallen off.”
“Like all things old they need loving care. It suits my purpose.”
He sat quietly for a few minutes. “Do you miss them?” he asked in a sifter voice.
“Everyday,” I replied. “And even more so at Christmas.”
“I can’t imagine life without my parents, or you”
“I couldn’t either when I was your age,” I replied, holding back my tears.
Calvin came over and gave me a hug. “Let’s do something together,” he said.
“I would love that,” I replied.
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