Decorating the Christmas Tree

 

Photo by: Ana Curcan (@annaacurcan) | Unsplash Photo Community

“Are you sure this will work,” asked Elena of her husband. She looked doubtful and felt more than a little concerned. Their first Christmas tree looked barren.

“This tradition has been perfected in our family for many, many years. You have seen my parents' tree on Christmas morning,” Josh replied.

 “Yes,” she said, “but I thought it was just them decorating it in the night.”

Josh smiled. “It was our friends here,” he said, raising the match box before him. 

Elena shuddered and looked away. “Are you sure they won”t infest our house?”

“These guys are good. They cut down on the other insects, like fruit flies.”

This encouraged a small smile from her lips. “That could be helpful,” she said. “Okay, I am going to bed. You do what you have to do.” With that she got up and walked to the door.

Josh’s eyes followed her to the bedroom door. “No kiss?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

She turned as she stepped through the door. “Not when you are holding that box.” She smiled a coy smile. “When you are finished I can rectify that situation.” With that statement she closed the door.   

Josh carefully set the box on the bottom branch of the tree and opened it. “Time for work,” he said cheerfully as he turned out the lights and hurried to the bedroom.

“Will you look at that?” called out Elena when she spied the tree the next morning. Josh joined her and looked at the miracle before them.

“My little friends did their job,” he exclaimed.

“So tell me the story,” said Elena.

Josh began, “Many years ago a relative of mine, Kateryna, had a Christmas tree but didn’t have any decorations. She woke up on Christmas morning to find her tree was covered with spider webs that look all sparkly and beautiful in the sunlight. 

Since then it has become a Ukrainian custom to have spider webs on their Christmas trees. They are usually fake but my family still believes the old tradition is true. You can see the results.”

“I like this tradition,” Elena said uneasily as she walked away to prepare breakfast. “I may never get used to it but I like it.”