The Missing Ornament
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I was young when I moved into my first apartment. It had three tiny rooms, just enough for me. The tree that Christmas spread wide, as large as the space would hold — maybe four feet by six feet; its nicely shaped branches needed daily watering to keep from drying out.
A small package arrived from Dad in late fall — having journeyed thousands of miles to my doorstep — inside which lay the little ornament. A part of the Here Comes Santa Series, it depicts a happy Santa driving a red pickup truck with four snow-covered trees in the back.
I received one every Christmas for several years. Always a Hallmark, always unexpected, and nothing I would ever pick out. But because it was the first ornament from our little tradition, it’s extra special and among my most favorites.
Every year I bring the ornament out, I remember that first year when I’d say, “My dad gave me this ornament,” to whoever was decorating the tree. I hoped they would always remember his connection to it.
In the fortieth year, the little red pickup truck is still nestled in the tree branches among the sugarplum fairies and other homemade ornaments. I always place it exactly where I can see it from where I sit at the dining room table.
This Christmas, my sisters and I are spending the holiday at my place. Just a few short years ago, none of us would have gotten together, let alone at one of our homes. We are slowly becoming more like the Brown sisters.
A conspiracy arises to take an ornament — to dance with the devil. With so many ornaments to choose from, they can’t know how precious the little red truck is, and someone pulls it from its branch. I notice less than an hour later.
Proudly, guiltily, my sister confesses to her part in the removal a day later on the phone. She goes on and on about my daughter’s involvement — hiding it behind people’s backs as they left before giving it to my sister. After, I sit at my dining room table and imagine the ornament — missing, spinning, and twirling with the dancers from its repertoire.
Will it be happy nestled in a new tree, dancing with a new dance entourage? I’d gladly trade another “Dad ornament” for the return of the first. I don’t mind sharing — there are already guardian angels protecting my sisters.
Looking to read more Christmas pieces? Check these out:
- Positivity Corner: Decorate Early for Christmas – Christmas Positivity Corner
- The Christmas Rose – a Poem for Christmas
- Once Upon a Poinsettia – Family Christmas Nostalgia
- Christmas Traditions – Nonfiction Christmas
- Almost Christmas Morning – Christmas Poetry
- Gumshoe Gus: The Case of the Missing Ornament – Cozy Mystery for Christmas
- Consider Mrs. Claus – Christmas Poetry
MD Bier
MD Bier is a binge reader, and you’ll always find a book or camera with her. Her writing reflects her passion for social change and social issues. She is currently an MFA candidate at William Paterson University and participates in several writing communities. She’s published in various literary journals. MD Bier resides in NJ with her family and dog where she enjoys gardening and walking.
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