Page 29 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Christmas Giver 2023

was a spruce grove.
John vaguely remembered his father explaining the
importance of getting a fir tree, but he couldn't remember
why. Spruce trees are nice and green and even bushier. He
walked around, sizing up potential candidates. He zoned in
on one. It was the right height. He circled twice and assured
himself it would be fine. He made quick work of chopping it
down and rejoined his young brother, waiting patiently in the
cold.
They loaded the tree on the sled and made for home. The
snow was blowing horizontally across their path. John
doubled his effort and, using the railway tracks as a guide,
they arrived at the top of the hill. He began to pick his way
down but, several times, stumbled and fell. He was suddenly
tired and angry with himself and everybody. He just wanted
to get home safely. He panicked as he felt the rope slacken,
fearing his brother had fallen off. Chris appeared beside him,
gathering the rope in his hands. They restarted, taking turns
acting as guides. speed and volume.
The boys made steady progress until the lights from their The next morning, we stopped in the living room to
home came into view. Minutes later, Chris placed the tree on admire our previous night's work and to size up our presents
the verandah while John stowed away the sleds and axe. under the tree. Holding the carefully wrapped gifts, our hands
Mother greeted them on the porch. "Thank God, you are ok. came away sticky with spruce sap and pieces of tissue paper.
I didn't think it would get this bad." The gooey mixture had covered everything in its path like
"Chris was a great help guiding and pulling. We make a some festive lava.
good team.” John said, sharing a smile and wink with his Adding to the sappy chaos was our family cat, Ash. She
brother as they stepped into the warm kitchen and the aroma usually slept beside the wood furnace (hence her name). But
of freshly baked bread with supper on the table. when she heard her humans the previous night, she had come
Mom gathered the family later and announced, the tree up the stairs and slid silently behind the tree. Now she
would be put up that night. The boys went to the attic and emerged, smeared in spruce resin. She tried unsuccessfully
returned with boxes of worn ornaments and lights. Soon, the to lick the nasty-tasting glue off her fur. Getting no
yuletide jewel was adorned. The room was filled with a satisfaction, she sprang to the tree top to consider her
rainbow of soft colours. situation. As the center of gravity shifted with her weight, the
"It is beautiful. Great job, kids, on the decorating and tree and Ash cascaded onto Mom and us. Feline and human
thank you, John and Chris, for getting such a handsome tree!" howls joined together in a most unholy Christmas chorus.
said Mother. Chris swelled with pride. "Time for bed." Each Later that day Dad came home to find John and Chris
of us, in turn, said good night to Mom, and as she did every brooding over their turn of fortune. “Boys, I'm proud of how
night, she responded, "God Bless." you took care of each other in the storm. Here are two dollars,
Spruce is known for its plentiful thick sap; it has a corn get yourselves a treat.”
syrup consistency when warmed to room temperature. That With wide grins, the brothers put on their winter boots
night, it slowly began to run from beneath the bark, gathering and coats and headed out into the early evening.

Giv’er Miramichi is published by MCG Media 29