Ribbons

RIBBONS

A gale force gust of human breath woke the Christmas fairy from
her
twelve-month sleep. The force blew the dust and sleep from her eyes and
the
startling wake up call made her look like you do when someone places
ice
down your neck and into the small of your back. Before she had time
to
catch her own breath she was unceremoniously plonked on top of the
tree.
It was that time again for Ribbons to take centre stage. Only this
year she
wasn't sure if it was worth it.
"First to be thrown into the box ...and last... to be taken out of
the
box...again" she sighed, disappointedly.
Ribbons always felt second class compared to the Christmas tree and
the
army of decorations which were the trees makeup. If that wasn't
humiliating
enough she squirmed when the lights went on. They always placed
one
slightly under her dress. Which, was a little too revealing. She
certainly
didn't agree of that "effect" it gave her; that was for sure.
For the twelve nights of Christmas. The Christmas fairy never slept.
She
would always make the most of her freedom before it was time to go back
to
the cold lonely attic! Her favourite place was at the centre of
the
Christmas tree. A place she found safe and warm. There she would gaze
up,
and observe the sparkling show the decorations gave. Another of
her
favourite pastimes was mischievous, but, fun, it resulted in ,Bonkers,
the
pet-cat, getting into trouble. She used to dance along the branches of
the
tree. Which helped blow away the cobwebs from her arms and legs
she
suffered during her hibernation. She would leap branch to branch
stopping
only to admire herself in the mirrored decorations. Bonkers always
got
blamed for the pile of spruce needles littered on the floor which
greeted
the family in the morning. The mess belonged to Ribbons. This
activity,
however, was just a distraction. Her real treat was base and centre of
the
tree were she would retreat to. Here she would let her imagination run
wild
to protect herself from the loneliness she felt.
The inside of the tree could change by the fractional movement of her
head.
Allowing her to see comets, palaces of crystal or snowstorms. The
tree
could be brightened and even darkened to be mysterious. "There's
Tinkerbell! And her friends," she imagined. She longed for real friends
and
Tinkerbell was a celebrity in the kingdom of fairies. Whenever Bonkers,
the
cat, was on the prowl. She would imagine a thousand Chinese lanterns
being
held by soldiers coming to save her. The stars represented her
freedom.
Which she longed for? Most of all her wish was to be able to roam
outside
and fly amongst them. However, this desire was strictly against
Santa's
orders. She knew she was already breaking Santa's strict rule of not
to
"leave your post of duty" during the twelve days of Christmas! Every
time
she took up her position at the base of the tree a different panorama
of
magic was there. She would close her eyes tight and chant:
"Through- through- the midnight tree- show me things- I long to
see"
This was her very own laser show which entertained her whilst waiting
for
the arrival of Santa.
It was Christmas Eve and again there she was at the bottom of the
Christmas
tree. Nervously making a daisy chain from bits of tinsel waiting
for
Santa's arrival. She heard a heavy thud outside the window. She sprang
to
the top of the tree and was standing to attention when Santa kicked
the
snow from his boots, came in the house and immediately looked up.
Ribbons
remained still and perfectly motionless.
Her eyes followed Santa around the room who was sluggishly at work
placing
presents around the tree. He looked strange this year' she
thought.
"Different somehow" She felt compelled to leave her guard post and go
to
him. She knew she was in danger of being told off. However, something
made
her go to him. She sprang over the Xmas baubles ran and jumped landing
and
bending on the tip of a branch firing her into a spin. She landed in
a
mound of wool, which was Santa's beard. Then disentangling herself
started
to scale the mountain of snowy beard. Climbing up to his cheek she
lovingly
placed a warm tender kiss on his red ice-cold face. Ribbons was
horrified.
The unbelievable was happening. Santa was... crying.
Ribbons asked: "Why...? Why do you cry Santa...?
Santa rescued her from his beard. Balancing her on a single finger the
way
a budgie is held. He placed her gently on one of the branches. So he
could
see her in her natural surroundings. "My-My-how beautiful you are
Ribbons"
He smiled, tearfully.
The fairy gushed with embarrassment. She was nervously confused
and
worrying for Santa.
"I think it's your time. Time for you to make a big decision,"
Santa
ordered. Then told her:
I'm always tearful when I'm in danger of losing one of my special
fairies.
I know you aren't appreciated the way you should be. Even I don't
appreciate all the help I receive from my helpers. Especially you
the
fairies who are locked away in the cold attics of houses and
forgotten
about for a year. People are the same; they don't understand the
magic
starts as soon as the attic opens. When they do, they don't realise
it's
that feeling of love and happiness that is a gift from the Christmas
world.
They think they have created us to cheer themselves up at this time
of
year. Not understanding that the Christmas world is real! The place
you
long to go back to and the place I can't take you. As fairies
aren't
allowed back to Christmas world once they've been given a home. That's
why
Christmas spirit is released to remind humans not to lose it.
Ribbons
you've been with this family a long time. Now it's your time to
set
yourself free ; If you wish. What you must remember is that once you
leave.
A little more of the Christmas spirit, which this year especially, is
in
short supply, will be lost forever! You have sacrificed enough.
You've
served me well little-un I will miss you if you decide to leave"
Ribbons bowed her head and started to cry. She didn't know what to
say.
She was torn between Santa's wishes for peace and joy to the world and
her
own need for happiness.
Santa kissed his little finger and brushed lovingly Ribbons' golden
hair.
Then left , not knowing if he was ever going to see her again. Ribbons
had
a lot of thinking to do as she continued to make her tinsel daisy chain
at
the centre of the Christmas tree.
When the twelve days of Christmas finished. It was time for the
decorations
and tree to be taken down. The Christmas fairy was reached for. She
was
gone. None of the family could find her. Bonkers was blamed as usual.
But,
now he was missing her.
"Who's put that on the window?" One of the adults said,
inquiringly.
Pointing to a piece of tinsel hanging by the window. The adults thought
it
was the children misbehaving. In fact, it was the tinsel daisy chain.
Made
from the loose strands that had broken off and fallen to the base of
the
tree. It was looped over the window handle and was hanging down on
the
outside of the house. The Christmas fairy had thought long and hard
right
up to the last night of Christmas. She had thought about her
discussion
with Santa.Something that helped her to make up her mind a little
less
painfully. She had climbed out of the window during the night using
her
tinsel chain for her escape. She feared the loneliness and the cold of
the
attic. Most of all she wanted a chance for her dreams to become a
reality.
Ribbons was free!