Sugar Sweet Christmas Carol

It happened a long time ago. Around Christmas. A wonderful squirrel family planned to gather around the biggest tree in the forest at night. Every family member was asked to bring a nice present for another family member. Surprise boxes sealed with love. Candles used to light up the path that was leading to the biggest tree. The squirrels were happy and jumped from tree to tree. The birds watched them playing. They were touched by so much joy. Some of the squirrels were still young. It was their first huge family event. They were excited.

The branches of the tree were getting heavier. More and more fantastic presents were installed. The Christmas tree looked marvellous. A dream coming true. Never ever before there were so many presents waiting to be uncovered by the squirrel family. The entire family was working hard to prepare the celebration well. It was the most important meeting of the year. Wearing the most beautiful clothes at Christmas. Dress to impress. The family was proud. They came from all parts of the world to the special forest. Chosen to be the celebration hot spot.

One night to go. Silence in the forest. The sun was rising. The first squirrels were opening their little eyes. Suddenly one squirrel was checking the scene. There was something about the Christmas tree. The branches looked lighter. Almost all presents had disappeared. The squirrel started an investigation. It was true. No presents anymore. The squirrel informed the eldest members of the family. They were very sad. Tears falling down. Causing rain. There was not enough time to change the circumstances. A Christmas tragedy.

Too late to cancel the party. The first guests were arriving already. Everyone did their best to support the beautiful and delightful celebration. All squirrels looked forward to meeting each other after all this time. The party started. The kitchen was overloaded with the best ingredients. Finest meals, superb smoothies. The clock ticked twelve times. Every squirrel knew what that meant. Time to uncover the presents. They all watched the Christmas tree. A courageous squirrel decided to play the hero. It climbed in the Christmas tree and gave a speech.

The squirrel explained that this year there were no presents. No boxes. The plans had changed. The squirrels could contribute to each other's happiness in a different way. No material things to give away. The squirrels listened well to the new approach. Each squirrel had to select a family member. For this specific family member they would make a wish come true. The deepest wish ever. Stored long ago and far away. All squirrels wrote down what they would love the most. The list was getting longer and longer. Their faces were all lightening up. Happy thoughts being created.

Finally the list was reviewed. Every squirrel's wish made public. The moment all words were read out loud, the magic started to happen. On a big screen the squirrels could see the miracle already taking place. They watched how happy the squirrel was. When the wish had come true, a star was added to the sky. To remind the squirrel that their voice had been heard. The sky was shining brightly. Full of stars. So many stars dancing that night. No wish was too big. They could all be executed. All of them. One by one.

The true miracle was that one squirrel did not give up hope. It could not accept no for an answer. When it realized that all presents were gone, it reached out for the wisest magician in the universe. When the magician was informed about the tragedy, he instantly took his book of magic. Under the letter H for hope he found a sugar sweet recipe to turn the tide. To ensure that true happiness would be reached, he decided to make every squirrel's wish come true. Material things can never touch the heart as deeply as special wishes coming true. That night all squirrels' hearts were beating as one.

By Liesbeth Leysen