Chapter 1
BIG ENOUGH
"This just might be my lucky year," whispered the tall graceful pine tree to herself.
"What's that, Melinda?" asked the huge oak tree.
"Oh, Helen," cried Melinda, "I was hoping this would be my year for the Governor's Ball."
"That would be great," sighed the oak for she was Melinda's best friend.
"Helen, it would be the most exciting thing that could ever happen to me! Just think, I'd be dressed in elegant ornaments with snowflake lace entwined in my boughs. I'd be in the center of the grand ballroom on a pedestal with piles of expensively wrapped gifts around me. Beautifully dressed guests adoring, oohing, aahing and saying darling yummies about me."
"We'll miss you." mumbled Helen sadly. "Our little forest wouldn't be very special without you."
"Well, I have not been given a sleigh ride ticket yet. I might not be able to party this year either, if Eddie doesn't think I am superb." Melinda pouted. "For the last three years at Christmas tree time, that man waltzed around me so many times I got dizzy. He examined each one of my branches. Last year I knew I was ready, but do you know what he did? He scratched at his chin and tugged at his hat. Just as I was about ready to explode, he finally figured, `Ah, I guess not this year; needs to grow just a bit more.' I almost shouted out, " `But I'm big enough and pretty enough now."' Melinda snapped, then shook her branches angrily. "His final words are the same each year, `I want you to be just perfect for the Governor's Ball, the finest tree ever at the state capital'. So why am I the only one who must be perfect in the world?"
Those awesome words of praise sent quivers to the end of her
pine needles. Her bark almost squeaked with pride. Everyone on
the ranch knew that Melinda was the most beautiful tree of all.
What a blue spruce! Shades of blues,. greens and silvers change
in the dawn, afternoon and sunset of each day, a rainbow of forest
colors! Her graceful branches coaxed the wind to sing. The wind
always sang a song with Melinda; the children named her Melody
because the wind hummed through her boughs.
Chapter 2
THE SONG
On the north edge of the pine forest a pert, sassy pine sang, "This season I'm big enough and pretty enough." Then across the pine tops blossomed humming notes, "I'm big enough and pretty enough." A bouquet of voices joined in until the chorus echoed against the hillsides. "I'm big enough and pretty enough!" Melinda smiled and nodded as her clear voice carried through the pines singing the verses. Everyone felt glad to be a part of the special forest.
BIG ENOUGH, PRETTY ENOUGH
YA HOO YOU YIP PEEEE!
HERE I AM, LOOK AT ME!
I AM BIG EEENOUGH AH HA AH HA.
I'M PRETTY EEENOUGH TRA LA TRA LA.
IN YOUR HEART I WANT TO BE.
HOLD YOUR ARMS AROUND THIS TREE.
LOVE LOVE ME YOU SHOULD.
I MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD.
I'LL MAKE YOUR EYES SHINE.
CHRISTMAS IS A GLORIOUS TIME.
HEAR MY HEART SING, WHEEEEEEEE!
I AM A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE.
Such excitement! Each pine glowed green with expectations of the coming holiday season. Their boughs waved gently catching at the breeze as if trying to fly them to a cheerful home where they could spend the holidays. Some pine trees would be disappointed, of course; it happened every year. There were those who thought they were tall enough but weren't; others had branches that weren't quite filled out enough for this season. They would have to wait impatiently until next Christmas to be a part of the holiday.
What could be more thrilling than being a Christmas tree? Every year as the young pines grew to Christmas tree size, they heard funny stories of Christmas from happy kids who laughed while sledding through the trees. Often, the men who came to pick up and deliver the trees joked of the toys for their children and the guests who would visit for the holidays.
Sometimes the men told tales of how the family decorated the tree. Then all the pines listened to every word. Just think of having Christmas tree lights that bubbled or blinked and the razzle dazzle of silver tinsel, candy canes, stuffed elves, angels, stars, ornaments and presents! They knew that the Christmas tree was the center of attention for the holidays.