Christmas Stories
– Anna’s Wish –
Christmas stories like “Anna’s Wish” remind us to make our Christmas wish from our heart’s desire. That’s when we know and feel the true meaning of Love in this season of LIGHT. It is very much like the story by Lucy Maude Montgomery, about the sacrifices made in hopes of ringing in a happy Christmas: Christmas at Red Butte.
My story last week was about my Secret Santa. This week I have a story that my husband’s mother, Ann, told me many-times-over in the months before she died – at 99 years old. Her mother always called her Anna.
Anna’s Christmas Wish
Anna was ten years old when her mother went to New York City to work for a family there. She took care of two children, cooked, and kept house. It may seem odd that her Mama went away to take care of someone else’s children. But it was 1932, the lean, hard times of the Great Depression, and a safe, good paying job was a God-send.
Anna’s Everyday Appreciations
Every day little Anna went to school and came straight home to help her older brothers with the daily chores and getting a meager supper together, until Papa came in from the factory.
He was a quiet man, and strict with the children. If things became difficult, he would remind them, “We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and you are not going naked.”
The children giggled at that.
Wish for Snow
The weather grew colder and colder and one day, in the dark of early evening, it began to snow. Anna ran outside, twirling under the glistening snowflakes that whirled through the air. She saw Papa walking toward her from one streetlight to the next. She ran to him, jumping into his arms, and puffing,
“Christmas is coming! The snow is bringing Christmas!”
Anna’s Wish for Papa
Papa carried her to the steps and set her down. “And what is your Christmas wish, Anna?”
“I want Christmas to bring Mama home.”
Papa took her hand and opened the door. “Yes,” he murmured quietly. “That would be a Christmas gift.”
Anna’s Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, they all went to church. Anna noticed the colors of the stained-glass windows, glowing even in the snowy winter light. The pastor invited the children’s choir to the altar and Anna stood up to join them. She loved singing the hymns and carols and knew them by heart. As she sang, she smiled at her Papa and brothers.
But suddenly, she stopped. The notes seemed to hang in the air as she stood, spellbound.
There, before her eyes… walking down the aisle… in a coat glistening with snow… a face shining with love… eyes twinkling with Light…
was Anna’s Christmas wish… come to life!
It was Mama!
Keep your Christmas wishes close to your heart… with your…
LIGHT ON!
If you like my LIGHT stories,
you will love my books, especially to Read-Aloud!
Books by Patsie McCandless
Story telling is a genetic trait in your family. Thanks for sharing.