If you walk down the sidewalk in
Manassas, Virginia on December 11th 1862, you will hear a small, merry party in the house of Miss Olive Wright.
Four young ladies, decorating a Christmas tree, drinking tea, and enjoying each others company.
How could you not have such a merry party?
“Mabel, why don't you put that one up a little higher?” asked Sara with a little chuckle as she too put an ornament up on the tree. 
Mable turned up her nose and said “ I will do as I wish” as prideful as she could before laughing, for Mabel could not make it through what she was saying without laughing. “Sara, Mabel, please come and drink your tea before it gets to cold. And do please leave some ornaments for Olive and me. This is what you do every year.” Said Emaline as she sat down on a chair and took a sip of her tea.
Sara and Mabel did as their friend suggested. “I always love this time of year with all of the snow and friends.” stated Olive as she sat down with a cup of tea in hand.
“Oh! That reminds me.” said Sara with such a start that Emaline almost dropped her tea. “I have something for all of you.” And with that she got up and walked over to her little sewing basket she had brought. She opened the basket and pulled out three nicely wrapped gifts. 
“I know it's not much,” she said as she gave her friends their presents. “but it is at least something.” “Oh Sara, you did not have to do this.” said Olive as she opened her gift “It is beautiful! I have never owned such a beautiful scarf! Thank you.” The others also opened their gifts. 
Mabel got a pair of mittens and Emaline got a hat to match the scarf, mittens and coat she already had. “Thank you Sara!” said Emaline as she walked over to the mirror and put on the hat. “You have done something for us every year and we.......nothing........I..........”
“Please Emaline, don't feel bad. I love giving, but not receiving. I feel like we have received too much over the last year or so. With my Father being away and us being poor people keep giving to us when there are families on the street starving. So please don't feel bad.” said Sara to her friends. 
“You are too kind Sara.” Olive said as she walked over to the grand piano. “Shall we?” asked she and sat down and played The First Noel. The others set down what they were doing, got up, started decorating the tree and singing. 
“The First Noel, the Angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! ”
After playing one more verse, Olive got up and helped the others with the tree, while still singing. When The First Noel was over they started We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
“We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. “
By the time they were done singing, the tree was finished. “Oh!” cried Olive “We forgot the star.” and with that she left the room to go find the star. “Here it is. Emaline, would you please do the honor?” 
“Yes I will” said Emaline with a small curtsy. 
Everyone held their breath as Emaline climbed up on a chair, star in hand. Then the whole room broke into clapping as she placed it on the tree. “Now” said Sara with a joyful sigh “the tree is complete.” 
“Olive,” said Mabel “may we read the Christmas story now?” she asked
“That is my favorite part. When we get together at this time of year and read the Christmas story.” said Emaline as she sat on the chair she had been before with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Yes, it is. Alright Mabel! Would you please get the Bible off the kitchen table?” asked Olive as she too sat down. When Mabel came back, Olive opened the big, old book and started to read. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed................”
~The End~
Story written by Miss Kiehl ~ Photos taken by Miss Genevieve
