Angel Peggy

With a satisfied smile I hung the last Angel on the Tree. Angel Peggy we called her. She was our first Christmas Angel; bought while on honeymoon in Italy, from a street urchin who had the 'smile of an angel', as my husband had remarked. Each year another angel would be added to our tree; but this one, made from a peg, by the hand of the child urchin, and with a smile to match her maker's, was special; more than ever now, since my wonderful husband's death, just three years ago. I would keep her until last thing Christmas Eve, cherishing the memories as I placed her on the Tree. In the morning when the children got up we would lay the figure of Baby Jesus on the branch below.

Everything was ready and I felt very pleased with myself. The presents wrapped, tree sparkling and Santa's cup of milk and a mince pie waited on the hearth for the big man to arrive.

'We have to make sure Santa's well fed' I would tell the children each year. 'He has a lot of work to do!'

It was time to put my feet up and watch T.V. for a while before bed.

However, while searching for the TV controls down the side of the chair I pulled out an envelope addressed to 'Santa Clause'. I didn't think Santa would mind if I took a peek, so opened it feeling confident I'd covered all the children's wishes. To my horror the note said:

Dear Santa Clause hello to you

I hope you're feeling well

All I want for Christmas is

a tiny silver bell.

So I can ring the praises

of the Baby Jesus' birth.

Because I am so happy that He

came down to our earth.'

This is our secret Santa. No-one else knows but I trust you.

Lots of love

Katie. XX '

I was distraught. It was nearly midnight Christmas Eve . What could I do? Of course, I searched the whole house for a tiny, silver bell, to no avail. Finally I went to bed with a heavy heart, saddened that Kate, my darling, youngest daughter, would be so disappointed on Christmas morning.

The children ran into my room early in the morning laughing excitedly. My thoughts returned swiftly to the silver bell and I looked at Katie's wide eyed, innocent gaze. How was I going to explain this one?

'He's been!' they chorused rushing to the pile of parcels beside the tree.

'So he has ,' I responded feigning enthusiasm. 'But before you open anything we have a very important thing to do.'

'Put the Baby Jesus on the Tree!' Katie smiled and went to fetch the tiny figure from his special box under the Tree. 'Here he is mummy. Please may I put Him on?'

"OK sweetheart, look for Angel Peggy and put the Baby Jesus on the branch beneath her.'

'But there's already something on that branch.' Katie announced. I was puzzled; but sure enough, there on the branch below Angel Peggy lay a small, red box labelled, 'To Katie. Happy Christmas. Love From Santa.'

I gave the package to Katie and she placed the Baby Jesus figure on the Tree.

' I know what this is!' She said, carefully opening the box. And sure enough, to my amazement, inside lay a tiny, silver bell.

'This is for Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus!'

Kate rang the bell. It made the most heavenly sound and Angel Peggy, I'm certain, smiled more radiantly than ever before.