Oh, when the Savior was born on Earth we have heard the tales how shepherds came from tending herds in the hills to worship at the stable dim. Of how wise men from far away came to offer this glorious king rare gifts though he was but of humble estate. We have heard that the angels sang through the night in glorious song to herald the blessed event. That even the animals of that place knew that they were witness to something special and kept silent.
What you do not know is that another group came. All but silent and invisible to mortal eyes. For you see the fairies as well drew close to see this wondrous rose. They whispered one to the other that they could not out sing the angels, that already rare gifts had been given and yet they wished that there was something that only fairies could offer. Then a voice came as though from that shining star and it was one only they could hear.
“Ah ye fair ones, I have a task for you, and it will be a gift to all. For when the snows are deep and the cold is all around, with each sprig of green from your woods is brought, come with it and bring good cheer for each person and family wrought. Your magic employs to bring love and joy that the promise of the green woods means. For the green will always be a promise of life as my son is a promise of life eternal. Thus, your gift will be to remind all of the special gift given this day.”
So, to this day, each bit of holly, each bit of pine or green that decorates the house and hearth brings with it the magic of the fairies to bring joy of the special gift given and though it seems that days are cold and life has drained away, that there is a constant reminder that life is always with us. And maybe, just maybe if you are very quiet, and listen carefully you just might catch a glimpse or hear a bell or a snatch of song not normally where there should be no reason. For the fairies keep their trust and bring magic to the season.