Santa’s voice rose from the PA speakers throughout the stadium. “Ho-ho-ho. Merry Christmas! The time has come for us to announce the Annual Christmas Tree Stroll winners.”
The entire place roused into a roaring cheer.
“Is that all the noise you can make? Give me one big ‘Merry Christmas.’”
“Merry Christmas!”
“Ah, yes, we could blow fog across the nation with all that hot air. I wouldn’t even need Rudolph’s shiny nose with your help. Now, are you ready to hear the official Christmas Tree Stroll winning entries?”
The mayor took the mic. “I’ve been announcing the winners of this event for the last four years, and I came to every stroll for at least twenty years before I ever became mayor. I have to say, this year y’all brought amazing innovation, beauty, and generosity to the mix. It’s the best year, but then maybe I say that every year.”
Tucker reached for Sheila’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Sheila looked over at Randy and Natalie, and Eli and Amanda. The other two couples stood arm-to-arm too. Everyone was on pins and needles waiting for the big announcement, and at that moment she knew she’d already gained the best prize. She leaned into Tucker, placing her other hand on his biceps.
The mayor paused until the crowd settled down. “The categories of winners this year, in no particular order, are: Storyline or Theme; Unique Design and Creative Use of Lights and Decorations; and Display and Placement of Decorations. We have such great representation in all of them. Of those three winners, the grand prize of bragging rights for the year and this eye-catching banner with their name on it hung in the school will be presented for the best overall presentation. Is everyone ready for this?”
A resounding “Yes” lifted from the stands.
“Here we go.” The mayor shuffled big red-and-green Christmas envelopes, and then opened the first one. “This year’s winnerin the Unique Design and Creative Use of Lights and Decorations category, cited for its use of alternative energy and all-upcycled ornaments, is Solar Spruce, designed and decorated by the senior class of Chestnut Ridge High, for their six-foot Norway spruce. A hidden solar-energy panel on the top of the tree is providing the energy for all the lighting and the colorful spinning Moravian star on top. Ornaments are made from aluminum cans, paper plates, and old magazines. Now, that’s innovation.”
The team, wearing matching high school jerseys, bounced arm in arm in celebration. Their excitement was contagious.
“Next, the winner of the Display and Placement of Decorations category.” The mayor chuckled. “They seem to make it into the top every year.”
Tucker looked at Natalie. “That’s got to be my guys.”
“The Chestnut Ridge Fire Department for their Ninety-Nine Ways to Get Home for Christmas. They have generously decorated this twenty-two-footer full of bikes, trucks, skateboards, skates, horses, you name it, and every decoration is a toy that will be distributed in our county. I, the mayor of Chestnut Ridge, can speak for Santa when we give this team a hearty thank-you for their generosity.”
Santa danced across the stage, ho-ho-ho’ing. “And I didn’t even have to ask. Thank you. You are truly ho-ho-ho-heroes in every way! I believe there are enough shiny handlebar bells on that tree to put one on every bicycle in the county. Maybe in every car! Well done.”
Sheila threw her arms around Tucker’s neck. “Congratulations! That’s wonderful.You’rewonderful.”
He looked down into her eyes, her face just inches from his. “You make me want to be.”
The mayor took the mic from Santa and shuffled him off the stage. “You’d think that guy got enough attention this time of year. This is my minute in the spotlight, Santa.” The mayor summed up the winners of all of the categories and special mentions, and then it was time for the big announcement of the evening.
Sheila and Tucker pulled themselves together and focused their attention back on the mayor and the final envelope. “And now the winner of the Christmas Tree Stroll. Drumroll, please.”
Everyone in the place slapped their hands to their legs, and in the stands the kids were pounding their feet until the whole place rocked like a concert. “Our winner of the Storyline or Theme category is Feathered Friends Home for the Holidays.”
Natalie and Sheila both leapt so high that Sheila bumped Tucker right in the nose.
“I’m sorry,” Sheila squealed the apology, but then bounced toward Amanda and Natalie.
Tucker rubbed his nose.
“I can’t believe it. I’m so proud of us!” Natalie hugged Randy. “Thank you for your help, babe. Y’all are all amazing. I can’t believe it!”
“This team decorated a six-foot Fraser fir and somehow they hand-painted the tips of every branch with iridescent paint, making them appear as if ice has crystallized on them. The use of real pine needles painted to appear like golden tassels was ingenious, and the birdhouses on this tree are nothing short of artworthy. And I’ve been informed that some of the birdhouses will go to the senior center. Be sure to head over and congratulate them on a job well done.”
Tucker turned to Sheila. “I’d like to be the first. Job welldone.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “And a lot more fun than usual with you around.”
Following the celebratory hugs and high fives, Natalie said, “Come on. Lets everyone go to Orene’s and celebrate.” She looked up at the tree with appreciation. “Someone is going to really enjoy this tree.”
Randy looked surprised. “Natalie, wait. I wanted you to have that tree topper. I made it special. For you. Won’t you keep that birdhouse?”
She clasped her hand over her mouth. “Yes. Of course. I’m sorry. Yes! I have to keep that one. Take it down.” Natalie shot Sheila a look who nudged Tucker to help Randy reclaim the gift.
