Unifier » March 2002 » Imagine a Christmas Tree

by Pauline Siple

Imagine a Christmas tree — a Christmas tree, in the German woods, the size of a two-story building. Its snow covered boughs stretching outward, protecting its tiny saplings. Excitement filled the air as the group of 45 merrymakers (adults and children) approached it and began to hang fat balls, popcorn strings, and other edibles for the animals and birds to celebrate the winter solstice. John Keating and Elizabeth Malone, the hosts and organizers, passed out cognac, hot drinks and lebkuchen, as the children took turns climbing a ladder to hang the goodies for higher-flying birds.

As darkness approached, we circled the tree. As we each lit a candle we gave thanks or a remembrance that ranged from being thankful for the opportunity to be together, to loving thoughts of grandparents, to a prayer for peace for the soldiers who weren't able to leave their posts to participate in holiday festivities this year. The glow of the candles and the cognac warmed our hearts and hands, but it was getting darker and colder, and we had the 2-mile walk back.

Martin Keating and his yellow lab led the way back through the woods and the little town of Schneckenhausen to the Keating Malone home. John brought up the rear as the Night Tree pilgrims, walked through the snow, guided by the light of the candles and the half-moon. Elizabeth hurried ahead to warm up the four kinds of soup that she served along with breads and cakes contributed by the party-goers. To top off the Ge-mütlichkeit of the evening, John lit a roaring bonfire in the backyard where those ready to brave the cold, again, went to roast marshmallows following dinner.

Many thanks to the Keating-Malone family who opened their home and shared their friendship with us EUUs in a way that was welcoming and appeared effortless. I for one made new friends, tried new drinks, experienced a new celebration, and enjoyed one of my most memorable and heartwarming evenings.