Where the Christmas-Tree Grew
In a small village during a heavy snowstorm, a group of children at No. 4 District School engages in playful banter about Christmas trees. Earl Munroe, a confident and well-off boy, spins a tale about wild Christmas trees growing on the nearby mountain, captivating the innocent Jenny Brown, who is new to school and unaware of the holiday's significance. Jenny, who comes from a poor background and has a mother too preoccupied with work to celebrate Christmas, believes Earl's story wholeheartedly. As Christmas approaches, Jenny decides to search for a Christmas tree on the mountain, despite the warnings of her classmates. That evening, her mother realizes Jenny is missing and panics, leading to a frantic search organized by the townspeople, including Earl's family. Earl, feeling guilty for misleading Jenny, believes she has gone to find the tree he described. He experiences a mix of fear and remorse as he witnesses the search efforts. The next morning, Earl's mother discovers that he has taken all his Christmas presents and the tree to give to Jenny, intending to make amends for his earlier deception. He is joined by other children who, inspired by his generosity, contribute their own gifts. They set up a Christmas tree at Jenny's home, hoping she will return in time to see it. Eventually, Jenny is found safe by a woodcutter who takes her home. The children, unaware of the potential tragedy, eagerly await her return. When she arrives, she is overwhelmed by the sight of the Christmas tree, realizing that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in the gifts or the tree itself, but in the love and warmth of family and community. The story concludes with the poignant realization that the Christmas tree grows not in the wild, but in the hearts of those who care for one another.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1901 · Genre: Children's Literature, Holiday Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 3,681 words
First lines
It was afternoon recess at No. 4 District School, in Warner. There was a heavy snow-storm; so every one was in the warm school-room, except a few adventurous spirits who were tumbling about in the snow-drifts out in the yard, getting their clothes wet and preparing themselves for chidings at home. Their shrill cries and shouts of laughter floated into the school-room, but the small group near the stove did not heed them at all. There were five or six little girls and one boy. The girls, with the exception of Jenny Brown, were trim and sweet in their winter dresses and neat school-aprons; they perched on the desks and the arms of the settee with careless grace, like birds. Some of them had their arms linked. The one boy lounged against the blackboard. His dark, straight-profiled face was all aglow as he talked. His big brown eyes gazed now soberly and impressively at Jenny, then gave a gay dance in the direction of the other girls.
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Where the Christmas-Tree Grew is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1901 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary E. Wilkins
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Holiday Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism, Drama
- Length: 3,681 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Where the Christmas-Tree Grew by Mary E. Wilkins
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Discussion starters
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- An Inspiration by O. Henry
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story centers around children, their interactions, and their understanding of Christmas, making it primarily a children's tale.
- Holiday Fiction — The plot revolves around Christmas and the themes of giving and the spirit of the holiday.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative explores themes of innocence, growth, and moral development, particularly through the character of Earl Munroe.
- Realism — The story depicts realistic settings and social dynamics of a small community, focusing on the lives of children and their families.
Tags
Fiction · Short Story · American Literature · 19th Century · Christmas Theme · Family Drama · Coming of Age · Small Town Life · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Realism · Symbolism