A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (PART ONE)

This tale isn't brilliant, but I needed to get it
on ABC Tales, this side of Christmas, so here goes.

It was Christmas Eve in the little village of
'Great Oaks,' so aptly named because of the two
Giant Oaks that stood on the village green.

Every year the villagers would hang pretty coloured lanterns in the trees, everyone would
gather and sing Christmas Carols, under the trees.
It was a sight to behold, especially this year,
because tonight the snow lay deep and crisp and
even, there were many stars twinkling in the
clear night sky. Even the pubs merrymakers had
come out to sing. The Reverend Thomas Richards of
the local church led the carols, the whole of the
village came alive, with the sound of singing.
After the carols, the local pub layed on mince
pies, and mulled wine, which was enjoyed by all.

Later that night the Reverend Richards made his
way back to the church, in readiness for Midnight
Mass. Miss Hews or Pamela, as she preferred to be
known, came out of the vestibule.
"Everything is ready for the service Reverend."
"Why thankyou Pamela. Did you enjoy the carols?
everyone seemed to be in good spirits tonight."
The Reverend started to put his gown on.
"Oh Reverend I thought it was the best, ever yet."
He rubbed his hands together, trying to warm them
up.
"Everyone from the village came, it was the best
turn out for a carol service yet, I noticed even
the lads from the pub singing."
"Yes I know, it was wonderful." said Pamela.

Normally the Reverend would stand outside to
welcome his parishioners, but tonight it was so
cold, that he stood in the church entrance. He
shivered slightly, as he welcomed the two sisters,
Agnes and Audry.
"Welcome, come in out of the cold, did you enjoy
the carol service?"
"Oh yes, we certainly did, I do believe you
could hear us for miles," replied Agnes.
Agnes and Audry lived and worked at the Post Office in the village, Agnes was the Post Mistress
and her sister Audry worked behind the food counter, neither had been married, preferring to
stay spinsters.
"I must say Reverend, I think I should make you
aware, that there is a tramp wandering around
outside, he really is rather dirty you know."
"Really!" said the Reverend rather surprised.
"Well I cannot do anything about it now, I will
look into it after the service."
"Um!" Agnes huffed,
"Come along Audry, let's find a decent seat."

Next to arrive were the old age pensioners from,
'The Rose Down Home,' for old people. The Reverend
welcomed them and hoped they would enjoy the service.
"Yes wheel chairs down to the front, to the left
and right thankyou."
The Reverend gestured with his hands, making sure
they knew where they were going.

Martha and John arrived next, they had moved into
Stoney Cottage, about four months ago. Martha had
recently given birth to a baby girl, they called
Sally Ann, they had two other children, Ellie who
was five and Robert who was seven, Oh and ofcourse
their terrier dog Rusty.
"So how is Sally Ann doing now?" enquired the
vicar.
"Oh she is fine, we've left her at home with
Grandma and Grandpa. My parents are staying over
the Christmas period," said Martha.
"Well that's wonderful, I'll bet Ellie and Robert
are excited?" said the Reverend.
"Don't mention that word Reverend," said John,
"they've been running around like lunatics all
day."
The Reverend smiled and hoped they would enjoy the
service.

To be continued...............