The Grand Pond Christmas Tree Ball
It was the night everyone had waited for all year.
The candles were lit…
The stockings were hung…
And everyone had their finest Christmas attire on.
Pumble had been baking for a week, whipping up anything and everything sweet. There were pecan pralines, apple and pecan pies; berry tarts and cherry cobbler; puddings and cream pies–and that was just one table. There was candy and macaroons, fudge and ice cream.
And of course, thousands of Christmas cookies (much to Crumbs’ and Cookies’ delight.)
The Nutcracker had polished his best sword…
and King Baylor of the Stickhorses had spent hours perfecting his role in “A Christmas Carol” that he was putting on with some of the other creatures.
All the ornaments were in a frenzy, finding their best outfits and picking out the perfect gift.
Bettina the ballerina was stretching for her performance in the “Nutcracker” later that night…
She had gotten the role of Sugar Plum fairy, much to her delight.
The Snowflake Fairy was thrilled too…
As she got to play the role of Clara, which she had always wanted to do. (After all, she was a real fairy!)
The Christmas mermaid was chatting with the Chihuahuas from Hobbs when the lights suddenly dimmed…
And an angel appeared before them all.
“On this night,
let candles light the dark,
Let merriment shine,
and joy spark.
Let the Christmas spirit fill us all,
With kindness and generosity,
And let love and faith,
Flow well and freely.
Let the Grand Pond Christmas Tree Ball begin!
Merry Christmas to all!”
Every creature in the Pond cheered and began to dance as Hairy, the mayor of the Land of the Flowered Bed, signaled the band to play.
As Queen Bitty and Bear looked on from their perch on top of the loveseat,
Miss Moose McKinley from the Land of the Flowered Bed began to light the candles on the Christmas tree. The seals watched in rapt silence, their tails twitching with delight.
Ladybug clutched Pumble’s arm. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she breathed.
Pumble scowled. “It would be much more wonderful it Cookies and Crumbs quit stealing my cookies!” he snarled. “And I’ve only got three dozen loaves of pumpkin bread left and only four pecan pies! I’ve got to go make more!”
“We didn’t steal all of your cookies,” Cookies protested as Crumbs squeaked and hid under his wing. “The Cookie Stealing Bunny stole some too!”
The Cookie Stealing Bunny scurried deeper into the shadows.
“People, people,” Sandie called from her perch on the tree as she visited with a seashell angel. “It’s Christmas. There’s surely enough cookies for all.”
“There are never enough Christmas cookies,” Cookies grumbled. Crumbs and the Cookie Stealing Bunny agreed.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I get your attention please!” the Fuzzy Duck cried, who was the host of the evening. “Towards the left of the tree, the Glitter Birds will be chirping carols with anyone who wants to join…”
“We should do that!” the first duck in the Spa whispered. They had snuck out of the Land of the Flowered Bed to join the fun.
“Yes, we should!” the second duck in the Spa whispered back.
“It’ll be fun!” the third duck crowed.
“At the right of the tree, we will have a production of the “Nutcracker” on top of the large red box,” the Fuzzy Duck announced. “And over here, a production of “A Christmas Carol.
“Santa is over in the corner for any ornaments wanting to make last minute additions to their list…
“And the Blue Elephant is serving up cocoa and hot apple cider to anyone who wants it. At midnight, the Christmas Tree Ball Feast will begin, followed by hours and hours of dancing!”
“These creatures are going to be sick,” Queen Bitty whispered to Bear. Bear wuffled, looking a bit green at the thought of all that bouncing. Getting to the tips of her paws, Queen Bitty shouted, “Merry Christmas, creatures of the Pond!”
“Merry Christmas, Queen Bitty!” everyone shouted back, cheering. Even Queen Bitty was cheerful at Christmas.
So in a whirlwind of cookies, pies, cakes, roasted meats and only a few veggies, the Pond set about in a frenzy of Christmas whimsy. Plays and ballet and dancing and carols and twirling–it was as much merriment and Christmas joy as anyone had ever seen.
And in the morning, when the Blond Duck got up for breakfast, the house was silent, save for the glow of the lights on the Christmas tree.
But for the enchanted creatures of the Pond, the Christmas magic would live on, and on.
Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! Tomorrow we have a brand new Christmas tale and Thursday, a new tasty Christmas cookie recipe! Stay tuned!
December 15th, 2009 at 5:12 am
A lovely Christmas night for the critters!
December 15th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Ooh I LOVE your SugarPlum Fairy!!!!! I want her!!! lol
Nice story~
December 15th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Sounds like they had such a wonderful time!!
December 15th, 2009 at 6:13 am
I have missed all the cute critters on the pond…I have been a busy girl and haven’t gotten to pop over to say hello! Hope you holiday planning is going well…it will soon be here!
December 15th, 2009 at 6:16 am
It looks like all your little “friends” are eagerly anticipating Christmas, sugar. Squeeeeeeallling with delight they are.
xoxo,
Connie
December 15th, 2009 at 6:33 am
There’s never enough cookies at my house either! Merry Christmas!
December 15th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I love the little dog ornament and of course all of the pies! YUM!
December 15th, 2009 at 7:05 am
How cute!! I always enjoy seeing your fur-kids!
December 15th, 2009 at 7:20 am
They are all so darn cute!
December 15th, 2009 at 8:28 am
It sounds like the “bestest” Christmas party ever. I’m sure they all had a ball.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I love, love, love this post! That chihuahua ornament is the cutest thing I have ever seen.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:14 am
My question is…why wasn’t I invited?!
By the way, I have that very same Angel Christmas tree topper!!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Ah – I love the frenzy of Christmas joy over in your pond!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Oh! I wanted to be there so badly. I wonder, do all the sea animals on my tree have parties at night with the other ornaments? Somebody fell and broke a leg last night when I was asleep, so I just wondered…..
December 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
There were all kinds of fun activities at the ball!
December 15th, 2009 at 10:35 am
YAY for Bettina!! I knew she could do it!
Sigh, I hope my Christmas tree ornaments are behaving, I would hate to have another incident like last year. Let’s just say, chocolate never comes out of glass.
I know, it didn’t make any sense to me either.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Too cute, I smiled at every single one of these photos! Just the thing for a cold dreary day…brightens up everything!
December 15th, 2009 at 10:41 am
So amusing! Queen Bitty and Bear, surrounded by all the pretty creatures of the Pond, seem astonished!
December 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I just loved this little tale! I have Nutcrackers just the same as yours, but mine are cream, gold, and black. Of course the pair of them stand guard over my Christmas tree, along with Gherkin, my Hedgehog, who stands with his spectacles and list, just to make sure no one who is not invited sneaks in unannounced!
I hope a good time was had by all!
December 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Sounds like the Pond is ready for Santa!
And thank you, yes, I had a very nice weekend, hope you did too!
December 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Awww, the babies have sweaters! Why isn’t Bitty’s pink?
December 15th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Oh how fun! I love everyone’s Christmas attire!
December 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Looks like they had such a great time! Love it
December 15th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Amazing picks and ornaments!
December 15th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Very cute.
December 15th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
So, what are you charging at the door?
December 15th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Oh how lovely!! Can’t wait for more tomorrow!!
December 15th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
CUTE! I love the cookie stealing bunny
Love your stories!!!
December 15th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
fun story, i love all the pictures!
December 15th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I love it! What a fabulous ball. You have some adorable Christmas decorations – I especially love Bettina.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I’m so glad Bettina got the part and the Fairy was happy too!
December 15th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
The angel cracked me up! Lovely outfits were chosen by all
December 15th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I would get sick too with all of those sweets, but it would be so much fun!
December 15th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Oh this post just made me happy
We just put our Christmas tree up this weekend and I am so in the holiday spirit!
December 15th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
So cute! What a darling story. Puts a smile on my face.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Such a fun ball for everyone and the pond!
December 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Cute story. I love Crumbs and Cookies.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
What a ca-ute post! Thanks for the smile to end my night.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Looks like a good time was had by all!
December 16th, 2009 at 12:26 am
wonderful Duckie, just wonderful! I love the pond. I love how you make it all come alive for us, with all of your lovely creatures and your fabulous words. You are the best storyteller! I just adore you! xxoo
December 16th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I love the ‘tocks!
December 16th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Oh what cute ornaments and cute puppies. Can I borrow them for a day of love hugs and kisses.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:22 am
what great fun the critters were up to and I LOVE the mermaid ornament. mostly b/c I have one v. similar too! twinsies!
xoox
kHm
December 16th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Duckie, what a delightful tale. Your stories are the kind of stories that uplift the heart and especially during the holidays some of us really need that. Thank you sweetie for sharing your talent with us. May you have a most glorious Holiday ever!
December 17th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I’m so glad Bettina got the part she wanted! =)
December 20th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Loving the sweater wrapped pups. Merry Christmas!