“Wow,” I say, taking my time to study it.
“Yep. It’s probably seventy-five years old, and there are around fifty-thousand lights on it.”
“I have so many questions.”
He looks excited to hear that. “A whole crew volunteers to string it every year. Takes a month to get it ready for this event.”
I pull my phone out and write down as many details as I can as Levi continues giving me more history. Several people stop by and chat with Levi and offer friendly hellos.
When I hear tons of chatter, I turn around, and there are people as far as I can see. I take a quick picture, shocked by how crowded it got.
Soon, the mayor steps on the tiny stage in his Santa suit and welcomes everyone.
“Wow, big crowd,” he says, and laughter follows.
“I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting this festival. I have a long list of people to thank, but I know that if I start listing them, then I’ll forget someone and regret it. This event takes place every year because of the locals who donate their time and money and love this town more than anything. The spirit of Christmas will always thrive here as long as this continues in the same capacity it has since the turn of the century. But, with that being said, this lighting wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Whites, whose Christmas tree farm donates the tree every year, no matter what. So I’d like to ask Mrs. White to say a few words before the moment we’ve all been waiting for.”
Levi’s mom steps up, and she looks adorable in her heavy coat. She’s wearing reindeer antlers and meets my eyes as she moves to the microphone.
“Hi, everyone. Thank you so much for the kind introduction. I just wanted to say a few words before we light this beast,” she tells us, laughter erupting.
“It takes an army to do this every year, and the reality is thousands of other farms could donate something this size or bigger. But every year, we ask and offer to be the ones who provide this tree. Why? Some of you might ask. It’s because sometimes the world is dark. Bad things happen to good people. The holidays may not hold happy memories, but horrible ones. Everyone is different and has their own reasons for not liking the holidays. But when this tree lights up every year, it swallows all of that up. And even if the darkness disappears in their lives for only a moment, then I think it’s worth it. My goal is to bring a glimmer of light and plant a seed of hope into the hearts of every person who sees it shine. I know it brings happiness to many people, and that’s why we donate a tree every year. And we will do it as long as this town will allow us too. Thank you, it’s an honor.”
The crowd erupts into applause, and they stand as I wipe tears from my cheeks. Levi’s mom steps away, and he notices me caught up in my emotions and places his arm around me. It’s the comfort I need.
She’s right, and as the festival goes completely dark, the countdown begins. The anticipation is almost too much and as the crowd bursts out into “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” the tree beams to life, casting warm light over the crowd.
Levi laughs, and I hoot and holler, admiring it in all its glory. I stare up at it, and the beauty of the lights twinkling in the darkness leaves me speechless.
“You okay?” he asks, and I nod, kissing his cheek.
“Just a little emotional.”
As everyone stands around and takes pictures with the tree, we meet up with Levi’s mom and dad.
“Your speech was beautiful,” I offer. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. Now.” She yawns. “I’m ready for bed.”
“You two be careful driving home,” Levi tells them with a kiss and a hug.
When we’re alone, he turns to me. “There’s one more thing I want to do.”
“Okay, I’m game.”
I follow him to the carnival rides and we wait in line for the Ferris wheel. When we load up into the cart, Levi opens his arms for me to snuggle into.
“Are you getting cold?” he whispers.
“A little,” I say as the cart begins to move. We go around a few times then we stop at the very top. Seeing the festival and all of the lights from above is absolutely breathtaking. I can’t stop staring at the tree from a bird's-eye view. The yellow star on top shines bright and twinkles in the night.
I glance over at Levi, and he’s watching me.
“What?” I ask.
He chuckles, moving closer. “You had the same look on your face as I did when I was a kid and would come to this festival. Utter awe.”
I try to hold back a smile because he’s right. “I think I understand the importance of it all now,” I admit. A burst of goose bumps trails over my body as the realization hits me, and I’ve never been more ready to write than I am now.