Noel, the smallest Christmas tree on display stood tall as the doors of the shopping mall opened.  It was the day before Christmas and the last day for shoppers to buy a Christmas tree.  The tree took a bow as a welcome gesture.  This was his last day of hope.  He hated being brought back to storage which served as his home for two years.  Noel shook his branches as a sign of joy.  He imagined that someone would bring him home.  His branches would be bedecked with silver bells and red ribbons.  The children of the house would gather around him and sing Christmas carols.  Then gifts would be placed beneath his branches.  They would be opened on Christmas day.  Noel felt the excitement of listening to their shrieks of surprise and joy.

The little children ran around the Christmas trees.  There were plenty to choose from---green, white, silver.  By midday, many of the trees were bought.  The first one to go was the tallest tree.  Noel was sad to see him go.  He was a kind and brave tree and cheered them up when they felt afraid.  There were days when they never saw light in storage.  They heard strange noises.  They shivered during cold evenings.  But the Tall tree assured them that he was there to protect them.

Noel wondered why no one was drawn to him.  He was just like his friends.  His green branches were lush and thick with needle-like leaves that spiraled along his trunk.    He did his best to look smart and not give up.   But as the evening drew close, his hopes ran dim.   It was nearly eight in the evening, and the mall would soon close.  Noel felt his heart breaking.  Tears welled in his eyes, and he started crying.  He hated to spend Christmas Eve in storage again. Just when the mall was about to close, a Man came running.  He wanted to buy a tree!  He approached Noel but the sales clerk informed him that Noel was not for sale.  Some of Noel’s branches were broken.   Noel then understood why nobody wanted to take him home.  He muffled his sobs so as not look downtrodden.  But he was the saddest Christmas tree in the world!  Nobody wanted him because he was broken.

The Man smiled and held Noel gently.  He wanted to take him home.  Noel’s heart leaped with joy.  At last, he felt needed.

The Man put him on top of his car.  They passed along streets that were lighted with lanterns.  Then, the car turned and parked in front of a building.   It was a center for special children.  The Man took Noel to the sitting room where he was surrounded by children.  Some were on wheelchairs and unable to walk.  Some were blind.  Some were unable to hear.  Some looked grown-ups but were running around like children. 

They gathered around Noel and began hanging ornaments, small garlands, and twinkling bells around him.  Some strung popcorn as decorations, but they ate them before they were hung. The children were clapping and laughing.  Noels’ heart was filled with love and joy.  This was why the Man wanted him.  He was special like the children.  He was with his own.

The Man who bought him was the Mayor of the City.  He had a special place in his heart for special children and special trees like Noel.  He lifted a child with cerebral palsy who crowned Noel with a bright star.  Noel started crying again.  But this time, his tears were tears of joy.  He was no longer the saddest tree in the world, and he was the happiest in the whole world.