ONE dark night, three days before Christmas. Tama and Ryan were so excited because Mum had promised to get a new Christmas tree, even though she did not have much money. They had spent most of the day sorting out tinsel, fairy lights, baubles and other things for the tree.

Off they went to the shops to get their tree. The trees were very expensive. The only tree they could afford had hardly any branches on it. Tama and Ryan tried to hide their disappointment, but mum knew how upset they were. Off they went home to decorate their poor tree.

The house was very quiet since their dad had gone away and their mum didn't know when he would be back. Tama and Ryan decorated the tree while mum decorated the rest of the room with the left over tinsel. The tree didn't look that bad when they had finished which made Tama and Ryan very happy.

The next few days the house was a buzz with cooking and cleaning. Mum had been busy in the kitchen baking cakes and mince pies. She had invited most of the family over to their house as this was going to be the first Christmas without dad. Nana and Grandad Johnson, Uncle Peter and a few more cousins would be coming. Everyone was getting very excited.

Christmas Eve Tama, Ryan and mum all went to church. It was very moving. They sang Christmas carols and Tama and Ryan could not help noticing mum crying. Ryan asked "Mum what is wrong, why are you so sad, this is supposed to be a happy time?" "Oh its nothing, don't worry little man". Tama and Ryan went to the back of the church to make a special card for their mum to cheer her up. Mum was very happy with this and told the children she would hang it up over the fireplace.

Nana and Grandad came down to help with Tama and Ryan while mum got the turkey ready for cooking on Christmas day. The house was warm and welcoming and the poor tree might just make another day!

Just before Tama and Ryan were getting ready to put out Santa's mince pie and drink of sherry and Rudolph's carrot there was a knock on the door. Mum said, "Who could this be at this time of night?" "Well answer and see" said Nana.

They all heard a loud screech and laughing. Tama and Ryan ran to the door before nana and granddad could stop them. They both screamed with delight at the sight before them. Stood in the doorway was the biggest Christmas tree they had ever seen. "But who has left this for us?" They both shouted together. "Ho Ho Ho" They heard from behind the tree. Ryan grabbed Tama's hand, "Who is that? Santa does not come this early we've not finished putting his drink out." A figure appeared from behind the tree. It was Dad. He had come home for Christmas.

The next morning Ryan and Tama ran downstairs to be greeted by lots of presents and the best decorated tree they had ever seen. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.

The End