The Brownies went to work with a will. They helped Grandmother Gordon clean the entire house, polish the silver and put extra boards in the dining room table.
Although they could not be certain their parents ever would arrive to see the beautiful decorations, they hung gold stars in the windows.
A large holly wreath was tacked on the front door. Candles were placed in every room, ready for instant lighting.
Late in the afternoon, a sleigh with gay bells jingling drove up to the door. Out stepped a white-bearded man. Behind him he dragged a Christmas tree, cut evergreen branches, and an array of packages.
“Santa Claus has arrived!” shouted Veve from the window.
“It’s Mr. Jeffert,” laughed Connie, “He’s bringing our Christmas tree.”
Mr. Jeffert could not stay long, but he helped the Brownies set up the tree in the living room. Its tall tip nearly brushed the ceiling.
“What are all these packages?” Eileen asked curiously, as Mr. Jeffert dropped them at the base of the tree.
“Oh, just a few doo-dads for the Brownies,” laughed Mr. Jeffert. “I bought them while I was in Goshen. No fair peeking until tomorrow though.”
After the owner of the evergreen farm had driven away in his sleigh, the girls trimmed the tree with shiny colored balls, tinsel and artificial snowballs.