Esther Bunny’s Christmas tale

Esther Bunny was back again at a place that her mom liked to visit - a quiet convent in Toronto. So on Christmas Eve 2006, Esther Bunny decided it was time to go and check out the Christmas decorations and anything else Christmas related that she could find. She wanted to see everything. This was going to take some time but she was ready for an adventure - this was a quiet place.

The first thing she saw after sliding down the banister from her mom‘s room was a real Christmas tree. She stopped for a long time to smell it. The lights she could imagine were on and some were twinkling. There were some Christmas goodies on the table but these did not interest her now - maybe later. She had lots more hopping to do and places to visit.

Down one hallway she slowed down - as bunnies sometimes do - and thought about the red glow she saw coming from one room. Being inquisitive, she slowly opened the door. Sitting in the rocking chair was none other than Santa himself. He smiled gently at Esther Bunny who for her part wondered if her Christmas bow was neatly tied. That did not seem to matter to Santa who beckoned to Esther Bunny to sit on his knee. With one quick hop, she was up and wasted no time in getting cozy.

So what did these two talk about? Some big secrets or small ones - only Santa and Esther Bunny know that. For some time the two were quietly chatting and even laughing. Then with a final warm Christmas hug from Santa, Esther Bunny was on her way again.

As she hopped by the guest wing directory she noticed one name on the board. It was all lit up in red lettering and Esther Bunny could read it quite easily. Nicholas Claus - departure date - January 6. He must be a regular visitor here, thought Esther Bunny as she hopped on her way.

There was time to look at all the Christmas flowers and plants and special arrangements and poinsettias and even the Christmas cactus just coming into bloom. There was also time to check out the bright coloured decorations in the dining room and the two teddy bears and to exchange a few words with them. Both were waiting to go to new homes where they would be loved and cuddled often.


There were a few more Christmas trees to be checked out and especially the one in the chapel. Esther Bunny’s nose told her right away that it was not a real tree - no smell - but it sure was nice and the gold decorations too. They looked to be hand made or maybe made by someone’s paws.
　
Even though all of these decorations and trees were to be enjoyed, there was something else that Esther Bunny needed to see. So near the front door she found what she was looking for - the Christmas crèche. There was a soft glow of a light above the stable. Was that someone or something moving? Freddy - the convent cat - had also found his way on Christmas Eve to this holy place.

Esther Bunny and Freddy the cat chatted quite easily for a few minutes and then they had nothing else to say and all grew quiet and still and the two were content to sit and wait for it was almost midnight on Christmas Eve. Very soon their ears pricked up as they heard the gentle tunes of Once in Royal David’s City. Was it their imagination or was there a rustling of straw in the stable and a movement of the animals and more bright lights and angel wings fluttering? There were smells too. The two new friends looked at each other but the moments quickly passed and all was quiet again. It was almost time to return to quiet places and sleep so Santa could make his deliveries.With a twitch of their whiskers and their tails and a quick Christmas hug, the two parted.

By now, Esther Bunny was ready for a post midnight snack. She stopped by the kitchen which was almost all in darkness. A small dish with one Esther Bunny sized carrot was sitting on the floor. There was a note beside it. “We left one for you. With love and Merry Christmas Esther Bunny from Rudolph and the Reindeer Gang.” Esther Bunny smiled and whispered - “Merry Christmas to you too - Rudolph and all the gang”.

Now it really was time to get back to bed before her mom missed her. But her mom was dreaming nicely of Christmas’ past and good times and family and food and snow. Esther Bunny did not give a second thought to the Christmas flowers and plants and special arrangements and poinsettias and the Christmas cactus as she hopped back to her mom’s room. She only had a passing thought for Santa. Was he still out on his rounds or was he sleeping easily in that rocking chair?

She knew that this would be a Christmas to remember for herself and her mom too - she was sort of lonely this year. She would have quite a story to tell her.When Esther Bunny hopped back into bed, her mom turned over and Esther Bunny snuggled in close. “My you are nice and warm and cozy. Where have you been?’

“I can tell you,” said Esther Bunny. “You see the story starts like this. I decided it was time to go and check out the Christmas decorations all over….”

With love from Esther Bunny and Merry Christmas too!