Faith, Family and Friends Chapter 14: Planning, a sound of music fanfic

Christmas Plans

Georg's mind did not rest after Max and Elsa returned to Austria. Sitting in his office one day, Georg contemplated the state of the world around him. He wasn't sure he would be safe in Switzerland. He began to make plans, at least in his mind, to go to America. First, he needed to find a sponsor.

Later that night, he shared with Maria his conversation with Max and what he was thinking.

"Maria, I don't like to think this way but I feel there may be a time when we have to go to America. Soon, I'm afraid the war will be all around us. I'm not sure if I will be safe here."

"Before the baby comes?"

"No, I think we will be able to wait until after Liesl and Rolf marry."

"I hope so."

The weight of Georg's planning weighed heavily on Maria's mind. She also knew that Christmas, since Agathe died had been very difficult for Georg and the children. She had hoped that this year would be different. It was going to be different but in a way totally unexpected.

They would still find happiness and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – but extravagant decorations, elaborate parties and an abundance of presents were not in the plans. The children were actually enjoying their new home and friends. The excitement of a baby and a wedding next year seemed to help.

Meanwhile, Georg started to make plans. The exploits of the famous submarine commander from the first Great War did not go unnoticed by those on the winning side. In fact both the British and the Americans spoke highly of him in their naval academies.

Georg decided to request the assistance of the Naval Academy in America. He would explain that he wanted to share his knowledge of submarine warfare as well as commanding a multicultural crew. Therefore, he began to write his letter of request.

It was music that had brought Maria and the children close; she wanted them to sing again; it wasn't that they never sang. Occasionally she would hear, "raindrops on roses…." or do, re, me." She even heard Georg humming Edelweiss, but that wasn't enough. She wanted them to sing as a group, they had very good harmony. Maria had an idea; she would start a chorus at their school.

It was Georg's afternoon off. "Georg, can you take me to the children's school on the bike?"

"Of course, any special reason?"

"I want to talk to the principal about starting a chorus."

He chuckled, "I know Max talked to you about them singing. Maria, I don't mind if they sing with other children; just not on a stage for money."

"I know that, darling." She gave him a kiss, Maria hopped on the seat and they were off. Maria always had to hang on tight as they went down the hill; Georg always took it a little fast.

"I'll wait for you on the bench by the lake."

The principal, Frau Meyers, was excited about her interest in a chorus. "Maria, our music teacher retired last year and we have found no one to replace her. If you could help that would be wonderful. Let me show you the music room." The room was a tad dusty but it had everything Maria could want, a piano, hand bells, a guitar and two recorders, one alto the other soprano.

The next day, Frau Meyers announced to the teachers that Maria von Trapp wanted to start a chorus – signs were posted everywhere. During morning announcements the children were told. Soon there were over twenty names on the list – including all the von Trapp children.

Liesl's classes were mostly in the mornings. She would come home after lunch, which she ate with Rolf before he went to work. One day Maria asked her, "Liesl, would you like to help me with the chorus at school?"

"What do you need me to do?"

"Well, Liesl, you know my ankle still bothers me when I walk a long distance. Can you take me on the bicycle?"

"You know I will; what else, Mother?"

"The music room had a piano and a guitar. I already know you can play the guitar; it seems I remember your father telling me you took piano lessons for awhile. Did you?"

"I did, but I could never play like mother or father. But I'd love to be able to play the guitar again."

"Liesl, you don't give yourself enough credit, I bet with a little practice you could play simple songs."

"Maybe, you're right, I'll try."

The chorus practiced twice a week for an hour. They prepared for a holiday party, celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah. Liesl did remember and played a few simple songs beautifully.

Maria asked subtle questions of the older children – trying to find out about Christmas celebrations in the past; especially since Agathe died.

"Louisa, what are some of your favorite memories about Christmas. Were they always the same?"

She paused before she spoke. "The house staff decorated every year. Frau Schmidt made sure we made our lists – but we never asked for much after mother died. There were no parties; no music."

"Tell me then – What would you want Christmas to be like this year?"

"Happy, thankful and full of music and our new friends."

"Is that how your brothers and sisters feel, too?"

"I think so."

Maria knew she didn't need to ask the others – yes, there would be music and parties and an Advent Wreath. She planned to also share Hanukkah with their Jewish friends.

Advent started next Sunday, she needed to work fast.

"Georg, I want this to be the best and most meaningful Christmas the children have ever had."

"What do you have in mind, Maria?"

"The very first thing – we need to make an Advent Wreath."

"Tell me about it."

"We need lots of vine, purple, white and rose colored ribbon; four candles. A round sturdy base, like from a basket or a wagon wheel. And some lightweight rope to use to hang it."

"Sounds like a project for Saturday. I'll get Kurt and his friends to go with me. I haven't spent much time with him recently."

"I'm sure he would like that."

"Now, tell what do we do with this wreath?'

"We light the candles on Sundays, you read the gospel reading, and I'll read the prayer for that Sunday. We will all sing an Advent Carol."

He smiled at her. "We are so blessed, Maria – your faith is always teaching us. Now, I'm sure there's more, I see it in your eyes."

"Yes, I want to plan a Hanukkah party with Ruth and of course a big celebration on Christmas Eve for the family."

"Maria, you're pregnant! – are you sure?"

"Oh, Georg, I'll be fine. I feel wonderful. I'll slow down after January sixth."

"Why that date?"

"The Feast of the Epiphany – one last party – to celebrate the Wise Men visiting Jesus."

"Well, that's a lot." He kissed her on the nose. "I think it's time for bed."

Saturday was a beautiful day for cutting vines and fur tree limbs. Georg and the boys, Kurt, David and Michel had a marvelous time; finding the best vines and fauns of fur leaves for their Advent Wreath.

Maria sat on the porch overseeing the making of the wreath. It was exactly as she wanted. In the living room, Georg found the perfect place to hang it. Not too high, after all they did need to be able to light the candles.

Maria had changed just a few words to an old favorite, instead of "Oh, Christmas Tree," it became "Oh, Advent Wreath."