Chapter 7: A Merry Celebration
December 20, 1990
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The Chipmunks and the Chipettes strolled up the walk toward Little Hearts Orphanage once more, this time with Dave and Miss Miller as their chaperones. They were welcome to visit any time and were about to take that opportunity in a snap. But for this visit, the two trios of triplets had a wonderful surprise for the children there, and it wouldn't be spoiled now that Ms. Needles was presently incarcerated.
Alvin was pulling a wagon that contained a huge bag filled with wrapped presents while Theodore was helping to carry a whole box of Eleanor's homemade Christmas cookies. In a few minutes, they reached the orphanage, which had been renovated with the aid of the whole community and now looked as though it had only been built yesterday. Dave did the honor of knocking, and as usual, Ms. Harker was there to welcome them inside.
This time, the orphanage truly looked like a happy place. There were wreaths in the windows, stockings hung in the playroom, lights on the banisters, and a fine Christmas tree with a beauteous star crowning its top. It made the six chipmunks so glad, and even more so when the children came to greet them
Tom, Sophie, Kendall, and Jan were the first of the children to greet the Chipmunks and the Chipettes, and then the boys introduced them all to Dave. Then Alvin said to them, "Gather 'round, everyone! We've got a real reason to celebrate! In a few days, Christmas Day will see us around the tree sharing gifts and showing goodwill. But for now, you'll just have to wait… to open your presents! Ta-da!"
The orphans all looked at the bundle of gifts in wonder and cheered, then the Chipmunks and the Chipettes began handing out gifts to each child. The presents were placed under the tree in a remarkably neat pile. Then Theodore and Eleanor set the cookie box up on a free chair, and Theodore called cheerfully, "Get your free Christmas cookies while they're hot! Come on up!"
The children happily came to have a Christmas cookie and some hot chocolate which Ms. Harker had put on. Then Simon called everyone to attention and announced, "My friends, let it be known that my brothers and I and our friends are very glad to bring you some gladness for this coming Christmas. But now we have a present for each of you to receive tonight. We have arranged that this afternoon will be a day for adoption!"
To the children's delight, at least twelve couples entered and spoke with Ms. Harker about adopting a child, and new and happy families were made. Sophie was the first to be adopted, along with Tom and Kendall and Jan and several other children. The other orphans were cheering for their friends as they hugged their new mothers and fathers. Then everyone got together to celebrate the approach of Christmas. They gathered in the playroom and the Chipmunks and the Chipettes led them in singing carols to truly bring out the spirit of Christmas. They sang "O Tannenbaum", "Here Comes Santa Claus", and "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer", but the next carol they sang was one that had everyone feeling joyful and solemn.
The Chipmunks: O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
The Chipettes: Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The Everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight!
All: For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
Oh, morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God, our King,
And peace to men on Earth
Everyone cheered at the end of the song, and Eleanor brought another round of Christmas cookies with hot chocolate for all. While Theodore helped Eleanor pass them around, Simon went to sit by the tree with Jeanette and they played a game of counted different-colored ornaments. As for Alvin and Brittany, they went to stand by the window and saw that the sky was clouded over. Then Brittany took her friend's hand and said, "Alvin, look."
Alvin looked out the window and saw a light powder of snow already on the ground.
Snow fell at a gentle pace without a blustering wind to blow them away and the trees outside made the whole area look like a scene at the North Pole.
Alvin looked into Brittany's eyes and they smiled lovingly at each other. Then Alvin gave her a hug and kissed her on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Brittany," Alvin said sweetly.
"Merry Christmas, Alvin," she replied.
Alvin and Brittany stayed by the window for a while, then went to join their siblings for a drink and a snack. Though the previous week had seen ups and downs, the Chipmunks and Chipettes had to agree that there was nothing better than making those around them happy at Christmas. Every day that Christmas drew nearer, they found hope that they could give pleasure to those who needed it most. This was the gift that they could always give and never lose: the gift of love.