Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Newsies. I do not own Newsies. Disney owns all characters and owns Newsies. The plot was of my own creation.
Title: O Christmas Tree
Author: Aura
Rating: G
Snitch Riccio was curled up on a bed. He had just turned six and was very confused, as he stared out the window to look upon the snowy city. His best friend, Skittery, sat down next to Snitch.
"What's wrong Snitchy?" he asked.
Snitch picked up a pillow and hugged it to himself. "What's Christmas, Skitts?"
Skittery stared at Snitch in shock. "You dunno what Christmas is?!?"
Tiny Snitch shook his head. "I heard Jack talkin' about it… what is it?"
Skittery sighed. "It's some holiday… all the Christians celebrate it… people give each other presents… there's big celebrations at church…"
Snitch blinked. "I don't get it… why do we celebrate?"
"It's some religious thing… Christ's day or something." Skittery smiled and helped Snitch stand. "Come with me… I'll show you Christmas." Snitch looked at Skittery, a little scared, but he followed.
Skittery took Snitch's hand and led him out of the lodging house after wrapping him in a scarf. He led Snitch down the street to a large church. Snitch looked at Skittery questioningly. Skittery smiled at Snitch and guided him inside. Snitch gasped upon entering. "It's warm in here…" was the first thing he said, and then he saw the beautiful evergreen in the corner of the church. "Skitts… it's so…"
"Beautiful? I know… it's a Christmas tree, see all the candles on it…?"
Snitch had stopped listening to Skittery as he stared at the tree, entranced. He then heard a choir of voices and looked up. Snitch saw a small stage and lots of people standing on it, singing.
God rest you merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Snitch smiled at the 'pretty voices'. He looked back to Skittery, his eyes wide. "My mama sang that song…" Skittery smiled and led Snitch into a corner, where they were approached by a small, blonde girl. "Hi… I'm Lilas… are you two hungry?" Snitch nodded. Lilas scampered off and returned with two plates of food. She handed one to Snitch and the other to Skittery, and then pointed at the stage proudly.
"That's my big sister Lute and my cousin Allegra. 'Legra sings and Lute plays the flute."
Lute began to play the tune of 'Greensleeves' and Allegra joined in with the Christmas carol lyrics.
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Lute played the flute and blushed at the applause after her solo. A boy joined Allegra on the stage. Lilas nodded knowingly. "That's 'Legra's boyfriend. His name's Anthony. He sings too." Lilas mumbled around a candy cane. Snitch watched with wide eyes.
I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
Skittery watched Snitch, smiling, but his face fell as he saw a clock. "We gotta go Snitch!" Snitch swallowed the rest of his food and the two boys ran home.
Snitch climbed into his bunk and shut his eyes, picturing the beautiful tree once more. Skittery leaned over and whispered, "Merry Christmas Snitchy."
Ready? Watch me not own even more stuff! I don't own: Newsies, Snitch, Skittery, ANY of the songs, OR the character of Lute!