The Christmas Pageant

The next night at six-thirty, Andrew, David Michael, and I put on our costumes and walked over to the Papadakises’ house. Snow was gently falling. Holiday lights were shining up and down the street. It was gigundoly beautiful.

We were the first members of the cast to arrive. Hannie’s dining room was all set for the pageant. The star that shined over Bethlehem was hanging from the ceiling. (It was made of tin foil.) There were curtains on the sliding doors. A cardboard manger with Hannie’s baby doll was hidden away in a corner of the room. (Her doll was the perfect baby Jesus.)

Ding-dong. The rest of the cast was arriving. Then the guests started to arrive. I felt as if I had butterflies in my stomach. I was surprised I was nervous. I knew my part very well. And I knew everyone in the audience. They were my family and friends. But being an angel is important. I wanted to be just right.

There were ten of us in the pageant, not counting Hannie’s doll. That meant five families were coming. Other people from the neighborhood who saw our fliers had promised to come, too. Soon the room was filled with people.

We let Emily and Sari hand out the programs. (Mrs. Papadakis had made them as a surprise for us.) The names of the cast were listed in order of appearance. Guess whose name was first. Mine. The program said in bold letters:

Angel ….….….….….….… Karen Brewer

I was so proud! I stood tall and spread my wings as wide as they would go.

When everyone was seated or standing in a comfortable place, Hannie began the program.

“Welcome to our Christmas pageant,” she said. “We hope you enjoy the show. Please stay for refreshments.”

Mr. Papadakis dimmed the dining-room lights. I closed my eyes and made believe I had gone back in time to the night Jesus was born. I was so busy making believe that I forgot to start speaking.

“Ahem,” said Hannie.

I opened my eyes. I was back in Hannie’s dining room. I knew I was supposed to say something. But for a minute, I could not remember what. Then it came to me.

“This child of Mary shall be the Holy Spirit,” I said loudly and clearly.

“Come, let us go to Bethlehem,” said Scott.

“I am ready for the journey,” said Hannie.

Everyone said their parts perfectly. (But Andrew’s fluffy white cotton puffs had fallen off. He looked like a lamb that had been shaved. No one seemed to mind, though.)

We ended by singing “Silent Night.” Then Mr. Papadakis turned out all the dining-room lights. Linny held a flashlight so it shone on the star over Bethlehem. Hannie said, “Merry Christmas, everyone.”

The audience began clapping. Someone called out, “Bravo!” The ten of us stood in a line, holding hands under the shining tin star.

When the lights were turned on, Mrs. Papadakis invited everyone into the living room for refreshments.

Kristy hurried over to me.

“You were a terrific angel,” she said.

“I am very proud of you kids,” said Daddy.

Elizabeth took turns hugging Andrew, David Michael, and me. She was smiling, but her eyes looked a little teary. I think she was crying because she was happy.

I was happy, too. It was my first big-house Christmas pageant. And it was a big-house Christmas success.