Shimmering, flowing tinsel heavily drapes the small tree, filling the big holes in the sides where it had been held, or tied down.

Brilliantly colored bulbs give silly, fun-house–mirror reflections of red, yellow, green, and blue.

Little toy soldiers and sugarplum fairies dangle fancifully from green, prickly branches.

It stands as an array of colors.

And atop, a beautiful porcelain angel stares down upon the room, gorgeous and strong.

What a proud sight.