Later that morning Br’er, Ray, Mazie, and Mickey were out shopping for a Christmas tree. Mazie and Mickey wore matching jackets of green and red plaid. Both had jingle bells attached.
They now were on their third lot, and Mazie had yet to find the appropriate tree. Ray and Br’er stood together and watched as she rummaged through the forest of trees that had not yet been purchased. Ray was holding Mickey. Mazie had given him to Ray, insisting he be held as the little dog’s feet were cold.
“She does this every year,” Br’er sighed. “Waits until Christmas Eve and then complains that the trees have all been picked over.”
“Why does she do that?” Ray asked.
“Tradition. Her family always waited until Christmas Eve to get a tree, only they went out in the woods and chopped it down. It was alway
