O hush, little brother, step soft on the stair
This Christmas morning; for waiting there
Is the candle-tree, with its flowers of light
All shining and blossoming bright, so bright:
Isn’t it good to bloom for us so
When all other trees are asleep in the snow?
Only on Christmas day it comes
While the white snow flies and the north wind hums;
When the spirit of giving is in the air
Then we are sure to find it there.
O hush, little brother, step soft and light
Lest it fade like a dream-thing away from sight!
For under its branches are sheltered here
The things we’ve wanted through all the year;
The doll I dreamed about months ago,
The scarlet horn that you wanted so
New books and pictures, all waiting, see,—
Under the care of the candle-tree!
And over its branches and all about
Peace and contentment and joy shine out,
Making the world a beautiful place
Making me say, as I lift my face,
“O wonderful, wonderful, candle-tree,
The light of the Christ-child is over me!”
