Buckleberry love Christmas. Mayor George always makes sure that Market Square has a large Christmas tree with lots of decorations. The Buckleberry Community Choir had been busy rehearsing, and a schedule of Christmas events had been put together for everyone to enjoy. People looked forward to the festive season and being able to spend time together.

This year, an extra unique feature was introduced – an ice-skating rink. It was the first time for Buckleberry to have such a thing. Mayor George thought the people of Buckleberry deserved a surprise for all their hard work and support of the community throughout the year. He thought that people would be able to get together and have some fun. It was all about participating in the festive cheer.

Two weeks before Christmas, a special delivery arrived in town. It was the village Christmas tree. Everyone made a big deal about it. A special ceremony was held to see the live tree placed near the fountain. People cheered and clapped as the tree was made secure for the festive season. The large, great pine tree stood majestically in front of everyone. The tree this year looked larger than ever. The smell of pine filled the air. It was starting to smell like Christmas.

Volunteers helped decorate the tree. There were all the old decorations but each year the community added something new. The Christmas Committee had ordered blue lights that were shaped like snowflakes. The committee was certain that they would make the tree even more special. Farmer Ted brought his cherry picker machine to help set up the lights. Everyone had heard about the lights but had not seen them and so waited anxiously for the date that the lights would be turned on.

Delivery Dan brought all the parts needed to set up the ice-skating rink. Mayor George brought workers in from the outside of the village to set the rink up. People were surprised when they saw the rink being built. They thought that it was a kind gesture of Mayor George. No one in Buckleberry had ever ice skated before, so it was all very new. It took a while for the outside barriers to be put up. Then the surface was put down for the base. A large cooling machine used water to then make ice for the surface. By the time the moon was shining, the rink was finished.

Mayor George called for everyone to gather on Friday evening. The choir sang Christmas songs, people could enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Village Christmas Cake. He gave a short speech and declared Buckleberry “Christmas Season” open. Everyone cheered. He turned the lights on the Christmas tree. Loud gasps could be heard. People were amazed at all the decorations and especially loved the new blue snowflake lights. The ice-skating rink was open too.

Tall Tony was the only Buckleberry resident who knew how to ice skate. People were glad that he could teach them what to do. People put on the special ice boots and tried to stay upright on the rink. There were thrills and spills, but the rink was full of smiles and laughter. People soon go the hang of slip sliding around the rink. Tall Tony selected Christmas music to play to bring a festive mood to the whole experience. People took turns in resting, eating, drinking, and skating. They all went home thoroughly tired but incredibly happy.

The following day, people went about their business. Those who were free ice-skated and enjoyed the festive spirit in Market Square. It was not until the evening that people realised that the blue snowflake lights were not working. In fact, it looked like some were missing. People did not know what to think of it.

Mayor George consulted the Buckleberry Christmas Committee to see if they had any idea of what was going on. They consulted the manual that came with the lights and could not find any answers. Mayor George asked Tall Tony if he knew why the lights were not working and were missing. Tall Tony just shook his head as he had no idea. Farmer Ted returned with his cherry picker machine to see if he could find an answer. Farmer Ted scratched his head. All he could say was that someone or something was unscrewing the snowflakes and taking them away. Because there were lights missing, the complete set of lights would not light up! It became a real Buckleberry dilemma. The old lights lit up the tree without the new lights.

Buckleberry enjoy a “Christmas Season Breakfast.” Everyone wakes early and meets in Market Square. Butcher Barry cooks sausage, bacon, and eggs. Baker Bunty provides crusty bread. The Buckleberry Market provides coffee, milky tea, and hot chocolate. Stalls are set up selling Christmas decorations and gifts suitable for Christmas presents. This year was no different. It has become well known with the surrounding villages and so extra people had travelled to join in the festivities. After breakfast, everyone was invited to ice-skate. The newcomers were in awe of the rink and were keen to try ice skating.

Tall Tony, Policeman Mike, Postman Percy all handed out ice boots to everyone. As people took off their shoes and then placed their feet in the ice boots, “ouch,” “ow,” squeaks and whimpers could be heard. Everyone looked and stood silent. When they removed their feet form the boots, and then looked inside the boots, they all could see the missing blue light snowflakes. Everyone gave a huge sigh of relief. Firstly, people were safe and no damage was done. Secondly, the missing snowflakes were found. That was all good news, but the community still did not know how the snowflakes got into the boots. The snowflakes were placed back on the tree and the new lights worked. Everyone clapped and cheered

Farmer Ted was called to Market Square with his cherry picker machine. The Buckleberry Christmas Committee had ordered a new star to be placed on top of the Christmas tree. It had arrived and required someone to place it on top of the tree. Farmer Ted along with Delivery Dan and Butcher Barry managed to use the machine to lift the star high so it could go on top of the tree. When Butcher Barry and the star rose up to the top of the tree, Butcher Barry noticed that a nest had been made in the tree. He shouted to Farmer ted and Delivery Dan about what he could see. They told him to do nothing as the freezing weather was coming and the animal needed a home. Butcher Barry returned to the ground, and they all looked up at the star. Farmer Ted said that he would not be surprised if the animal that had made the nest had also removed the lights. Everyone shook their head and agreed.