The Tree

Synopsis

Eight-year-old Jonathan who is intrigued on Christmas morning when he spots his neighbour, Agnes Sweetwater, trudging off into the forest, pulling a sledge loaded with sacks.

Agnes will not divulge the secret of where she goes. Jonathan develops a close relationship with the Ojibway woman over the following year. They collect items for her Christmas journey.

As Christmas approaches, he once again asks if he might join her. She refuses stating he is not ready for the journey.

Jonathan makes a plan to discover her secret and on Christmas morning follows her into the forest. What he sees is fantastic. Agnes has decorated a small tree with the items they have saved. Soon animals of all kinds come to her, and she calls for Jonathan to join them.

They return to the farm, and later Agnes joins the family for Christmas dinner, but not before presenting Jonathan with a special gift.