When some of us think of Christmas, we think of certain symbols. Among the symbols that come to mind are Christmas trees, Santa Claus, mistletoe, and turkey. This particular story introduces us to a different kind of Christmas symbol. This special symbol is a fish, and this story is about some special qualities it seems to have. This fish, which seems to arrive at Christmastime, unites a group of very good and giving people and creates a community of love and laughter. It also brings about a special togetherness, which is typical of what the yuletide season is about. The fish seems to carry with it a message that says, "Let's never forget how good Christmas feels ... "
The characters in the story represent a special kind of unselfishness and expect nothing in return. Their story serves to tell us that we are often unaware of how little it takes to be kind and to give willingly. It reminds us of how good it feels to give. We are shown the worth and warmth of being surrounded by good friends, good people combined with acts of kindness. Though fictional, with a hint of a "mythical legend," it is a reminder that ever so often, we forget about how much goodness is in all of us. Sometimes it takes a most unusual source, like a fish, to remind us that the special gifts we gain from giving to others are far more valuable than beautifully wrapped boxes under a tree. We must live with caring and sharing in our hearts each and every day. Maybe after reading this story, you will think about Christmas whenever you see a fish and wonder if it is the special fish that brought about a lot of miracles during the most joyous holiday season of all! Maybe some of you may even become believers of the legacy of the Christmas fish and look out of your windows on Christmas Eve night to see if the group is still traveling to share the fish with those willing to make the journey to give a share of the real spirit of Christmas to everybody!
