Garland, TX – At this week’s Garland City Council meeting, Councilmember Jeff Bass delivered a holiday invocation that resonated with audiences of all ages. Known for his festive spirit, Bass has been seen around town wearing a holiday-themed T-Rex sweater and even donned a T-Rex costume at various seasonal events. The story he shared beautifully tied together his joyful persona and the spirit of the holidays.
Tinsel the Christmas T-Rex
High on a snowy hill, pine trees sparkled under the moonlight and snowflakes drifted quietly. There, tucked inside a warm cave, lived someone very unusual: a giant T-Rex named Tinsel.
Tinsel wasn’t like other T-Rexes from long ago. He loved Christmas more than anything! Every year, he decorated his cave with lights, hung stockings on his fireplace, and wrapped presents for his forest friends. But Tinsel had one problem, his tiny arms made it hard to hang ornaments on his tall Christmas tree.
One chilly evening, Tinsel roared out a Christmas song as he tried to place a shiny star on top of his tree. “Oh no!” he cried as the star tumbled to the ground. “I’ll never finish in time for Christmas!”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the cave door. It was Willa the Woodpecker, Barry the Bunny, and Sammy the Squirrel, carrying tiny bags of decorations.
“We’re here to help!” chirped Willa.
Barry the Bunny hopped up to the tree with his strong legs, placing ornaments on the branches. Willa the Woodpecker flew high and fast, stringing lights all around. And Sammy the Squirrel, with his tiny paws, added candy canes to every branch.
As the tree sparkled brighter and brighter, only one thing was missing.
“The star,” Tinsel said softly, holding a golden star between his tiny claws. “It’s the most important part.”
He carefully lifted the beautiful golden star, but no matter how much he stretched, he couldn’t reach the top. His tiny arms wobbled, and the star slipped.
“I need help,” Tinsel admitted.
Willa the Woodpecker fluttered near the top of the tree. “I can guide it, but I can’t carry it.”
Barry the Bunny thumped his foot. “I can lift you!”
Sammy the Squirrel squeaked, “And I can steady the star!”
Barry climbed onto a sturdy log. Tinsel gently stepped onto Barry’s back. Sammy held tight to the star, and Willa hovered above, calling directions.
“Left a little!”
“Up!”
“Steady!”With one final stretch from Tinsel and a careful push from Sammy, the star slipped perfectly into place.
Suddenly, the star burst into a warm golden glow, lighting the cave brighter than ever before.
Tinsel’s eyes filled with happy tears. “That’s the magic of Christmas,” he said. “It only shines when friends work together.
By Honorable Jeff Bass
