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Every Christmas, the village square turned into a bustling market, and one of the most beloved sights was Uncle Bellagamba’s stand, where he sold his natural Christmas trees. Living in Virginia in 1850, Bellagamba nurtured these trees all year on his small plot of land. Though times were tough, his spirit remained cheerful.

Known for his lush trees and booming, pleasant voice, Bellagamba’s thick Italian accent had evolved into a funny American drawl. His patched clothes reflected his modest life, but his heart was rich with joy. His constant companion was Ricks, the laziest dog in town, who dozed by the stand or ate scraps. Bellagamba adored him, calling him irreplaceable despite the teasing.

But the real magic came from Bellagamba’s pockets, always stuffed with Christmas candies for children. He’d pop sweets into their hands, pretending to be a living Christmas tree, shaking his arms as if candies were falling like snow.