: The tree’s joy is fleeting; once the holiday passes, it is discarded in an attic. It only realizes too late that its best days were those it spent wishing for the future. The Little Match Girl (1845)

The Fir-Tree by Hans Christian Andersen - Becoming Minimalist

: Its dream is finally realized when it is cut down to become a decorated Christmas tree, sparkling with candles and sweets.

Perhaps the most iconic of his Christmas tales, is a poignant exploration of discontent.