New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 40
Festivities With Friends and Family
November 1901
"Are you positive you are feeling up to having this large gathering, Delphie? I've noticed you tiring more lately and don't want you to push through just because it's nearly Thanksgiving."
"I'm going to have more help with the preparations than if it were just our family. Everyone is helping including Amelia. She is going to help Rob and myself with the cooking. I know you worry, but the baby and I are fine, Ethan. What you can do is take Rob and Joseph and hunt turkeys. We need three but can make do with two."
"How many families are coming? I have lost track. It seems three turkeys is quite a lot of meat."
"Amy will come, she will hang a sign at the clinic telling people to come here in an emergency. Chris, Aaron and Alyssa, Matthew, Linnea and all five children but the babies won't be eating. I invited Emily Palmer and her three children, that little Grace is adorable. Let's see who else? Mitch, Mr. Axelrod, and John Taylor as well as our four plus Amelia of course. I believe Amelia is going to be joining our family celebrations for years to come. Do you realize this?"
"If I counted correctly that is twenty one people plus the two of us. I didn't count Linnea's twin babies. Where exactly are they to sit? Our family table won't sit twenty three!"
"We'll have it arranged. Did you hear my question about Amelia?"
"I did and yes, I have that same feeling. She is practically living here every weekend. Either she is here on Saturday and Rob is in town on Sunday or the other way around. George even asked me if Amelia was going to marry Rob." Ethan answers.
"What did you tell him?" Delphie asks, smiling.
"I said I had not been told of any plans for a wedding but that could change." Ethan replies returning her smile.
"We could be gaining three new family members in the new year, Ethan. Our baby, Alex, and Amelia. I do wish Claire could come for the holidays but I don't see it happening. She does sound happy on our telephone calls every third Sunday."
"Yes, she seems to be finding her medical studies enjoyable. I could have done without the detailed talk of her studying the makeup of muscles on a dead body though. She gets so caught up in it, she forgets we don't understand what she is talking about. Or rather most of the time, I don't. I am sure you understand her though."
"Pa? Do I have to wear these clothes? We aren't going to church! I don't like this shirt! It's stiff and it itches just like the pants."
"You may not like them but you will wear the clothes your Mama laid out. It is Thanksgiving today and we are all dressing in our best clothes. I expect you and Ben to keep these clothes from getting torn or dirty, George. I have told Ben the same. Now get dressed as the guests will begin arriving soon."
Wearing the starched shirt and trousers, George stands with the rest of the children listening to Ethan.
"Friends, thank you all for joining together for our day of Thanksgiving. With all of your contributions we will have a fine feast. Before we serve ourselves from this bounty, my good friend and mentor has a prayer for us. The first Thanksgiving was a meal between early settlers and their Indian friends as a way of giving thanks for their help to survive the first year in a new land. I think it is fitting to have John Taylor give our Thanksgiving blessing today."
"Hello everyone. First I would like to thank you for your repeated kindness. This group has welcomed an old Indian without censure. I appreciate the gifts of food, bedding, other items I continue to find left on my front step. Now, I will share a blessing from my heritage.
May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being.
May you walk gently through the world and know it's beauty all the days of your life."
"Thank you for sharing that lovely blessing! Let us partake of this spread. The adults will dine here in the kitchen, the young people ages thirteen and older in the extra room, and you children will eat in the front room. Children come be served first." Delphie explains the arrangements.
When it is George's turn to be served, Ethan asks "Which meat would you like son, venison, ham or turkey?"
"I would like mine how Ben did his. A small slice of venison, a lot of ham and some turkey. Could I have both the creamed corn and potatoes as well as some stuffing with gravy, Pa?"
"That sounds good, George. Now add something green. We have spinach, peas, green beans, broccoli, steamed asparagus or your all time favorite, brussel sprouts. How about I get Amelia to help you add a dipping spoonful of lovely spinach or brussel sprouts?" Recognizing his Pa's teasing, George answers "No thank you on the spinach, sprouts and asparagus. I'm not thankful enough to eat those!" His reply sending the adults close by into laughter.
"What will you take, George? Your wish is my command young prince." Amelia asks as she stands by the stovetop.
"I will have green beans, please, Amelia." George replies before carefully walking with his loaded plate to join the other children. He joins them sitting on the floor placing his plate in front of him.
In the other room, Joseph and Frank are telling the rest of the group the story of how they became friends.
"You see, Sarah, we were forced to rebuild Frank's family's front porch and stairs. Frank began helping Theo and myself with the building. He is very good at fitting boards together and nailing. Theo, unfortunately, is not good at carpentry at all! I think he bent more nails than he hammered in! If it weren't for Frank, I would still be on punishment work detail!" Joseph explains.
While we worked we talked and found out we like to do the same kinds of things. So, now we are buddies, not enemies." Frank adds with a glance at Theo who is shaking his head.
"You two just don't understand true acting! I bent all those nails on purpose just to let you two have the fun of building." Theo defends.
"Sorry Theo but I don't believe it. How about you, Joseph?"
"No Frank, I don't believe. I know acting when I see it. My other parents were in the theatre. Theo, just admit it, you are not good at building!"
"Okay, I admit it. I am good at eating. Who wants dessert? I saw a chocolate pie and apple spice cake out there. I plan to have both!"
By evening everyone had left with full stomachs plus tired children. A full afternoon of enjoying time to play had worn out the kids.
"We did it, Ethan! We had a full Thanksgiving feast with friends." Delphie remarks in bed that night.
"We did at that. Now we can get back to our everyday routine." He replies with his arms around his wife.
"I give you a week and then I need help preparing the house for Christmas!" Delphie answers snuggling into his embrace.
December 1901
"Mama? Whose turn is it to open today's date on our advent calendar?" Ben asks at breakfast.
Ignoring Joseph's eye roll, Delphie cheerfully answers "It is your turn, go open the small drawer for December 6th."
"Today's note says 'Be of good cheer to all you hold dear.' I don't see how being of good cheer can help us hold on to a deer. They don't let you hold them like cats or frogs."
"No, dummy! It doesn't mean the animal, it means people you care about. 'Be of good cheer to all you hold d.e.a.r' means to be kind and happy around people you like. D.e.e.r is the animal, remember?"
"That is correct, Joseph. Now how about you demonstrate what you just said by showing Ben how you can apologize for your name calling. Do it immediately." Ethan commands from the front door as he closes it behind him.
"Yes sir" Joseph answers, chastised.
"Ben, I apologize for saying the word 'dummy'. I didn't mean you were not smart, just that you were confused."
"Thank you, Joseph. After school you will do all of Ben's barn chores to show kindness or being of good cheer. No more of this name calling, understood?"
"Yessir, understood."
Walking beside Rob, Joseph remarks "I don't think Pa would've let me come out at night if you weren't going as well. I just know he would've made me stay home as he still thinks I wouldn't know to keep myself safe at night. I am fifteen now, not twelve. Sometimes I feel he forgets. I can handle myself out at night!"
"He was the same way when I was fifteen. You actually have more freedom than I did. He broke his own rule about having to be at least sixteen to use a gun when he let you shoot the deer for Thanksgiving. I got lectured and punished for handling a gun at that age. Do you want to go for Sarah before we pick up Amelia or after?"
"He made sure I knew it was only because he was with me. The rule is very much in existence as he's reminded me at least 20 times since! Let's get Sarah first. The boarding house is closer to the church. Rob, could we sit separately during the Christmas Sing?"
"So you can sneak kisses?"
"You are a nutter if you think I would risk Pa's wrath not to mention Uncle Matt's if I was seen kissing Sarah! We'll be in a group of people who would not hesitate to tell our parents we went out of bounds."
"Should I tell Pa you were name calling again? You were called out for that twice in the last week. If I remember correctly you are under threat of being housebound if it occurs again. It just did!"
"Robbbb!"
"Just teasing, calm down. You sit wherever you want. What is the hymn Claire sang in church last Christmas? I hope we sing that tonight. I can sing it when the leader sings a few lines at a time and we follow. What would you like to sing tonight?"
"Claire's sang Oh Holy Night. I enjoy all the Christmas music. Sarah's favorite is The First Noel. She insisted we include that in our Christmas play. The young kids are doing well memorizing lines and songs. We'll have the best Christmas play yet, this season." Joseph replies.
"You will if you don't get housebound!" Rob teases. "Seriously, Joseph, it's great you enjoy writing. If that teacher I will not name had assigned me to write and direct a play, I would have left home!"
"Your one year of Paradise Academy was hard on you wasn't it? I am happy not to have the man you don't want named as my teacher. Mr. Davis is strict sometimes but not cruel." Joseph says as they walk up to Matthew's door.
Greeting Matt, Rob says "I will be a chaperone for Joseph and Sarah tonight. No need to worry."
"With you all being in the church, I have no worries. Besides, I have long had permission to punish Joseph if necessary." While his younger nephew's face turns pink, he calls "Linnea? Sarah? The escort is here."
Watching the girl approach in an ankle length burgandy velvet dress with cream lace neck, Joseph is stricken mute. This person no longer has her hair in one long braid, it is swept up on her head. She seems to glide more than skip when she walks.
"Good evening, Rob, Joseph."
"Good evening, Sarah. Your dress is beautiful." Rob answers. At no reply from Joseph, Rob gives him a slight kick to his foot.
"Oh! Hello, Sarah. You look so different. In a good way!" He hurries to add the last when Sarah frowns.
Shaking his head at his brother's lack of gentlemanly ways, Rob says "Come Mr. Smooth, let's go get Amelia. Goodnight Matt, Linnea."
After closing the door, Linnea chuckles. "Poor Joseph. He had no idea what to say about our tomboy turned princess. Rob will have to give him some lessons on speaking to young ladies."
Hoping to teach his brother how to compliment a lady, Rob enthusiastically welcomes Amelia into the room with "You look divinely beautiful in your green dress! This lovely color helps the green in your eyes sparkle. Did you make your dress?"
"Thank you, kind sir! No, Mrs. Blackstock gave it to me. We reworked it slightly to make it fit and adjusted the hem. Hello Joseph, Sarah. You look very pretty in your dress, Sarah. Shall we go? I am ready to enjoy a Christmas Sing. Do you have Sings often?"
"There was one in the spring but I didn't go," Rob replies.
While the older boys are in town and Ethan is working on his "secret project" in the barn, Delphie helps the boys create decorations for the Christmas tree.
"Tell me about the squirrel again, Ben." Delphie requests as the three string popcorn and dried cranberries on string.
"We were watching Pa and Joseph cut our Christmas tree. We had chosen trees for Uncle Matt and Chris. Pa was just finishing the cut to make the tree fall and we hear "chhhh chhh chuurrr chchurr! Everybody looks up and there's a gray squirrel churring at Pa for cutting his home tree! Pa got fussed out by a squirrel!" Ben tells his Mama gleefully.
"I watched and the squirrel jumped down and ran up another tree further away. Don't worry, Mama. He has a nice home still." George adds to the story.
"That is great news! I wouldn't want to have left a squirrel to be homeless. I hope his family moved with him and we don't have any unexpected squirrel visitors in our tree. George, you are ready to tie on a spool at the end. That looks lovely. If you want, go ahead and drape it along the lower branches. We have the top and middle garlands hung. When Ben and I finish, we will have enough to circle the lower branches as well."
"Mama? What are you going to use the extra fir tree branches and holly for? We filled burlap grain sacks full of those for you just as you asked."
"I will make a wreath for our front door, George. It is a custom in Ireland to have a ring of holly on the door. It is said holly sprigs offer protection for the household."
"Are we going to do the custom of the candle in the window this year? I remember you told us about it last Christmas. You were almost our Mama but not quite."
"Do you remember what I told you it was a symbol for, Ben?" Delphie asks, surprised the boy remembered.
"You said it was a beacon of light to show Joseph and Mary there was shelter here on the journey to Bethlehem. We light it every night in the last twelve days before Christmas."
"Could we do that this year? We can use it for helping Claire find her way home, too." George comments.
Eying her younger son, Delphie says "George, we certainly can put a candle in the window but remember what your Pa has told you. Claire can not be here for Christmas. She has her studies in winter is not easy for long distance train travel. Maybe when the weather warms in spring, she can visit."
"Claire is always home for Christmas. She'll be here." George insists before leaving the room.
"Mama?" Ben asks a few minutes later.
"Yes, dear?"
"George still believes in Santa... umm... Father Christmas. I went along to write letters to him but I don't believe. He only asked for one thing, to tttalk to Claire. He sssays our angel Mama and Father Christmasss together will gettt Claire here forrr Christmasss. Whattt should I sssay? I justtt listen 'causse I don't know what tttto tell him. His Christmasss iss going to be sssad."
Hearing the boy stutter tells Delphie he is very upset by this. Pulling Ben up from leaning against her knees, she wraps her arms around him. "It's not for you to worry so about, sweetheart. You're a young boy, let your parents take care of this, alright? No more worrying. You do not need to say anything to your brother, just listening is enough. Now help me tie these pinecones you children painted, on the branches"
Telling Ethan of Ben's worry late that night, Delphie asks "What should we do? The boy is going to be so disappointed."
"I'll talk to him more to explain the hardships of travel. I don't have any other ideas right now. Let's get some sleep."
The children's Christmas play is the following Friday evening. Suddenly it is the weekend before Christmas. The annual Christmas play has been moved from the church to the firebarn to provide more room. Hay bales and wooden benches are set in rows in two sides leaving a wide aisle.
Having been recruited by Amelia to help with the play, Rob is tying feather pillows to the wooden four wheeled "camels" he and Joseph created. Ben, Jackson and Aaron are dressed as the three Kings. Each wearing a fake beard of dyed lambswool tied behind their head. The shoulder length cloth head coverings hiding the string. The rest of their costumes are bright cloth blankets wrapped around them and tied with rope at their waists.
Miss. Donaldson, the school teacher, Amelia and Rob are helping the children with costumes.
"Children! Everyone, it is time to begin. Caleb, Alyssa, go get in position with the pony. Caleb, remember to go slowly as you lead the "donkey". Your wife, Mary is heavy with child, you don't want to risk harming the baby Jesus! Alyssa, we'll have Baby Lucas in the cradle just before you get there. Gently sway him, his Ma says he'll be fine."
Yes, Luke is calmer than Gabe. Gabe squalls too often." Caleb agrees with his big brother's knowledge.
"Doesn't your Ma call them by Lucas and Gabriel?" Alyssa asks as they lead the pony to the front of the building.
"Yes, but I call them Luke and Gabe, little names for little guys. They can have their stuffy names as grownups."
Taking his place off to one side of the scene, Joseph waits for the signal to begin from Reverend Davis who welcomes the guests.
"As Caesar Augustus has ruled everyone must return to their own town to register in a census, Joseph of Nazareth and his wife Mary travel to Bethlehem."
As he finishes speaking, the doors open behind the guests and Caleb, as Joseph, leads Alyssa, as Mary riding sidesaddle on one of the Cord's shetland ponies.
Stopping the pony at a door to a side room of the barn, "Joseph" knocks. The door opens to reveal George dressed as the Innkeeper.
"Sir, we are weary travelers. My wife is laboring with child. We are in need of shelter. Could you provide?" Joseph of Nazareth requests
"We have no room for unkempt travelers. No room! Be off with you!"
"Finding no room at the Inn and needing shelter, Joseph finds a stable further down the road. While there, Mary brings forth their firstborn son, wraps him in swaddling cloths and lays him in a manger."
To the delight of the audience, "Joseph" has to croon to his baby "son",
"Shhhh hush little baby, hush Lukey, I'm here." to quiet his whimpers.
At a cue from their teacher, the children dressed as shepherds and sheep in a meadow begin to sing.
"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."
"So in fields nearby, there were many shepherds living outside to look after their flocks of sheep. Angels appeared before them with a startling announcement. The shepherds were afraid at first, to see angels above them.
Amalee and Lauren Blackstock dressed as angels are carefully lowered by rope harnesses to hover just above the shepherds and sheep.
Theo and Frank as shepherds shiver in fear. Frank asks "Do my eyes deceive me?"
Theo asks "Are we, lowly shepherds in the presence of heavenly angels?"
"Do not be afraid. We bring joyful news." Amalee calls.
"A savior has been born, you will find him in town. He is wrapped in cloths lying in a manger being guarded by smelly cows" Lauren reassures the shepherds.
This last line causes a few quiet laughs from the audience.
The children begin to sing...
"The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, NOEL NOEL Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Joseph begins his narration as the hymn ends. "The shepherds looked up and saw a star that shone brightly, giving such light as day. By the light of that same star having been seen far away, three wise men came. Their intent was to seek the newborn king. Each was bearing a special gift."
As he is speaking, the barn doors open and the boys dressed as the wise men push their feet slowly rolling the camels down the aisle. As they enter they sing:
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Oh star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
The three boys leave the camels near the stable scene and join the shepherds to stand by the manger. One at a time each king lays their cloth wrapped gift by the manger.
Ben: "I am King of Arabia, I bring to the new king, the gift of gold."
Jackson "I am the King of Persia. I have brought the savior a gift. I bring frankincense."
Aaron "I hail from India. My kingdom gifts thy savior with myrrh."
"To conclude our pageant today, we have one more song. This was taught to us by Mr. Sam. He tells us it is a negro Christmas hymn. We thank him for sharing his firebarn today." Joseph says, joining the rest of the children as they form a line facing the audience.
Mr. Sam faces the children from the side, holding a harmonica. At his first note, the children begin singing:
While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Saviour's birth.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger, The humble Christ was born,
And God sent out salvation, that blessed Christmas morn!
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!
THAT JESUS CHRIST IS BORN!
Reverend Davis stands and turns from the front row to address the audience. "The children did a fabulous job! Thank you, Joseph Cord and Sarah Brandenburg for writing and directing this presentation. My Christmas greeting to you all: May you truly have; the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the gladness of Christmas which is hope, and finally the true heart of Christmas which is love! May you have all three this season. Merry Christmas! We will see you in church on Sunday."
Christmas day finally arrives. The younger boys hurried through morning chores only to be sent back out to do them properly.
"Paaapa, it's Christmas! We have stockings and gifts to open, treats to eat."
"I know Ben, however, our animal's care comes first. You go back with George and see to it the stalls are clean, there is enough hay, grain and fresh water in each stall. You make sure you stripped the cow's udders well! They could become ill if you do not!"
Crossing his arms, and glaring, Ben stands firm.
"Benjamin, I told you to do something. I advise you not to test me. The animals come first. Christmas or not, I will punish you if you defy me. We have all day to enjoy Christmas. The question is, will you be sitting or standing to enjoy it?"
Grudgingly, Ben turns to go back to the barn.
Shaking his head at the boy's stubbornness, Ethan returns inside.
Turning from her mixing, Delphie sees his expression.
"Let me guess, Ben didn't like being told to redo the chores. Correct?"
"Correct, I had to threaten a spanking to get compliance. The boy still hasn't outgrown his stubbornness! What are you making? We already have two cakes plus two pies. Are you expecting guests?"
"No guests. We may have Amy or Amelia stop by. What of John Taylor?"
"He has traveled to his winter lodging further south. Like birds, he often goes south for the winter. He left after Thanksgiving,"
"With this cold weather we are having, it would be nice to go somewhere warmer. Are Rob and Joseph not up yet?" Delphie asks as she kneads the dough.
"They are awake and gone. I sent them on the Christmas errand we discussed, over an hour ago. I'll bring the boys in before they get back. I give them about fifteen more minutes. We can distract them with their stockings until Rob and Joseph are back. It shouldn't be much longer."
"Good, as this needs to bake an hour. It is a traditional breakfast food called bannock. What time are we to be in town later?"
"I arranged it for three o'clock. That gives us eight hours to enjoy the other surprises. Are any of those string tied paper packages for me?" Ethan asks.
"Possibly one or two. You sounded just like Ben asking about gifts. Go help the boys. It is time to let the fun begin." Delphie says pointing to the door.
"Yes, mother," Ethan replies with a smile walking over to caress her bulging belly before going for the boys.
Looking around at the family enjoying breakfast, Delphie tells them "Nollaig Shona Duit".
Stunned silence and puzzled looks are her only response.
"What did you just say, Mama? What is a no lag honna witch? Why are you talking about witches when it is Christmas, not Halloween?" Ben asks.
Having heard similar to Ben, George asks "Are you wanting a new kind of sandwich, Mama?"
"I think she is speaking Irish, boys." Rob guesses.
"Rob, it isn't called Irish, it is called gay luck, remember?" Joseph contributes.
"Rob and Joseph are close to being correct. I said 'Happy Christmas' in gaelic, the language of my ancestors. Say it with me, 'No Lihg Ho nuh gwich'. In Ireland we greet others with 'Happy Christmas' when you would say 'Merry Christmas.' One of our Christmas favorites in my old country is called bannock. It is a bread filled with raisins and sometimes dried fruit. I made one for us to have this morning. You eat it with jam. Ethan? Would you bring it from the stovetop?"
Seeing the round baked object, George says "It looks more like cake than bread but it's in a pie pan. Why does it have cuts in the top?"
"Let's don't ask questions, let's taste it!" Joseph declares having smelled it.
At first bite, Rob says "Hmmmm, delicious. There's buttermilk in it right?"
"Yes, I'm happy you all like it."
Later as the presents are unwrapped, George finds he and Ben both have a new checkered shirt with a pair of dungarees. His is blue while Ben's is red. Joseph and Rob have unwrapped light blue shirts.
"Thank you Pa and Mama."
"You are welcome. Those came from Texas. You can dress like cowboys." Ethan answers.
"Here is a gift for you from Texas." Ethan tells his wife, placing the white wrapped package in her lap.
"OH! Look boys! A beautifully crocheted baby blanket. Yellow is perfect for a boy or girl. Thank you dear."
"Joseph? Would you help me bring in the family surprise?" Ethan asks.
"Here you are dear. This is for you from all your 'men'." Ethan says placing the item wrapped in a tarp in front of Delphie.
Untying the rope, pulling the tarp off with the two younger boys help, Ethan reveals a rocking cradle. Each side has wooden spindles.
"Merry Christmas, Mama. George and I helped Papa put it together. He made the two ends, Joseph did the three spindles on each side and Rob did the rocker legs."
"It's for our baby to sleep in until it gets too big. Then we will build a bigger bed Pa said." George informs his teary eyed Mama.
"It's beautiful. Our babies will be sleeping in this for years."
"We're having twins like Aaron and Alyssa are! Just like Aunt Linnea did!" Ben exclaims, excited.
"No, dear. I am sure it is not twins. I meant this baby and any future babies that may come into the family."
"Well, now that we settled that, I have a need for two young men aged ten and eleven to accompany me outside. Everyone else is invited as well." Ethan states, pulling on his new gloves and getting his coat from the coat hooks. When everyone is in the barn, he says "You two boys go look at the stalls on the far right! I believe you forgot something!"
"We did? We aren't keeping stalls way over there, Papa." George says thinking he's about to be scolded for not cleaning them.
"Do as you are told, George, Ben." Delphie reprimands.
"New horses? Are you boarding Army horses?" Ben asks as his family joins them at the stalls.
"No son. These two mares belong to you and George. Merry Christmas from your Mama and me. You are old enough to have your own horses now. George, the tan lady is for you, and Ben, this dark brown lady with the black mane is for you. You may introduce yourselves, softly stroke their necks. Don't make any sudden movements as they might be frightened. We'll gradually get them used to us before you go on a ride."
After a quick lunch, Ethan ushers everyone to the wagon telling them "We have something to do in town." Leading the group up the steps to the Mercantile, Ethan opens the door and walks in.
"Hello?" He calls.
"Maybe Claire is here after all! I've waited all day for Santa to get her." George whispers to Ben.
"Well now! If it isn't the Cord family! We visited your home just last night but there is one wish left." A man with a deep voice says coming from the back of the store.
"Which is George?"
"I am." George answers.
"Someone is on the telephone line asking for George."
"Are you Santa?" Ben asks suspiciously.
"I would be one of his helpers. Here you are. Pick up the earpiece to listen and say "hello" into this mouthpiece.
Following instructions, George quietly asks "Hello? Is someone there?"
The family sees his face light up as he obviously gets an answer.
"It's Claire!" He tells them, now beaming.
"Yes! We got horses! Rob gave us a kaleidoscope and we got clothes. Joseph made us each a wooden long whistle. Oh? Alright. Just a minute."
Turning to his family, George says "She says we have a present from her. It is in a box tied with a red bow near this table.
"I found it!" Ben exclaims.
Opening it, they find a book titled Just So Stories, plus three other packages. Each labeled with family members' names. One saying, "Ma and Pa."
Going back to the telephone, George tells his sister "We can have Christmas with you after all!"
A. N.***** The blessing given by John Taylor is from the Arapaho tribe. The Christmas carols were written before 1901. None are the creation of the author. Joseph's adaptation of the first Christmas is based on the Bible, New Testament, the book of Luke.******
🌲💞 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. 🌲💞