"Merry Christmas, Love the Dillons" Part 2

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve's supper was a very simple meal of beef stew and rolls. Kitty figured since they would be eating a big meal tomorrow, there was no reason to have a big meal the night before. Matt agreed. The Dillon trio sat around the table and enjoyed the stew.

Several years ago Kitty asked Doc if he would like to join them for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. Doc thought about it, but then politely declined the Christmas Eve invitation. He told Kitty he wanted her to spend time with her family. When Kitty started to tell Doc he was family too, Doc told her he knew that he was, but it was important that she, Matt, and Ruby had their own Christmas Eve together. That's how Matt, Kitty, and Ruby ended up spending Christmas Eve together.

"Is it time to give our presents?" Ruby excitedly asked. She was excited to give her parents their presents.

Ruby went Christmas shopping with each parent. While shopping with her momma, Kitty suggested that Ruby help pay for the new vest that Kitty wanted to give Matt. Kitty told Ruby the vest would be from both of them. Ruby liked that idea. Kitty told Matt that Ruby was helping to pay for his Christmas present and that it would be from both of them. She suggested that Matt do the same thing for her present. Matt agreed. He and Ruby ended up buying Kitty a new scarf and matching mittens. Ruby paid a dime towards each gift.

"As soon as everything is cleaned up in here," Kitty answered. "If you help, it will go a lot faster." Ruby helped Kitty, and fifteen minutes later the Dillons were sitting in the parlor.

Under the tree, there were several presents. There was one each for Matt, Kitty, and Ruby. The others were for Doc, Festus, and Newly. They would get their presents tomorrow.

Kitty walked over to the tree and picked up one of the presents. She walked over to Ruby and handed it to her. "Merry Christmas, sweetie. This is from daddy and me." Kitty sat down on the couch.

Ruby took the present and tore off the paper. She opened the box and pulled out the apron. Her face lit up. "A new apron! Thank you! Look daddy! A new apron!"

"I see that," he responded. "I'm glad you got a new apron. That way you and momma can keep baking blueberry muffins. Now, why don't you go and get momma's present."

Ruby put her apron down and went to get Kitty's present. "Here ya go, momma. This is from me and daddy. I hope you like it."

"If it's from you and daddy, I know I'll like it," Kitty smiled. She opened the package and revealed the scarf and mittens. "Oh my! This is beautiful, and it's so soft. Thank you."

"I thought the blue would match your gorgeous eyes," Matt said as he watched Kitty wrap the scarf around her neck. "It looks like I was correct."

Kitty smiled and removed the scarf. "I'll get plenty of use from both the scarf and mittens. Alright Ruby, go and get daddy's present."

Once again Ruby went to the Christmas tree and grabbed another present. "Here daddy. This is from me and momma. I hope ya like it."

"Since it's from you and momma, I know I will," Matt responded, mimicking what Kitty said earlier. He tore the paper off the box and opened the box. He smiled as he pulled out the vest. "I can definitely use a new vest."

"I know," Kitty responded. "That's why we got you one for Christmas." She looked at the clock on the mantle. "I didn't know it was getting so late. Ruby, we need to hang up the stockings and put out the milk and gingerbread cookie for Santa, so you can get ready for bed."

"I don't want ta go ta bed," Ruby complained. "I want to stay up more."

"If you don't go to bed and fall asleep, Santa Claus might skip our house," Matt pointed out.

Ruby's eyes widened. "I don't want Santa to skip our house."

"Then you need ta get things ready for Santa and go to bed," Kitty advised as she held out her hand to Ruby.

"What should we do first?" Ruby inquired.

"Let's get into your nightgown, and then we can get ready for Santa," Kitty suggested.

Nightgown on and ready for bed, Ruby began the task of preparing for Santa's visit. The only thing that needed to be done was to hang up Ruby's stocking on the mantle. A nail was already there from previous Christmases. Ruby watched as Matt hung up her stocking in the middle of the mantle. She looked at the fire roaring in the hearth.

"Are you sure Santa Claus won't get all burned?" she asked with concern. "Maybe we should put the fire out tonight."

"You have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is magic. He won't even feel the fire," Kitty reassured her daughter.

"Besides, if we put the fire out, the house will get really cold," Matt reminded her.

"Your daddy is right," said Kitty. "Now that your stocking is up, you need to go to bed."

"Daddy, will you carry me?" Ruby held her arms up so her daddy could lift her up.

Matt picked her up with ease. "Come here, Little Gemstone." Ruby's arms went around her daddy's neck and she put her head on his shoulder. Matt carried Ruby to her bedroom, with Kitty following close behind.

"Alright daddy, deposit your little gemstone on her bed," Kitty directed Matt as she turned down Ruby's bed sheets and quilt. Matt gently laid Ruby on her bed, while Kitty pulled the covers over the little girl.

"Momma, do you think Santa will bring Annie and Lulu something? They were good dolls this year." Annie and Lulu lay on each side of Ruby.

"You ask Santa to bring them something. You'll have to wait and see if he does," Kitty replied.

Kitty knew Santa was bringing the dolls something. While doing their Saturday shopping not too long ago, the spools of ribbon caught Kitty's eyes. She knew that would be the perfect gift for Ruby's dolls. Ruby could put the ribbon in the dolls' yarn hair. Kitty also knew she couldn't buy the ribbon at that time. Ruby was with her.

Later that night she asked Matt to buy some ribbon in Spearville. Matt had to make a trip there later in the week. Matt was reluctant at first, telling Kitty he had no idea how much to buy. She eased his mind by telling him exactly how much to get. Kitty also told him how happy the ribbon would make Ruby feel. One mention of his little girl and Matt was determined to buy the ribbon.

"Are you 'n daddy gonna go to bed so Santa comes?" Ruby asked her momma as she snuggled under her covers, finding the most comfortable position.

"Yes, daddy and I are gonna get ready for bed," Kitty answered. She leaned over and gave Ruby a kiss. "Goodnight, sweetheart. When you wake up, it will be Christmas morning."

"My turn," said Matt, leaning over to give Ruby his own kiss. "Goodnight, Little Gemstone." Matt turned down the lantern, and he and Kitty left the room.

Matt followed Kitty into their bedroom. He watched as Kitty sat down in front of her vanity and began the task of removing her hairpins. Matt walked up behind her and began to help her. She smiled at him through the reflection of the mirror. When she removed the last hairpin, Kitty reached for her ornate silver brush, but Matt took it first. Brush in hand, Matt began to pull the brush through Kitty's luscious scarlet locks.

"Cowboy, as much as I love what yer doing right now, you need to get ready for bed so Santa doesn't skip our house," Kitty purred, clearly enjoying Matt's handiwork.

"Right now I could care less if Santa visits this house or not," said Matt as he continued brushing Kitty's hair.

"You might not care, but yer daughter would be very disappointed if she woke up tomorrow and there were no presents from Santa," Kitty pointed out.

Matt handed Kitty the brush. "I definitely don't want to upset her." He stripped out of his clothes and walked over to the wardrobe to retrieve a clean union suit. "When do you plan on putting the gifts out?"

Kitty had finished with her hair and was putting her nightgown on. "I want to wait until Ruby is for sure in a deep sleep. So, I was thinking in a half an hour or so."

"Hmmmm, a half an hour….. I bet we could," Matt's voice trailed off as he cascaded kisses down Kitty's neck.

Kitty leaned her head to the side giving Matt better access to her neck. "Matt as much as I would like to continue doing what's on your mind, I don't want to rush through things. We need to get Ruby's Santa gifts ready."

"After that, can I open my own Christmas gift?" Matt asked as he toyed with the ribbon on Kitty's nightgown.

"I think that can be arranged. After all, you were a very good boy this year," Kitty seductively answered.

Kitty returned to the bedroom after checking to make sure that Ruby was sound asleep. Luckily the child was. Matt and Kitty were worried it would take Ruby longer to fall asleep as she eagerly waited for Santa.

"Is she asleep?" Matt asked.

"Clicking away like her daddy," Kitty smiled. She went to her wardrobe to retrieve one of Ruby's gifts and her stocking stuffers. "Is her tricycle in the barn?"

"Yeah, I'll go out 'n get it," said Matt, leaving the bedroom.

Kitty followed him with Ruby's loot in her arms. "Do you plan on going outside in your union suit?"

"Of course not." Matt grabbed his coat, hat, and boots and put them on. Smiling at Kitty, he left the house and walked out to the barn.

A few minutes later he returned later with the bike. Ruby's stocking was filled and her gifts were placed under the tree. Matt and Kitty were confident their daughter would love her presents.

Christmas Morning

Ruby stretched her arms above her head and wiped the sleep out of her eyes. It took a brief moment for her to remember that it was Christmas morning and that Santa was supposed to come last night. She threw the covers off of her and hurried to her door. She slowly opened it and tip-toed out to the parlor. Seeing that Santa did indeed come, Ruby ran to her parents' bedroom.

"Santa came! Santa came!" she exclaimed as she opened the door and climbed up onto the bed. Matt and Kitty had heard Ruby leave her bedroom and were prepared for her arrival.

"Let's use the water closet, and then we'll see what Santa brought you," said Kitty as she got out of bed.

After the family took their turn using the water closet, they were all in the parlor. Matt and Kitty were sitting on the couch, while Ruby was sitting next to the tree. She was about to take a gift, when she remembered that Annie and Lulu were still on her bed.

"I forgot Annie 'n Lulu!" she exclaimed as she ran to her bedroom.

Ruby returned less than a minute later and put the beloved dolls on the chair. Repositioning herself next to the tree, Ruby took the gift she was going to open. She removed the paper and saw a brand new quilt.

"Oh, it's a pretty quilt." Ruby admiringly ran her hand over the quilt.

"I bet it's a new quilt for your bed," stated Kitty.

"Should we put it on now?" asked Ruby.

"We'll wait until later," Matt responded. "I think I see something behind the tree. Maybe you should go 'n see what it is."

Ruby walked behind the tree and saw the tricycle. She climbed on and rode it from out behind the tree. "I got a tricycle!" Ruby continued riding it around the parlor.

"And look, it has a basket for Annie and Lulu to ride in," Kitty pointed out.

"There's another present under the tree," Matt told Ruby.

Ruby climbed off her tricycle and picked up the present. She examined the tag. "This doesn't say Ruby." She gave the present to her momma.

"It says 'Annie and Lulu'. Santa brought them something," said Kitty, giving the present back to Ruby.

With the present in her hand, Ruby skipped over to the chair where she placed Annie and Lulu. "Look! Santa brought you something." Ruby opened the gift, revealing the ribbons. "Pretty ribbons for your hair. Momma, can you tie bows in their hair?"

"Sure, bring the ribbons and Annie and Lulu here," Kitty instructed. Ruby did as she was told and Kitty quickly tied the bows in the dolls' hair.

"You still have to check 'n see what Santa put in your stocking," Matt told Ruby as he handed Ruby her stocking.

Ruby pulled out a big peppermint stick, a small bag of gumdrops, and a little coffee mug. Ruby's eyes lit up. "Santa gave me a coffee mug. Now I can drink out of a coffee mug at breakfast like you," Ruby told her parents.

Christmas Morning Services

Later that morning the Dillons attended Christmas services. Kitty had her family all dressed up. Matt looked exceptionally handsome in his tweed coat, and Ruby looked adorable in her black velvet and green plaid Christmas dress.

"Before we end our services, our Sunday School children are going to come forward and sing a Christmas song for us," said Reverend Larkins.

Ruby stood up and Matt lifted her over his long legs so she could walk to the front of the church to join the other children. As Ruby was walking down the aisle, a huge smile spread across Matt's face. Kitty saw the smile and became curious. The kids hadn't even started to sing yet, so he couldn't be smiling at that. She would ask him later.

When the children finished singing "The First Noel," services were concluded. Matt, Kitty, Ruby exited the church and walked to their buggy. Per usual, Matt assisted Kitty and Ruby in the buggy before climbing in himself. They headed home to prepare the Christmas dinner. Doc, Festus, and Newly were expected at three o'clock.

"Why the big smile on your face when Ruby was walking to the front of the church?" Kitty asked Matt.

"I was remembering Christmas services three years ago," Matt replied with a smile.

Kitty returned the smile, remembering what Matt was talking about. "Oh yeah! I know what you're talking about." She and Matt both started laughing.

Ruby had no idea why her parents were laughing, but wanted to know. "What's so funny?"

"Three years ago, when you weren't quite two years old yet, we went to Christmas services. You were sitting on daddy's lap, but wanted to get down. Daddy put you down next to the pew, thinking you would stand there. Instead, you quickly toddled down the aisle. Daddy had to go and get you. It was so cute, and everyone started laughing. Daddy told everyone you were excited to get home and play with your new toys. That made everyone laugh harder."

"Did you put that in my rememory book?" Ruby asked as she laughed.

"I sure did," Kitty replied.

Christmas Day Dinner

Doc, Festus, and Newly arrived shortly before three o'clock. They borrowed a wagon from Moss Grimmick so they could bring Ruby's present, a sled. It was agreed that the three men would go in on one bigger present for Ruby instead of each of them giving their own present. Matt and Kitty were trying to avoid Ruby being spoiled with a bunch of gifts.

The three men walked inside, with Festus carrying the sled. Ruby saw the sled and joy spread across her face. The sled had to be for her. She was certain her momma and daddy wouldn't use a sled, but she still decided to ask.

"Is that for me?"

"It shore is," Festus answered. "It's from me, Uncle Newly, 'n Grandpa Doc. Do ya like it?"

"Yes!" Ruby excitedly answered. "Let's go use it now. There's snow outside."

"Not now," Matt replied. "Your momma made a delicious ham dinner, 'n we're gonna enjoy it. Go tell your grandpa and uncles thank you for your sled."

Ruby went to Doc first. "Thank you for my sled, Grandpa Doc."

"You're welcome, little darlin'. Merry Christmas," he said as lifted her up and gave her a hug.

Newly was next. "Thank you, Uncle Newly."

Like Doc did, Newly lifted Ruby up and gave her a hug. "You're welcome. Merry Christmas."

Lastly, she went over to Festus. "Thank you, Uncle Festus."

"Yer welcome. I hope ya noticed she saved the best fer last," said Festus as he looked over at Doc. Doc simply shook his head.

The Dillons gave Doc, Newly, and Festus new shaving kits. One could tell the shaving kits were of value.

The ham dinner was eaten and enjoyed by everyone. Kitty received multiple compliments. After dinner, everyone went outside so Ruby could try out her new sled. Festus pulled her around the yard. Doc, Festus, and Newly left shortly before Ruby got ready for bed.

Later that night, Ruby was snuggled in her bed. Her new quilt had been put on and her other one was on Kitty's bed. Kitty would wash it and store it in her cedar chest. Another Christmas had come and gone, and the Dillons were left with very fond memories.

The End