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Chapter 145

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The Bradford-Grant Family Christmas Part I

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As the staff happily chattered away at their various tables, while finishing their bountiful meal's dessert course, suddenly the orchestra who had been softly playing Christmas carols in the background all morning came alive!

The happiest music, a full decibel or even two louder, began to play and although the lyrics were for Christmas Eve, it was tradition to play this very song each Christmas morning announcing the appearance of none other than Santa Claus himself.

The entire room enthusiastically joined in singing the words of the rollicking carol "Up on The Housetop!" (*186)

"Santa Claus comes tonight
No more days to count
But the even longer wait begins
The suspense of having to wait from bedtime 'til morning
Yes, kids all over the world say their prayers and go to sleep
Knowing that when they wake up, the little fat man
With a long white beard, would've stopped by their houses
And left the answer to a wish from the most wonderful
Magical sack there ever was

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Up on the house top, oh-oh-oh

Up on the house top, reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys

Oh, who wouldn't go? (Oh-oh-oh)
Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with the good St. Nick

First comes the stocking of little Nell
Ol' dear Santa fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that can open and shut its eyes

Who wouldn't go? (Oh-oh-oh)
Who wouldn't go?
Up on the house top, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good St. Nick

Look in the stocking of little Bill
Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks
A whistle and a ball and a whip that cracks

Who wouldn't go? (Oh-oh-oh)
Who wouldn't go?
Up on the house top, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good St. Nick

Who wouldn't go? (Oh-oh-oh)
Who wouldn't go?
Up on the house top, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good St. Nick
Down through the chimney with good St. Nick.' (*187)

On the very last note of the song, the huge double doors to the Conservatory swung open wide showing a big red sleigh, and out jumped Santa himself with his huge red bag making an entrance like no other to a standing ovation.

It should be noted that this particular Santa rose to the occasion, bringing inordinate Christmas joy, gleefully dancing his way into the massive glass room to the delight of the adults as much as the children!

He was accompanied by two elves who looked remarkably like William and Pippa, yet the dancing Santa's identity remained hidden under that heavily padded red suit with his hair and beard of snow white.

"Now that's a Santa," noted Nathan with a grin.

"Mighty active for his age," laughed Archie.

"That's for sure, this Santa appears to have boundless energy and then some! But I think that's our cue, Arch, to pass out these Stockings!"

The two men began their daunting job of passing out their check-filled stockings to each and every staff member, along with hand-written cards containing personal messages of gratitude from Victoria and Edward.

Millicent found Nathan and snuggled in at his side.

"That truly is some Santa," whispered Nathan.

"Yes, and you'd better be nice to him, or your turn will be next year!"

"Seriously, Babe?" he asked with a mix of surprise and fear.

"Seriously, Baby!"

"Somehow I doubt my version would be as…as…"

"Childlike?"

"Well, I was going to say dynamic. But yes, in this case, 'childlike' works too. I doubt we have to worry about this particular Santa ever growing up!" chuckled Nathan.

"You sound awfully confident for someone who might have to wear the suit himself very soon."

"I'm more than confident. In fact, I'm sure. No one's getting that suit off that ham! Ever!"

While Edward and Archie began their task, a rotund Santa as roly-poly as he was exuberant, sat down his huge bag, and along with his most merry and helpful elves began transporting the wrapped gifts from the long table to each assigned individual table. There the three happily distributed the gifts to the person whose name was on each tag.

"Merry Christmas to All! May it be your best one ever and I do believe that's going to be just what it is!" bellowed Santa.

"Merry Christmas to you, too, Santa! It's already our best ever! You've just made our day!"

"Exactly what we want to hear, Maximus! I may need to take you with me on my sleigh ride next year! Ho, ho, ho! The sleigh's a bit chilly, but there are times old Santa could use some Security!"

"It's a date, Santa! Just say when and where!"

"But everything's top secret, you know! There's a myriad of non-disclosure forms to sign that might take some time. It's for the kids you know, both big and small!"

And so, this perfect Christmas morning went, full of jokes, full of love, full of thanks, and full of Christmas joy for all…


Finally reaching Union City, Bill and Adeline were rushing like mad through the Christmas traffic to make it across town to the Depot.

They literally pulled up as the train was preparing to pull out, with Bill tossing his keys for their rented car to a steward along with a check for the fee. Another pair of stewards grabbed their luggage, depositing it all on the train, as the couple ran furiously to hop on in time.

"Bill Avery, I wanted a life of excitement, but this is cutting it way too close - is this how it's always going to be?"

"You better believe it, Darlin'! But we made it! And we always will! Welcome to your new life!"

Bill kissed his Addie on the platform with the cold wind whipping around them as the train began to pull out.

And for a brief moment both were lost on this precipice of their new life, this beautiful moment that belonged only to them.

"Let's go in and get warmed up, Sweetheart," whispered Addie.

"Hmm, warming you up? Now that's something I can do in no time flat!"

"Awfully confident, aren't we?"

"When you know, you know, Adeline Foster, and this I definitely know…"


After the Bradford and Grant families formed a reception line, with heartfelt embraces and gratitude for each member of the staff, as well as wishing them a wonderful Christmas Day with their own families, collectively the Bradfords and Grants leisurely moved on upstairs, into the main living room to begin their private Holiday.

In the meantime, Albert drove while Grace, Estella, and Hendrix left the party with him in Millicent's limo.

"That was some party!" exclaimed Grace. "Each year's party just gets better and better than the last!"

"Yes, it's always the highlight of our Christmas," agreed Essie. "And that Richard just made it all come to life this Christmas! You know, I used to dread leaving our Christmas morning together with the Bradfords, knowing that after all the excitement I would be alone missing my family for the rest of the day. But for the first time ever, not this year! At least not now that Hendrix and I are together as a couple. I know! Why don't the four of us go tour Old Town Montreal and explore to see the Christmas decorations up close?"

"Oh, I'd love that, Estella, but the children will be waiting for us to cook our Christmas dinner this afternoon," explained Grace. "Well, I say children, but they're all grown up now with their own children. This will be our family's first Christmas at the ranch, and we're all so excited to have a real house to celebrate in! I can't believe Millicent was able to get the place ready with everything else that poor girl has had on her. Oh, Albert where did the time go? I know! Why don't we drive Essie and Hendrix to Old Town and let them out there? Albert can send someone to get you two, whenever you're ready to come home."

"Not at all necessary, Albert! You just enjoy your family and don't worry about tracking down a driver. Essie and I will catch a streetcar back to the townhouse when we're ready to go home," insisted Hendrix. "But a tour of Old Town hits the spot, Dearest Essie. Reminds me of my old home, London, especially at Christmas time. What a marvelous idea!"

"And a bit of Austria, too!"

Hendrix reached for his sweet Essie's hand, glad to be spending a few hours alone with his intended, reminiscing about their Christmases from long ago.

"What do you say, let's start our own Christmas traditions, my Love?"

Essie's face literally glowed.

"Nothing could sound sweeter, my Dearest Hendrix, nor more wonderful. Nothing in this whole world…"


Upstairs in the Bradford's main living room, the children were more than a little bit anxious to start their own Christmas, while Richard still appeared to be missing in action.

"Your father will be here very soon," assured their Grandmama. "And we'll get started just as soon as he arrives."

It wasn't long before Uncle William and Auntie Pippa snuck in as inconspicuously as possible.

"Now, let's get this party rolling!" suggested William.

"Grandmama said we have to wait for Papa, Uncle William," explained Maggie.

"Ah, how about a game before he arrives?"

"What will we play," asked Jackson.

"How about charades, but everything has to be Christmas related?" suggested Pippa.

"I love that, Auntie Pippa!" smiled Allie.

"Here, let's split up into teams," directed William. "Allie, you lead Team A! Jackson, you lead Team J!"

"Yay! Allie, you choose one person, then I'll choose another one," suggested Jackson.

Nathan and Millicent watched as the most serious selection process began, opting to sit comfortably on the plush sofa, wrapped in each other's arms.

First Allie chose Maggie, while Jackson chose their Grappa, leaving it to be Allie's turn to choose again.

"Auntie Luciana!"

"What, Child?"

"You're on my Team!" announced Allie.

"What are we doing?"

"Playing charades, Auntie Luciana," explained Maggie.

"Oh, I love charades, can Maggie be on our team, too, Allie?" Yes, Auntie Luciana, she already is!"

"Then a fine trio we are, indeed! We women shall prevail!"

"But don't forget, everything is Christmas-related, Auntie Luciana!"

"Even better! I for one am ready. And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I haven't met a charade subject yet that I haven't been able to figure out! And since I'm a Christmas expert, it's crystal clear. We're bound to win!"

Once the teams were finalized, Jackson was up first.

As he stood motioning frantically to the chimney, then forming a roof with his arms, then rubbing his stuck-out tummy, Archie was the first to yell out.

"Up on the Housetop!" (*188)

"Yes! We Won! Grappa! We won!" cried Jackson.

Archie high-fived Jackson, then the turn fell to Allie's team with Allie going first.

Richard and Margaret slipped in and sat by Nathan and Millicent.

Nathan patted his brother on the back.

"Keep doing what you do, Bro! For a very long time, too!"

"You're just scared I'll pass the torch!" taunted Richard.

"Got that right," chuckled Nathan to much laughter from Richard.

The adults watched as Allie calmly stood and in two motions led her team to a rapid win.

First, she placed her index finger to her mouth, then folded both hands and leaned her head against them.

"Silent Night!" yelled Auntie Luciana and Margaret in unison and record time!"

"Now that we're all here together, why don't we pause this game and read the Christmas Story together to begin our private festivities?" suggested Edward. "What do you say, let's all gather around the Nativity Scene to hear the Christmas Story?"

Everyone excitedly did just that, some scooting their chairs, some curling up on the floor, but all intently settling in to hear the greatest story ever told.

Edward began in a loud, clear voice.

"Reading from Luke Chapter 2, Verses 1-20..."

"2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them..." (*189)

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186-188. Up On the Housetop, Benjamin Hanby, 1864, is considered to be the 1st Yuletide song that focuses fundamentally on Santa Claus, Public Domain.

189. Luke 2:1-20, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.