"Christmas - Cartwright Style"

 by

BV, Claire, Elizabeth, Heidi, Helen, Hilary, Jenny, Joan, Rona, Sandra and Sneddy,

Joe Cartwright picked up the angel and looked at it wistfully. “I love how we put this on top of the tree each year,” he said. “Kinda makes it seem like Mama is still here, don’t it?”
 

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulder. “It sure does Joe,” he said. “You mother made that the very first Christmas we had here together as a family. Of course, that was before you were born.”

“Yeah,” said Adam as he strung some popcorn on the tall ponderosa pine that served as the annual Cartwright Christmas tree. “Christmases were a lot quieter before you came along. I remember we actually got sleep in after dawn some years.”

Joe gave his brother a dark look, but said nothing. “So whose turn is it this year?” he asked, looking at the angel in his hand.

“Mine,” said Hoss, taking it from him and reaching up to place it on the uppermost branch. “One thing’s fer sure … every time it’s my turn ta put it up there at least we don’t need ta get a ladder.”

Hop Sing entered the room, carrying a tray with four steaming cups on it. “Coffee,” he announced. “Need to warm up.”

“Gee thanks Hop Sing,” said Hoss, grabbing a cup. He looked a little disappointed. “Ain’t there none of your Christmas cookies ta eat?”

Hop Sing frowned. “Christmas cookies all hidden away!” he said. “Have none left for Christmas day if keep eating now!” He flounced out of the room again, leaving a disappointed Hoss sipping his coffee.

“So what did ya get me this year Adam?” teased Joe, grabbing his coffee cup as well. “I hope it’s something good.”

Adam clicked his fingers and gave his brother a look of mock-contriteness. “Your present!” he exclaimed. “Gee … I knew there was something I’d forgotten. Never mind … I’ve got something for Pa and Hoss, so it doesn’t matter if I’ve forgotten yours, does it?”

“Very funny,” said Joe, sarcastically.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and everyone jumped. “I wonder who that could be at this hour?” asked Ben. “It’s snowing quite hard outside and I wouldn’t have thought anyone would be travelling at the moment.”

He strode over to open the door.

Ben pulled the door open and frowned when he saw no one standing there. At the sound of laughter he turned and saw what appeared to be two boys running around the side of the house.

“Who is it, Pa?” Hoss asked, coming to stand beside his father.

“I don’t know, they ran off,” Ben replied, “It looked like two teenage boys but I didn’t recognise them.”

Suddenly there was a crash as a window was broken and the Cartwrights saw two firecrackers land on the floor.

“Watch out!” Adam yelled. Luckily one of the firecrackers didn’t go off but there was pandemonium for a few moments when the other one did.

“The tree!” Joe yelled, “The tree’s on fire!” he watched as the flames approached the angel on the top of the tree.

“Save the Angel,” Joe shouted to Hoss as the flames started to lap round the higher branches of the tree.

Hoss stretched to his full height and just managed to grab the Angel as the tree was engulfed in flames.

In the meantime Ben and Adam, with the help of Hop Sing were fetching water to put out the flames. They soon managed to put out the fire and stood sadly
looking at the remains of the Christmas tree. Wooden Christmas toy decorations, carved by Joe when he was a child including special ones of three Cartwright's riding horses, made as presents for his brothers and father years before, were now charred.
Sugar Candy, Hop Sing had spent hours making was now dripping in slimy lumps onto the floor.

Hoss handed the Angel to Joe. Looking at it carefully
to see it was not damaged, Joe turned to this family and said, “Christmas would never have been the same again if we had lost Mama’s Angel.”

Joe carried the Angel to the huge fireplace that was the focal point of their beautiful home, and carefully sat her on the mantelpiece. At that moment Adam glanced in the direction of his father and was sure he saw a glint of a tear in those wonderful dark eyes.

After placing the Angel on the mantle piece, Joe turned to the others and said he was going to look around outside to see if he could find any clue to who had thrown the fireworks.

Ben, Adam, Hoss and Hop Sing turned they attention to some of the presents that had already been placed beneath the tree. The fire had scorched some of them and you could just about make out some of their contents. They hurriedly picked up the presents they recognised as ones they had wrapped earlier, trying hard to hide them from each other. After picking up all their presents they realised
there were none left and each of them wondered to himself what Joe could have been getting them.

While this was taken place Joe was searching the barn and outbuildings for any clue to the culprits’ identity. He had just started to make his way back to the house
when he noticed what he presumed was the remains of another firework.

At that moment inside the house the rest of the family heard a loud bang... 

The looks on the four startled faces told their thoughts. They looked at each other and all yelled together “Joe!” and raced towards the front door, grabbing their guns from the credenza on their way past. That is all except Hop Sing who went via the kitchen and grabbed four kitchen utensils to defend himself.

The youngest Cartwright was nowhere to be seen so the worried family headed off in different directions. Ben rounded the side of the house, trying to see through the still heavy falling snow and the darkness. He could barely make out four faint glows of light coming from the windows of the house, but no sign of his youngest son.

Adam had headed toward the corral and could only just make out the four snowmen smiling from earlier that afternoon when the boys had enjoyed some late afternoon fun to build them.

Hoss who had headed towards the barn burst in and found their four horses happily eating in their stalls, oblivious to the chaos outside. After calling Joe’s name several times Hoss had decided that his little brother was not there.

Hop Sing however was the unlucky one who was stopped in his tracks as he reached the back of the house.

Joe was kneeling in the snow, grabbing handfuls of snow and pressing them against his eyes !!

“Mastah Joe .. what happened ?”  asked Hop Sing anxiously.  “I’m alright Hop Sing. There was another firecracker in the barn, I went to pick it up but didn’t realise it was lit and it exploded.  Lucky I wasn’t too close and only singed my eyebrows”.

Ben, Hoss and Adam returned with no clues as to who had played such a terrible prank on them and after Joe reassured them that he was fine, they carried on with the Christmas preparations.

That afternoon, Joe felt very emotional as he looked at the big old fireplace and let his mind fill with memories of the last Christmas they had with momma.

That year, she decided to make each one of them a Christmas stocking to hang on the fireplace and told them they could choose what it would look like.

Adam was first and was very specific about what he wanted. He asked for a black stocking with a golden Christmas tree on it and five red candles for decoration.  Poor momma tried to convince him that black was not a festive colour and why not have a green one instead??  Adam was furious !!  He said that unless she made him what he wanted, he would rather not have one at all.  Momma reluctantly agreed and made Adam the stocking just as he had asked.

Once completed, she had to admit, that it looked quite elegant and sophisticated hanging on the fireplace.  Distinguished, intelligent, smooth and so refined.  Yes … my brother Adam is definitely an original, Joe thought.

Hoss was no surprise… he wanted his to look like Santa Claus!!  Mother was delighted.  She made it extra, extra large, as most presents for Hoss were always bigger than average.  It was especially big around the middle, with a bushy white beard, black belt, five fluffy white buttons, a big smile, kind blue eyes and she even put a black rim around them to look like his glasses. 

Hoss was ecstatic !!  He was so excited he grabbed the stocking and jumped up and down as fast as he could (Joe remembered this as he could feel the floorboards move underneath his feet !).  Momma finally convinced him to let go of it and hung it up.  “How lucky am I ?” thought Joe, “To have such a gentle, caring, playful and of course oversized brother like Hoss”.

Finally it was Joe’s turn.  He had given this a lot of thought and had decided he wanted a reindeer on his stocking.  This posed a bit of a challenge for momma, but she said she would do her best.  It took a bit longer than the others, but at last it was finished.  The stocking was green and the reindeer was brown with a big red nose on it that Joe instantly loved, a cheeky smile and five reindeer bells on his collar…but what impressed Joe the most were the antlers !!!

They were made of gold material and had filling inside, so you could actually grab them !!  Wow !! Joe was so thrilled he put his arms around momma’s neck and gave her the biggest, wettest, sloppiest Christmas kiss ever !!!

Pa said he was too old for a stocking, but we all insisted and momma made him one with a blue boat on it.  It had five silver portholes and five golden sails to remind him of his seafaring days.  He was so happy when he saw it he gave momma a big hug and smiled every time he looked at it.

The next day, we all put our foot down and convinced momma she had to make one for herself.  She made hers to look like an angel, just like the one on top of the tree.  The angel had pure white feathery wings, a white dress with gold trimming and five silver bells on it. It was as beautiful and delicate as momma and it was one of the things Joe treasured most.

Joe looked at each one of the stockings once more and as he looked at his reindeer stocking he realised there was something that, although unimportant, had always bothered him.  The antlers, as awesome and striking as they were ….. were in fact a little too large … and stuck out the sides of the stocking a little too far ..!! 

He wondered whether momma had done this on purpose and if so………why??

His mind still on the treasured Christmas stockings, Joe surveyed his appearance critically in the mirror in his room. The slight singeing of his eyebrows could hardly be seen and he vigorously brushed his thick curls into place and surveyed the effect with approval. Quite why Ben insisted on a haircut every month was beyond Joe – half a dozen trims each year would have been perfect in Joe’s estimation!

Suddenly Joe stared at the mirror and made a connection between the antlers and his ears!! Joe’s ears were a sensitive issue and he had had to endure a lot of teasing…….three brothers and three pairs of ears and his were the largest! Then he suddenly grinned to himself as understanding set in. His mama had always said that each of the sons was just perfect as they were so the antlers were just her way of loving Joe – ears and all!

Joe bounded downstairs into the Great Room and found his family earnestly discussing the Christmas tree and decorations. Adam and Hoss had cleared the remains of the charred tree away, the presents had been salvaged and Mama’s angel smiled at them from the mantelpiece.

“Hey Joe – all in one piece then?” asked Hoss cheerfully.

“Ah, a thing of beauty and a joy forever” quipped Adam with a twinkle in his eye.

“Yes and yes!” giggled Joe.

At that moment Hop Sing appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray with four mugs of hot cocoa and a large plate of cookies. “Hop Sing – you’re a better sight than Santa!” said Hoss gleefully as he eyed the sweet and spicy cookies. “Hop Sing not have white beard and big belly” replied their faithful housekeeper “ but pleased you like snack.”

“We do indeed” said Ben as they crunched on the toothsome cookies and sipped the delicious cocoa. “Now,” said Ben “I have a special project that I need you three to undertake this afternoon”.

Joe suppressed a groan, Hoss tried to look cooperative and Adam cocked his head to one side. He had noticed the hint of a twinkle in Ben’s eye. “We need a replacement for the Christmas tree and you are hereby nominated for the project!” said their father, smiling affectionately at his three sons.

“With the greatest pleasure!!” laughed Adam. “You know I noticed a perfectly shaped young fir tree just beyond the line shack above the North Meadow. It would look beautiful and it’s not too far to haul it.” Adam’s brown eyes looked in thoughtful gaze to the corner by the hearth, remembering Christmases past and present with a sweet poignancy.

“That’s a great idea Adam” said Hoss but then his kind face creased into a worried frown “but what are we gonna do about the decorations? A whole lot o’ them pretty glass ones got busted in the fire”.

“Now, I have plan for those too,” smiled Ben. “Tomorrow Hop Sing and I will take the buckboard into town to pick up the last of the Christmas supplies. I know that several of the stores have boxes of glass ornaments all the way from San Francisco. There are all kinds of selections, usually six Christmas baubles to a box. So we will buy a good selection and then have the pleasure of decorating the tree.”

“Right then,” said Adam, finishing his cocoa and cookie “Let’s make a start while the light is good.” The three brothers dashed upstairs to collect warm coats, scarves and gloves and were soon outside making their way to the barn.

“You know, I just love a Christmas tree,” said Hoss “They even smell so .… well…..Christmassy!” Adam and Joe laughed but agreed with Hoss’s description. “The only trouble is” continued Hoss “a Christmas tree is such a dad-burned awkward shape to get on a buckboard.”

“Let’s make it easier for ourselves” suggested Adam. If we tie some ropes in position safely to the buckboard – maybe half a dozen - and then load the tree on we can just tie it in place. I ...ahem...seem to remember somebody getting tangled in the ropes last year…” (This, with a grin at Joe.)

“Only because I was being so helpful!” said Joe and they all laughed. Somehow it felt as though Christmas had really returned after the mishap with the fire. While Adam and Hoss hitched up the two gentle, patient draught-horses to the buckboard, Joe selected several lengths of rope. A sharp axe was also carefully stowed aboard.

The sun was shining brightly as the three brothers drove up the trail to the North Meadow and the snowfields of the Sierra Mountains glistened in the purest white against a sky of ethereal blue. Happiness surged in all their hearts as they realised how beautiful and how dear the Ponderosa was to them.

Adam’s memory served him well and they were soon at work carefully felling the perfect fir tree. “Timber!!” chortled Hoss as all three brothers moved to a safe distance and the tree fell.

“What we need to do is to hitch those ropes safely to the buckboard, three on each side,” said Adam. Then we can leave the six ropes dangling while we load the tree. Hoss and Joe set to work on the ropes and soon, with the combined efforts of the brothers, the tree was safely loaded onto the buckboard. Adam’s plan worked exactly and soon the ropes were tied safely across from side to side, keeping the precious Christmas tree in place.

The downhill journey home was easier than expected and they soon came in sight of home. Hop Sing came scurrying into the yard, alternately scolding the slightly damp brothers (still not averse to half a dozen snowball fights!) and beaming with pleasure at the tree.

“Bring tree in with utmost care, no scratch furniture or Hop Sing have to polish, polish, polish,” he admonished. “And sweep floor after tree in place!” he added as a final measure. Hop Sing was not about to relinquish his authority just because it was Christmas time!

In a short while the tree was in pride of place by the hearth and the ornaments that had been saved were put in places of honour at the top of the tree. But before that Hoss had placed Marie’s angel gently on the top of the tree where she seemed to bless the whole room.

“The tree’s sure going to look pretty tomorrow when you bring home all those new decorations” said Joe, his eyes lighting up like a six year old.

“You know, this is one winter’s trip to Virginia City that I am really looking forward to,” said Ben. “Hop Sing is going to visit some of his relatives while I purchase those ornaments”.

But a great deal was about to happen before Ben, Hop Sing and the ornaments returned to the Ponderosa………..

The front door flew open; all three Cartwright brothers turned around abruptly to see Bessie Sue Hightower sweep into the entry way decked out as festively as Christmas morning. She was radiant in her crushed red velvet dress and dashing red and white trimmed velvet cape and hood. She had an exceptional singing voice, which she liked to show off on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Hoss promised to take Bessie Sue to choir practice and she did not disappoint him or his brothers with being stingy about her talent. She looked forward to singing carols with Adam accompanied by his guitar. With generous spirit, she began to sing. "Here we come a-wassailing, among the leaves so green, and here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen..."  The brothers joined in with the chorus with cheery enthusiasm. "Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too, And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year, and God send you a Happy New Year."
 

"Merry Christmas, Bessie Sue. You sure do look a sight in that dress, like you were poured in it." Hoss loosened his collar; the room suddenly was very warm.

"Merry Christmas" Adam and Joe chimed.

"Merry Christmas, boys! I've brought you a basket of goodies to spread a little good cheer...come on and help me bring this basket in, I can't manage it myself, it's so dang big."

"Christmas goodies?" asked Joe He suddenly caught Adam's eye.” The Oreos!"

The three dashed outside for the basket. Adam, Hoss and Joe had all they could do to struggle with the huge basket of Christmas cheer. With some huffing and puffing, the brothers got it into the room setting it near the huge tree. Joe wasted no time rummaging through the packages looking for the elusive cookies.

"There's enough preserves and baked goods in there to last you fellas through the winter, but sometime after New Year's I'll bring y'all some more cookies and such, since there's only seven in the basket."
 

"Why's that, Bessie?" Adam asked

"One for each day of the week, of course, silly." Bessie Sue shot Adam a
quizzical look

Without hesitation Hoss got the prized Oreos, "Looking for these?" he
asked Joe as he popped one in his mouth.

"I'll trade you two cupcakes and a bonbon for one of the Oreos." he
pleaded

"Nuh uh" Hoss shook his head vigorously

"Well, since my brothers are wrapped up in the gift basket, I'll say thank you for them, Bessie Sue. I know we'll enjoy it all very much." She smiled.

Bessie sashayed over to the tree, her taffeta petticoats rustling as she
walked.  "What happened here? Your tree looks a might poorly."

Hoss brushed her off with a sweep of his hand. "Oh, it's nothing, Bessie. We'll get that
fixed up,"
 

"Next year I'll bring some straw ornaments and paper lace to smarten up that tree! You fellas need a feminine hand around here, no mistake"

"Hey," Hoss changed the subject. "Why don't you go on into the kitchen
and heat up some of that mulled cider that Hop Sing left for us?"

"Good idea, Hoss. And Adam, let's practice a carol. I'm going to sing the lead
for Carol of the Bells at the Christmas Eve service, which one are you going to sing?"

"Ave Maria" Adam replied with a smile

After drinking the mulled cider and singing a carol or two, Hoss and his girl friend readied to leave for choir practice. "I'll be glad when choir practice is over”, he thought, I don't relish wearing that dog ugly buffalo plaid shirt she made up for me last Christmas." Hoss smiled cunningly at Bessie as they left He and Bessie Sue could be heard singing as he turned the sleigh onto the road to town. Farfel's jaunty sleigh bells jingled as the couple drove away.

"Good King Wencleslas came down, on the feast of Stephen, when the frost lay on the ground, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel."
 
The ornaments that Ben bought, safely packed in straw crates, lay snugly nestled on the back of the buckboard. He decided to stop at the hotel for a glass of sherry before heading home. Ben Cartwright was in a jolly mood as he strode happily down Main Street in Virginia City. He stopped for a moment to listen to the carollers who were singing on the corner near the General Store One man, dressed in a top hat and muffler, played a bass viol, another a violin as they sang "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." He continued on his way after a moment, his step was lively and he smiled at the cheerful sights and sounds of the holiday season.  He even dropped some money into the Salvation Army pot as the major rang her bell for donations. Right at six o'clock, the church bells all over town sounded. Ben counted seven churches ringing their bells simultaneously.

Hoss drove by Washoe Lake on his way home from the Hightower place. Joe was ice-skating there. He practised pirouettes and double turns very handsomely. Joe called out to his brother, "Hey, Hoss, watch this one!" as he went into a tight spin. Joe's gracefulness was applauded heartily. He raced around the lake once before he thought better of keeping Hoss from getting back to barn chores. He spun around in a figure eight then glided toward the shore. A fissure suddenly cracked beneath Joe's feet. Hoss screamed his brother's name...

The front door burst open with Hoss carrying Joe wrapped in blankets. He
ran to the fireplace and lay Joe gently down before the fire. Adam, taking a bath in front of the fireplace was startled by the abruptness of Hoss and Joe streaming in from the cold. The front door rattled as it hit the wall behind it and knocked the
Christmas tree over. The heavy tree bounced as it hit the bathtub with Adam pinned under it.
 
Ben drove the buckboard at a quick pace. At the end of a busy day, he was looking forward to spending the evening with his sons, just enjoying the festive holiday together. As he was driving along a curve in the road, the weight of the load shifted. The horses balked. In an instant, the buckboard overturned and sent Ben flying into a snowdrift where he lay stunned and bruised.

Luckily for Adam, the bathtub kept him from harm and he was able to crawl out from under it with only a little effort, anxiously looking round for his brothers. Hoss had been knocked over by the top most branches but was unhurt. Joe lay oblivious on the rug, the blankets now soaked with water. All that could be said in its favour was that it was warm water.

“What happened?” Adam gasped, as he grabbed the towel lying on the sofa. He quickly wrapped it around his hips as Hoss scrambled to his feet and rushed over to shut the front door. The room was already decidedly cold as the precious heat poured out into the frigid night.

“Joe fell through the ice,” Hoss told Adam. “He’s real cold.”

The implications were terrible. For a long moment, Adam stood frozen, then his brain kicked into gear. “Get him upstairs, out of those wet things!” he ordered. “Dry him off and put on his warmest clothes and get him into bed.” He headed for the stairs himself. It was rather chilly standing around in just a towel. “I’ll be right with you.”

It seemed a positive age before Joe regained consciousness. He was quite naturally disorientated, mumbling for a while before opening his eyes. By then, he was a lot warmer to the touch and the dreadful shivering had almost stopped. Adam had somehow forced some hot chocolate down his throat, wishing as he did so that Ben would appear, for Joe always took things better from Ben. However, there was no sign of their father and Adam was growing increasingly concerned about Ben’s absence, now that he was less worried about Joe.

“Where’s Pa?” They were the words Adam had been dreading. He smiled as he looked down at Joe.

“He hasn’t arrived home yet,” he replied, his tone casual.

“Oh,” Joe replied, apparently satisfied with that for the moment. He shivered once more and snuggled down under the comforter Adam had laid on his bed. “What happened?” he asked, drowsily.

“You fell through the ice,” Adam answered steadily. “You were a bit cold, but you’re all right now. Why don’t you get some sleep?”

A vast yawn was his only reply and Joe obediently closed his eyes and was soon sound. Once they were sure their younger brother was sleeping, Adam and Hoss left the room, tacitly understanding that the other man did not want to discuss their father’s lateness in front of Joe.

“D’ya think there’s bin an accident?” Hoss asked, as they mopped up the spilt bath water and righted the rather abused tree. The angel was nowhere to be seen at first, and almost came to a sad end when Hoss nearly stood on her as he went to the kitchen for cloths. Quite how it had travelled that far was anyone’s guess.

“I hope not,” Adam replied. He worried at his lip. “But he’s so late…” He glanced at the clock. “I had expected him home by 8 o’clock at the latest.” Resolutely, he bent to his task, noticing that Hoss had brought at least 8 cloths through with him. Adam had the feeling they would need them all to set the room to rights…

                                                ***************************

His clothing was wet. His nose was cold and it was this discomfort that drew Ben from the world of darkness he had inhabited. Slowly, he lifted his head and peered at the snow bank he was lying on. Although he felt bruised all over, he was sure nothing was broken. The snow had cushioned his fall.

Rising, Ben saw that darkness was falling. He glanced around and spotted the team near by. The buckboard was a wreck and he didn’t waste time trying to right it. There were flakes of snow in the air and he stood for a moment, mesmerised, as they floated innocently to the ground.

A sudden shiver shook him and Ben realised the mortal danger he was in. He walked quickly to the buckboard and cut the traces with his knife. He tied up the long reins, mounted one of the horses and led the other, turning in the direction of home. Heat from the horse soaked up through the damp fabric of his trousers and was probably what saved him from succumbing to hypothermia.

He cast one last, regretful, look at the glistening shards of glass lying in the snow – all that remained of the baubles he had bought. Then he resolutely concentrated his attention on getting the rest of the way home in one piece before darkness became absolute ruler of the land.

                                                ****************************

Awakening once more, Joe felt unbearably hot. He pushed at the down comforter and blankets until they released him from the tight cocoon he had been in and then looked down at himself in surprise. Since when did he go to bed wearing a thick flannel shirt and heavy pants? Joe eased himself upright, grimacing as his whole body protested the action. What had happened to him?

He peeled off one of the two pairs of socks he was wearing – he had no idea why he would have done such a bizarre thing – and slid on his boots and made his way downstairs.

The great room was empty, but Joe could hear voices coming from the kitchen. But he was distracted by the sight of falling snow out of the office alcove window. Joe loved falling snow and had to be out in it. He drifted unsteadily towards the door and went outside.

The night was still and hushed. Joe remembered one year – he thought he had been eight years old – when the snow had been so deep that he had actually disappeared into one of the snowdrifts! But the snow was not that deep tonight as of yet and Joe was no longer 8 years old.

Gazing up, he lost track of time. He stretched out one hand, not noticing that it trembled from cold, and counted eight snowflakes falling onto it before the first one melted away. That alone should have told Joe that all was not right, but it didn’t. The cold crept further into his bones, undoing all the good work the layers of clothing had done.

Vaguely, Joe was aware of hearing horses’ hooves coming into the yard, but he couldn’t seem to focus on the new arrival. As Ben vaulted down from the horse he was on, Joe collapsed in a heap on the snowy ground, unconscious.

While Hoss and Adam were busy with drying the floor, they heard nine knocks at the door. The brothers looked at each other, amazed. Adam stood up and walked to the door, meanwhile drying his hands. He answered the door and saw nine carollers standing there singing.  “We had to knock because the bell isn't working,” Adam heard them saying nine times after each other.

“We have no bell and I don't want to hear nine yes and nine no's either,” he reacted dryly. Nine heads nodded. “What can I do for you nine people?” asked Adam.

“Do you have nine eggs for us?” sounded out of nine mouths.

Adam looked like he saw nine waters burning. Nine pair of eyes looked at him. He put on his coat and the nine some ran ahead to the chicken run. Nine chickens gave their eggs to the nine visitors where after they disappeared again. Adam didn't understand any of it and didn't bother to understand it. He went to help his brother with cleaning the floor.

When Adam came in he saw to his big amazement that suddenly in the living room nine buckets were standing. “Are those nine buckets all ours?” he asked amazed.

“While you were busy with that nine-head choir, nine Santas brought these nine full buckets”, answered Hoss.

Adam kneeled down and went to polish the floor near the open fireplace for the ninth time. Suddenly he saw nine matches lying there. He picked them up and formed a little Christmas tree with them.

“Look Hoss, a nine-formed Christmas tree”, Adam said like he was nine year old again.

Hoss looked at it and then at his brother who looked at him smiling. “Would you like to put your nine toys down and help me to make the floor dry?” asked Hoss.

“Yes Hoss”, said Adam.

He gave nine sighs and went back to work.

Suddenly the front door burst open and Adam looked over his shoulder to see his father standing there with Joe in his arms. It took a full ten seconds for it to register what was happening, but as soon as it had he leapt to his feet. “Pa!” he cried. “We were so worried about you … and …” he took in the situation in an instant. “Hoss!” he cried.

Hoss needed no further urging, but took ten steps forward and grabbed his younger brother from his father’s weak grasp, turning to carry him up the stairs to the warmth and comfort of his bed. Adam put his arm around his father’s shoulders and supported him as they slowly followed. “You look done in Pa,” he said anxiously. “What happened?”

Ben shook his head. “Don’t worry about me,” he said. “That story will keep for later. It’s Joe I’m concerned about.” He looked at Adam severely. “What on earth was he doing out there in the snow?”

“I have no idea,” said Adam as they reached the top of the stairs. “Ten minutes ago we had him all tucked up in bed, but you know that youngest brother of mine … can’t ever be trusted to stay put in one place for very long.” He grinned at his own feeble joke, trying to lighten the invading mood of gloom that seemed to be surrounding them.

“Some Christmas this has turned out to be,” muttered Ben as they got to Joe’s bedroom door. Inside the room, Hoss was busy tucking his younger brother back under the covers, much to Joe’s distress.

“Hot,” he murmured, trying in vain to uncover himself. “Too hot.”

Ben sat down next to the bed and stroked his son’s wet curls off his hot forehead. “Joe, listen to me son. I know that you’re uncomfortable, but you have to keep warm. It’s very important Joseph. Do you understand me son?” 

Joe didn’t quite comprehend what his father was talking about, but the comforting sound of the familiar voice was enough for him and he nodded weakly as he closed his eyes. “Yes,” he whispered softly.

Ben nodded to himself and turned to face his two other sons. “Tell Hop Sing to get up here,” he said. “We’re going to need his help.”

Adam nodded and left the room. Hoss sat down at the other side of the bed and looked at Joe anxiously. “Pa?” he said. “Is he gonna be OK?”

Before Ben could answer, there was a loud sound from the front yard. “What on earth is that?” he asked.

Hoss got up and strode over to the window. “It’s that group of townsfolks back again,” he said. “Carollers.”

Ben sighed. “Well they couldn’t have picked a worse time,” he said. “Although they weren’t to know that. “Go downstairs and explain to them please Hoss. And make sure that you look after them. They’ll be nigh on freezing after having been out in this weather.” 

Hoss nodded. “Yes sir,” he said. “I’ll get some drinks and food rustled up fer em.”

“And Hoss?”

“Yes sir?”

“Please explain why I won’t be coming down,” added Ben. “I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Hoss nodded and then turned to go downstairs, meeting Adam and Hop Sing on the stairs. Hop Sing was carrying a large pile of ten fluffy towels ready to use. “There’s some townsfolk back in the yard,” he said. “I’ll get em some food and drinks while you look after Joe Hop Sing.”

Hop Sing looked torn. He knew that Ben needed him upstairs for Joe, as his knowledge of medicine was only second to Doc Martin in these parts, but he also prided himself on always providing hospitality for folks when they came to call and he didn’t want to neglect that duty either.

“Joe is more important,” Adam reminded him, putting a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You go to him Hop Sing. I’ll help Hoss with our guests.” Hop Sing nodded and carried the pile of towels up the stairs. “Come on brother,” said Adam. “Let’s get to work.”

Moments later the downstairs living area was full of noisy carollers and everyone took off their coats and hats, all talking at once. “Please excuse my Pa for not coming down,” said Hoss in a loud voice as Adam brought in a tray of ten glasses and two bottles of brandy. “Joe’s had a bit of and accident and he and Hop Sing are upstairs looking after him.”

“Oh dear!” gasped one of the women. “I hope it’s nothing serious?” Ten head shook in unison as everyone thought the same thing, for Joe Cartwright was a popular young man and no one would wish ill for him.

“We sure hope not ma’am,” said Adam as he poured out ten small brandies and began to hand them around.

“Beautiful tree,” said one of the men walking over to it. “You’ve usually got more decorations on it than that though, don’t ya?”  He looked up at the magnificent tree, counting only ten small decorations hanging on its branches.

“That’s a long, sad story,” said Hoss over his shoulder as he left the room to go to the kitchen. “I’ll rustle up some vittles fer you folks.” He went into the kitchen and looked around. “Sure wish I know what Hop Sing would be serving,” he said out loud, scratching his chin. He began to rummage through every one of the ten cupboards in the room, hoping to find something to inspire his imagination and moving ten boxes of different cooking ingredients, ten cooking implements and ten wooden spoons in the process.

Suddenly, his eyes rested on a small red box and he took it out and opened it. His eyes lit up instantly. “Oh my Lordy!” he exclaimed. “Now what would Hop Sing be doing with something like this?”  He thought for a moment and then smiled. “Of course,” he said. “I reckon he got it to surprise us with fer Christmas.”

Hoss carried the box into the living room. “Hey! Look what I’ve got here!” he said, holding up the opened box. Suddenly, his foot caught in the rug on the floor and he went head over heels, spilling the contents of the box all around him on the floor in the process.

Adam stared in amazement at his large brother on the floor as ten townsfolk ran in ten different directions. Suddenly, Ben and Hop Sing appeared at the top of the stairs. “Jumping Jeosaphat!” shouted Ben. “What on earth is going on down there?” From behind him, Hop Sing’s eyes widened at the sight below them and then he took ten quick steps away from his employer, silently disappearing into the hallway without a word. Ben counted to ten under his breath and waited.

Suddenly a noise interrupted Ben’s thoughts.  He cocked his head to the right and heard it again.  It sounded like something was hitting the arm of one of the red leather chairs.  As he lifted his head to face the direction it came from, he counted a total of eleven thuds.  Seeing that the perpetrator had no intentions of stopping, he raised his hand and stated solemnly, “Is there something the matter?”

“Well it’s about time,” Adam said as he placed the book he had been holding back on the table.  “That’s the eleventh time we’ve tried to get your attention.”

“My attention?”

“Yes your attention.  I’m sorry Pa but you’re getting carried away again.”

Hoss nodded.  “Yeah Adam’s right.  For the past eleven years we’ve been doing this and every time you tell the story, Joe’s the one who’s always in trouble.”

“You do remember that you have two other sons?”

“I remember Adam but don’t forget that when we started this tradition, it was to keep Joe entertained and help him to fall asleep.  You know how excited he gets on Christmas Eve.”

Adam stood up.  “Yeah Pa I do remember but when we started this Joe was eleven years old.  Have you looked at him lately?”

“Besides we overheard some of the women in town talkin’ about what they would do if they ever found Joe lyin’ down sick or maimed.”  Hoss looked over to Adam and they both shuddered at their own recollections of that conversation.

“Alright then, if you don’t like it, what you do you suggest we should do instead?”

“Well Pa I could sing about eleven stars twinkling in the sky at night.”  Adam said as he grabbed his guitar which happened to be nearby.

“Or I could tell you the story about the eleven elves or the one about the eleven travellers on their way to Bethlehem.  Then there’s that one about the eleven animals in the stable on the night of Jesus’ birth…”

“Hang on a minute,” Joe shouted.  “I kinda like Pa’s story.  ”

“Of course you do,” Adam replied in a laconic tone.

Joe gave Adam a glare before he turned his attention to his father.  “Will you tell them or shall I?”

Ben sighed, “I will.”  He stood up and walked over to Adam.  “I know exactly what all this is about.  You want your girls to get as much out of this story as Joe’s do, right?”

“Don’t forget Adam,” Joe interjected, “Pa did give them you just wearing a towel.”

Adam looked at Joe and smiled weakly.  “Alright you have a point.  I suppose you can continue as long as I get to sing at least eleven Christmas carols.”

“You’ll get your songs.”  Ben turned to Hoss, “Well you did get Bessie Sue.”

“Yeah I did.  I kinda forgot that since it was nearly 11 parts ago.”

“It was less than that.”  Joe said as he looked upwards and rolled his eyes.

“Don’t worry son, I’ll make sure you get at least eleven more mentions before I finish up.”  Ben patted Hoss on the shoulder.  “Now if there aren’t any more objections, I’ll continue.”

For eleven long seconds, there were no sounds except for the eleven chimes that came from the grandfather clock near the front door.  Ben glanced at the clock and realised that it was getting late.  He had to finish this story as quickly as possible or he’d be here for another eleven days.  He took his seat on the sofa and cleared his voice.  “Now where were we?  Oh yes I remember – I was up to the part where…”

Ben counted to ten under his breath and waited. His sons sat in silence, barely able to contain themselves. All except Hoss, who was looking slightly sulky.

“It were a mistake!” he protested, as Adam and Joe sniggered slightly and Ben continued with the story…

********

A small cough from Joe’s room meant that Ben and Hop Sing turned around on their heels and went to tend to him. Thus, they missed seeing the imposing spectacle of Hoss tumbling to the floor with a mighty thud that nearly caused the grandfather clock to topple over. The mysterious small, red box flew out of Hoss’ hand and landed on the floor with a tinny sound. The lid burst off and a cloud of powder flew into the air. In a trice, everyone was sneezing and coughing, struggling for breath, their eyes streaming with tears. Adam counted himself sneeze a dozen times in quick succession and wondered if his nose would ever be the same again.

“Snuff?” he bellowed at his brother. “What on earth possessed you bring in snuff?”

Hoss looked shamefaced. “I thought it would warm people up,” he confessed miserable, pulling out a large cotton handkerchief that measured a good twelve inches square and blowing his own nose vigorously. It had seemed such a good idea at the time, he thought ruefully.

Funnily enough, it was not long after this little mishap that the unexpected visitors said their hasty goodbyes and retreated gratefully into the frosty night air, still sniffing loudly and mopping their noses and eyes.

“What a day!” Adam said, flinging himself into his favourite chair. He could remember Pa bringing it home, just before his twelfth birthday – before Joe was even born. He pressed his fingers together and wondered how his accident-prone brother was. Life was eventful with Joe around, if not exactly peaceful. If cats were said to have nine lives, surely Joe had at least three more!

As Adam sat, immersed in dreams of times gone by, Hoss regarded the tree with distaste.

“It just aint right!” he finally pronounced. “That tree looks down-right nekkid!”

“I suppose it’s up to us then?” Adam said.

A broad grin spread across Hoss’ face. “Remember that we used to do when we were younguns and Joe was just a little shaver?”

The hint of a smile twitched at Adam’s lip. “Come on!” he said. “We haven’t got much time left if we want to get the tree properly decorated before Christmas Day.

He rushed over to the alcove and began to rummage in the desk, while Hoss hustled into the kitchen and grabbed a large tea kettle.

*********

Upstairs, Ben was vainly trying to persuade Joe that he really should stay in his warm and cosy bed.

“I’m fine, Pa! Honest!” Joe protested, pushing the bedclothes aside and reaching for his socks.

Undoubtedly Ben and Hop Sing would have tried to restrain him, if they had not been interrupted by a volley of knocks at the front door.

“Who on earth is that?” Ben fumed. The house has been busier than a carousel on Independence Day, he thought. Joe took advantage of his parent’s momentary distraction to pull on his pants and undershirt and then gave Ben a beguiling smile, that combined a good deal of misleading innocence with tousled curls. Seeing that the battle was effectively lost, Ben led the way downstairs, where an unexpected sight greeted them.

The formerly rather pathetic tree was now garlanded in wreaths of popcorn, hastily strung together by Hoss, although a good few dozen kernels had also found their way in to his mouth! Twelve white candles flickered among the dark green boughs. And hanging from the branches were twelve decorations made by Adam. A dozen snowflakes, carefully fashioned from paper, folded and then adorned with delicate, cut-out patterns. And, looking down at the assembled company smiled the Angel.

In the study stood a group of friends – the ten carol singers, plus two new recruits. Miss Abigail Jones had never been known to pass up the chance of a visit to the Ponderosa, and Bessie Sue Hightower, who was growing increasingly despondent that Hoss would ever kiss her, even if they had been sparking for nearly a year now. She had a sprig of mistletoe stuck into the brim of her bonnet, which caused Hoss to cringe somewhat.

 As has been previously remarked upon, Bessie Sue had an exceptional voice. It was just a pity that neither she nor Miss Abigail could be relied upon to sing in tune and in consequence a few pained expressions flitted across Adam’s face as the visitors delivered a rousing and very loud version of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

At the end of the carol, Abigail pushed herself to the front of group, treading on Bessie Sue’s toes accidentally on purpose. “We come with some small offerings!” She fluttered her eyelashes in what she fondly imagined was a becoming manner at Adam, who went rather pale.

Each Cartwright was handed a small, brown paper bag. Inside each bag, tucked carefully into a nest of cotton wool, lay three brightly coloured baubles, salvaged from Ben’s earlier mishap. They were soon added to the tree, sparkling green, red and gold in the candlelight, sending shafts of light around the room.

The time crept onwards towards midnight until the happy chatter was interrupted by the clock chiming twelve.

“Merry Christmas to all!” Ben cried. And Bessie Sue knocked Miss Abigail into Adam’s arms as she rushed towards Hoss, who looked faintly terrified.

*********

Much later, once all the guests had finally departed, Ben sat watching the last embers of fire flickering their way to oblivion. Old habits died hard and he still waited until his boys were in bed before putting some small packages into their stockings, made all those years ago by Marie and bringing back so many memories.

Sipping his brandy, Ben filled each stocking in turn, and then blew out the candles, one by one. Now only the faint light from the fire illuminated the room, but he needed no lamp to guide him upstairs. He was perfectly at ease in his home, where his sons lay sleeping peacefully upstairs.

Crossing the room, Ben took one last look up at the Angel at the very top of the tree and smiled as he met her serene gaze. As he reached the first landing on the stairs, Ben kissed his fingertips and gently pressed them on the angel’s face.

“Goodnight Marie, my love,” he whispered. Perhaps it was the dim, fading light, but for just one moment, Ben could have sworn the Angel smiled back at him, right into his eyes.

Merry Christmas to all – and to all a good night!

The End

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