Synopsis: The four Cartwrights, separated just before Christmas, keep running into this family that make it possible for them to once again understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Rating: G  (9,160 words)

 

Bonanza Christmas Story

Seated around the breakfast table, Ben Cartwright surveyed his family. Two days before Christmas, it had been all he could do to keep eleven year old Little Joe from totally antagonizing his two older brothers. The Ponderosa patriarch smiled to himself. Little Joe, the product of the union between him and his third wife, Marie, was the embodiement of his Creole mother. Impetuous, stubborn, ruled by his feelings, this youngest Cartwright was almost more than Ben could handle on his own. Fortunately, with his two other sons, especially his oldest, Adam, he’d had help, and if he had to admit it, although full of energy, with a tendency to act first and think about it later, Joseph Francis Cartwright was on his way to being a responsible young man.

 

Ben shook his head at that last sentiment. Adam frequently complained about Joe’s carelessness with chores and with his practical jokes of which they had all been the brunt. In fact, Ben recalled the discussion he and his oldest son had had just the night before, after Joseph had been sent to bed before 7 o’clock for picking a fight with normally, mild mannered Hoss. Irresponsible, wasn’t that the term Adam had used? No, Ben thought to himself. None of his sons lied, or stole. They rarely showed any disrespect and with the exception of Joe, who frequently suffered the consequences of disobedience, he had few complaints about his off-springs’ behavior. And Joe would usually get around to doing his chores. Irresponsible was not the right word; young was a much more appropriate choice, he decided.

 

“Well, boys,” Ben began. “I’m taking Hop Sing into Virginia City for the week.” A collective groan was heard around the table. “He’s made up several days worth of meals, including Christmas dinner, I might add. It’s all in the smoke house.” The sigh of relief was so obvious that Ben had to smile. “What we don’t have yet is the Christmas tree. Can you three do that while I’m in town?”

 

“Yes, sir,” Hoss was adamant. “I know just the place, too. Remember where we saw that elk this fall, Adam? There were some beautiful pines up there.”

 

“Hey, that’s right. Just perfect. We can take the buckboard and put it with the horses in that shed by the line shack at the bottom of the hill while we hike in, but it’ll be a good mile or two on snow shoes to get into those pines. If we all help, we can get a really pretty one, big enough to fit in this room.” Adam was getting as excited about the venture as Hoss.

 

Ben smiled at his sons as he glanced around the table, frowning slightly when he saw that Little Joe wasn’t nearly as enthused as his older brothers. “What’s the matter, Joe?”

 

Joe jerked his head up, wishing his father hadn’t said anything. “Nothin’,” he mumbled.

 

“Come on, little brother. Where’s your Christmas spirit,” Hoss laughed, slapping his brother between the shoulder blades. “It’ll be great fun.”

 

“Yeah, would be great fun,” his younger brother retorted.

 

“What’s eating at you, Joe?” Adam wondered.

 

Joe looked at his oldest brother, aggravated at being pressured to explain why he wasn’t so happy. “I never did fix my snow shoes after the binding tore last week,” he muttered in a low voice.

 

Adam rolled his eyes as he and the other two Cartwrigts exchanged looks across the table. Judiciously, none of them said anything. Both Hoss and Adam realized that revelation meant Joe couldn’t go with them. Without snow shoes, there was no way he could make the trek up to the pines. And, there was no way he could sit by himself at the line shack for the couple of hours it would probably take to bring back the tree. The brothers wondered if their father was going to say anything.

 

They didn’t have to worry. Joe brought the issue into focus himself. “Pa,” he asked in his most polite manner. “Since I can’t go with them, how about if I go with you and Hop Sing to help pick up stuff we’ll need for Christmas?”

 

Ben shrugged his shoulders innocently. “Hmm. Seems to me, Joseph, that I remember confining you to the ranch until next weekend. Am I mistaken?”

 

“No, sir.” Joe dropped his eyes. This was not working out quite like he’d planned for his part in the Christmas festivities. “It was worth a try,” his comment was almost inaudible.

 

Ben buried a smile in his hand, realizing he wasn’t going to respond to that last comment, which obviously hadn’t been meant for his ears. “Joseph, you’ll be here by yourself for about 6 or 7 hours. Think you can get your chores done and maybe do some decorating for us?”

 

“Yes, sir,” his youngest responded somewhat dejectedly. Ben ruffled his hair.

 

“It won’t be so bad, boy. And for once, you can decorate however you’d like.” Joe tried a smile, but his heart wasn’t in it.

 

Ben moved on to organizing the days plans. “I’ll be leaving shortly after breakfast with Hop Sing. I probably won’t be back til late this evening, so don’t wait up dinner for me. Hoss, you be sure to have Hop Sing pack a lunch for you two, and,” he looked over at Little Joe, “ask him to leave something out for Joe, too.”

 

“Yes, sir,” Hoss was ecstatic.

 

“Joe, do you mind doing your brothers’ chores so they can get going. It’ll be tough for them to get back before dark as it is.”

 

Joe noted his brothers’ smug looks, then sighed, “No, sir, I’ll do their chores. It just won’t be much fun, though, with no one else around.” Ben had given his hands the week off in anticipation of the Christmas holiday and none of them was left on the ranch.

 

Ben smiled again. He doubted his youngest son would procrastinate about repairing some piece of equipment again.

 

Within the hour, both the buggy and the buckboard had been hitched and the three Cartwrights, along with their cook, were off in divergent directions. Joe shrugged, moving off to the barn to get the chores started. He had to admit, as cold as it was, he was glad for some excuse to be moving around and chores were as good as any if he were going to be stuck at the ranch. It was almost noon by the time Little Joe had finished everything. Stretching his arms over his head, he moved out of the barn in the yard. He was shocked at how much colder it had gotten and that blue sky day had changed to one that was dark and overcast. The promise of snow was a certainty.

 

Joe started for the house, then, remembering his charge to decorate the house, turned toward the storage shed by the barn where decorations collected over the years were stored. Joe tried the door, surprised to find it locked. He looked up, noticing for the first time that there was a padlock on the door. Smiling, Joe thought back to Hoss, realizing why his brother had been so diligent about fixing that storage door. Each year, he’d get really mad when Joe had found his spot for storing Christmas presents. He guessed this year Hoss had finally done something about Joe’s keen nose for presents. Still, it was a little disconcerting not to be able to get at the decorations, but he supposed, just this once, that he’d leave Hoss’ hiding place intact.

 

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

 

In Virginia City, Ben dropped Hop Sing off with his many relatives, then headed for the general mercantile store. He’d ordered new winter jackets for all three of his sons and had coerced Bill Jenkins, the owner, to hold them until today. For Adam, he’d chosen a suede jacket lined in wool. Hoss was getting a big sheepskin jacket while Little Joe would open his gift to find a beautiful dark green wool jacket. Ben was sure his sons would be pleased. Stashing them in the box behind the seat, Ben drove over to the livery to unhitch the horses while he was in town. Swinging his arms in front of him to work out the stiffness that had set in while he’d driven the team into town, Ben headed for Roy Coffee’s office. It had been several weeks since he’d been in town and Ben was planning to join Roy for lunch to usher in the Christmas holidays. Ben was feeling in a very expansive mood; for once his Christmas plans were completely under control. Nothing would go wrong, he was sure.

 

“Roy,” Ben extended his hand as he walked in the jail house. “How about our tradtional Christmas lunch?”

 

Roy laughed, then checked his watch. “You’re right on time, Ben. Course I’d expect that this year. It’s my turn to buy isn’t it?”

 

Ben’s response matched his best friend’s. “Well, guess that’s true, Roy. Course I admit, I was planning to buy your lunch til you mentioned that.”

 

Roy peered down his nose at his friend. “And I was planning to vote Republican this year, too.” The two men laughed, then headed over to the International House for a hearty lunch.

 

“What’s your crew been up to?” Roy queried after the two men had ordered lunch. “I imagine Little Joe’s about driven your two oldest crazy. I don’t know that I’ve seen a boy more excited about Christmas than your youngest there.”

 

“You know my boys pretty well,” Ben chuckled. “Joe’s checked out every hiding place anyone’s ever used in that house, and some we’d never thought of. I think everyone’s got his presents hidden well this year, though. That in itself is driving him crazy.” The friends laughed.

 

“Well, I guess Christmas is a kid’s holiday,” Roy mused.

 

“Oh, it’s more than that, though,” Ben was quick to point out. “While Joseph loves getting presents, he takes great pains to pick out just the right presents for all of us. I believe he enjoys the giving every bit as much as he enjoys the getting.” Ben paused, musing on the holiday. “Joe is just like his mother. Christmas was Marie’s favorite holiday.” His mind drifted back to earlier days. “Easter is Adam’s favorite holiday. He and Marie used to get into ferocious arguments about which was the more important celebration. Marie maintained that without the birth, Christ wouldn’t have been able to be the son of God, and Adam’s point was that without the resurrection, Christ wouldn’t have suffered for our sins that we could live eternal life. Yes, they disagreed, but it was always talked about in a fun way.” He smiled a comfortable smile. “Those were such good times at our house.”

 

“I can imagine,” Roy reflected. “Well, what are those boys of yours doing today?”

 

“Oh, Hoss and Adam have gone up near Mirror lake by the old line shack to get a Christmas tree. Joe’s relegated to staying home, austensibly decorating the house. And doing a few extra chores,” Ben added.

 

Roy smiled, knowing Ben’s propensity for mild lessons in discipline that helped influence the boys’ decision making skills. “Sounds like you’ve got it all under control this year.”

 

“I believe so. Hop Sing is spending the week in Virginia City this year, but he’s left us meals already prepared. Just picked up the boys presents, new coats, from the mercantile, so I’m finished with my shopping. The boys were finished weeks ago. I plan to leave here after doing a few more errands and head home to sit in front of a roaring fire, drinking some of that good brandy you gave me last year. Why don’t you plan to come out.”

 

“Oh, I’d love to,” Roy was quick to respond. “But, I’ve given Clem the week off, too, so I’m here for the duration. Widow Miller has invited me for dinner each night until Clem gets back. And I’m not one to pass up good company or good food.”

 

“Do we hear wedding bells in the distance,” Ben needled his friend.

 

“If there are, they’re for someone else,” Roy laughed.

 

The two friends passed the next hour catching up on the local gossip and swapping tales of Christmas’ past. Both of them were surprised when they exited the hotel, just how much colder it had gotten. And that bright, sunny day had turned to a gloomy, dull one.

 

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

 

Adam and Hoss were enjoying a delightful ride in the buckboard as they headed up toward the mountains and the old line shack. With such a beautiful day, even Adam was lighthearted and talkative as they rode along.

 

“Did you have any one tree in mind, younger brother?”

 

“As a matter of fact, I did,” Hoss responded. “That tall pine just at the top of the trail…from there, look north, not 1/2 mile and there’s the most beautiful stand of pines I’ve seen. Like a picture they are.”

 

“Hey, I know right where you’re talking about. I scared up a she wolf and three pups in that very place this spring.”

 

Hoss looked at his brother, horrified. He knew they were supposed to kill any wolf they could, but his soft heart would never have allowed him to kill a mother wolf, especially not one nursing young. “You didn’t…” He didn’t finish his thought.

 

“No, Hoss,” Adam answered back softly. “I couldn’t kill her either. She was beautiful. All white with three of the cutest pups I’ve seen. Besides, they’ve got to eat, too.” He shrugged his shoulders, embarrassed at his revelation. “Don’t you be telling anyone.”

 

Laughing, Hoss slapped his brother between the shoulder blades. “Not me, big brother. Far be it from me to reveal that you do have a heart under that cold, hard shell.”

 

And so the trip to the line shack went…the brothers sharing tales of Christmas’ past, of their little brother’s pestering them to tell him what they’d gotten him, of their family’s traditions that had grown up in that bachelor house. It seemed no time before they were unhitching the horses, tossing them some hay they’d brought with them as they settled the team in the shed before they climbed the hill.

 

“Hey, brother.” It was Hoss speaking. “How about we eat lunch now and don’t have to carry it up the hill?”

 

Shrugging his shoulders, Adam collected the basket in which Hop Sing had put the lunch. “My God,” Adam was surprised. “This is enough for at least two or three meals. Wonder who he thought we were going to run into out here?”

 

“I don’t know, Adam. I can work up a powerful appetite out here.”

 

The two laughed, dividing up only a part of the lunch as they prepared to head up the hill.

 

Strapping on their snow shoes, the brothers began their climb up the mountain. Even with the snow shoes, though, it was tough for the leader. They worked out a schedule, though, taking turns breaking the trail as they moved along. Their excitement focused all their thoughts on the job at hand, and neither noticed until after they’d cut down a beautiful, symmetrical, tall pine just how cold it had gotten. And there were almost no shadows with the sun hidden behind dark, grey-brown clouds that threatened snow.

 

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

 

“We’d best get off this mountain right now,” Adam warned his brother. “I can’t believe how the temperature has dropped. Here, you take the right side and I’ll take the left. Let’s get off this hill before we’re stranded up here.”

 

Hoss didn’t need any more encouragement. He smelled the snow in the air and had no interest in making a snow cave out here on an unprotected mountain side. By the time they’d gone 1/2 way back, though, the snow that had threatened had totally covered their trail. Breaking a new trail while dragging that tall pine was exhausting work.

 

By the time they arrived back at the shack, both men were drained. “Hoss, let’s wait this out in the line shack. There’s no way we’re gonna get back in this blizzard.”

 

“Reckon you’re right, Adam. I hate leaving Joe at the house by himself, but Pa’ll be back soon. I don’t imagine it’s snowing back there nearly like it is here.”

 

“I doubt it is. When we don’t make it back, I figure they’ll be more worried about us than we are about them. And look at it this way, Hoss, Hop Sing left us well fortified.”

 

Hoss laughed, then, after tying the tree into the wagon, followed Adam and the food basket into the shack.

 

“Hey, it’s really lucky someone cut all this firewood,” Adam pointed out. He’d already gotten a roaring fire going by the time Hoss came in. “It’s not going to be as comfortable as the Ponderosa, but we’re not too bad off,” he commented.

 

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

 

Ben looked up at the sky. He was certainly going to have to shorten his list of errands he’d planned to do, but he had to finish that business at the bank with Mr. Leonard before he headed back to the ranch. He hoped the snow would hold off at least that long. Hurrying to the bank, Ben was ushered right in to his meeting. Although efficiently run, the meeting lasted longer than Ben had anticipated. As he exited the bank, he was dismayed to find a snowstorm in progress. Heading for the International House hotel, Ben booked a room, knowing there was no way he could make it back in this blizzard. Although not as cozy as the ranch, Ben took some comfort in knowing that at least Adam and Hoss would have returned to the ranch by now. Little Joe would have someone to help with evening chores and to spend evening with. In fact, he rationalized, maybe his sons needed some time by themselves. He sighed, wishing that the chance to be by themselves hadn’t been so close to Christmas.

 

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

 

After eating his lunch, Little Joe sat on the settee, mesmerized by the flickering flames. Warmed by the fire, with a full stomach, Joe drifted off to sleep before he realized it. Waking as the house chilled in the late afternoon, Joe mentally cursed his two brothers. It was time to start evening chores and they were conveniently absent. He hadn’t minded doing all the chores this morning. In fact, just as was intended, he’d recognized what his father was doing and realized he probably deserved it. But not evening chores, too. It’d be forever before he was done.

 

Groaning, Joe dressed warmly, then opened the door to head out in the barn yard. A blast of cold air met him and Joe quickly closed the door back. Damn. There was a blizzard raging out there. He couldn’t even see the barn, but the livestock still needed taken care of. Thinking what his brothers might do, Joe collected the longest rope he could from the back porch; tying one loop around his waist and the other on the porch railing, Joe fought his way to the barn.

 

It was as cold as Joe could remember. He knew his brothers would be staying at the line shack tonight and figured his father would have stayed in town as well. It would be him and only him with the chores again. He went right to work, cleaning stalls, bedding down the horses and feeding them all, being careful to provide more oats and an extra ration of hay to keep them warm. He found he had to break ice from the water in the buckets, but none of them needed filling that night, for which he was grateful. Checking to be sure the rope was still tied tightly, Joe turned back into the storm as he fought his way back to the house.

 

By the time Joe was back in the house, he was thoroughly chilled and nearly exhausted from the cold. It had taken almost three hours to complete everything he’d had to do. He thought about supper, but the idea was totally unappealing. He banked the fire well, called it an early night and headed for bed. Lying in his bed, Joe was too tired to be resentful, afraid, nervous or depressed. In minutes, he was asleep under the warm quilts.

 

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

 

Joe woke up early on Christmas eve day, the excitement of the nearness of Christmas interrupting his sleep. His enthusiastic smile quickly turned to a frown when he remembered how alone he was this day. Reverting back to a coping stragegy from his younger days, Little Joe dressed quickly, vowing to check to see if maybe, his family had come home during the night. If he wished hard enough that something was so, Joe used to be able to forget, for a moment, that that may not be so.

 

He slipped into the hall, feeling foolish at moving in such a stealthful manner, but hoping his brothers would be in their beds and that Pa would be waiting to greet him at the breakfast table. Joe moved hesitantly into the hall, quietly pushing Hoss’ door open. Damn, he’d mixed up dream and reality again. Lonely at finding his family still gone, Little Joe moved down the staircase, banked the fire, and went to the kitchen. Nothing looked particularly appealing and Joe didn’t feel much like cooking. He headed back to the great room, opening the front door in hopes of finding Chubb, Sport or Buck coming into the barn yard. What he found instead was a temperature that had dropped another 15 or 20 degrees from last night and a blinding snowstorm still raging. He quietly eased the door shut, then moved over to the settee where he sat, his hands cradling his head. Surely he wouldn’t spend this Christmas Eve alone.

 

********************************************************************************
“Come on, Hoss,” Adam rousted his brother out of bed. “Times a wastin’ and we’ve got lots to do if we’re gonna get home by this evening.” The older brother moved to the fire to add some wood and stir it up. “Breakfast in five mintues.”

 

That last warning was enough to have Hoss out of bed in no time. “Breakfast, did you say breakfast?”

 

“Well, I did, if you don’t mind another ham sandwich and an apple.”

 

“Shoot, I’d eat most anything,” Hoss replied. “Hey, this is Christmas Eve. Let’s hurry up and get home to celebrate with Pa and Little Joe.” He hurried over to the door, pulling it open to greet the day. “Dadburnit, Adam. What’s happening.”

 

Adam rushed to the door. “Oh, no,” he moaned. We’ve got to get out of here somehow.” He slammed the door shut in the face of the vicious storm raging outside. Leaning against the door jamb, Adam tried to remember a Christmas they had not all spent together. There had to be a way out of this.

********************************************************************************
Ben was up early, too nervous and anxious to be home to have slept easily. While he knew Adam and Hoss were probably home, it was Christmas Eve day, and Ben planned to be a part of his family’s holiday tradition.

 

He smiled as he dressed, imagining sitting in his chair in front of the fire, the old family bible in his lap. He’d have it turned to the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of Luke, prepared to read the story aloud to his sons as was their habit. Hmmm. Hoss would probably be sprawled out on the sofa, Adam in the other chair across from Ben’s. Little Joe, wrapped in his mother’s afghan, would be sitting on the floor, leaning against Adam’s chair. Ben could visualize Adam absentmindedly running his fingers through Joe’s hair periodically. His eyes mellowed. Adam used to hold Little Joe when he was a baby, putting him to sleep by stroking his hair and patting his back. He’d lost count of the number of times he’d seen the two engaged in some version of that activity. Although he was aware that neither brother would admit there was any connection, Ben knew better. Joe, who would hardly tolerate anyone messing with his hair, always seemed so relaxed when Adam stroked his hair or rubbed his shoulders. While the two brothers may not have understood, Ben was fully away that, at some subconscious level, the two would definitely be transported back to those peaceful moments of Joe’s babyhood during those times.

 

In a melancholy mood, Ben opened the door to the hotel, then quickly pulled it shut. It couldn’t still be snowing. Surely not. And the temperature….Ben wasn’t sure he’d remembered a colder Christmas. His anxiety level rising, Ben realized he might not make it home this Christmas Eve.

 

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

 

Not one to accept “no” without checking out all options, the elder Cartwright decided to brave the elements and check out the livery stable. If he could just talk over this present weather problem with someone who knew horses as well as he, himself, did, perhaps Ben could come to some solution to this dilemma. Pulling his coat tightly around him, pulling the collar up to protect his neck from the wind, Ben bent into the wintery blast as he followed the sidewalks to the livery.

 

Jack was already talking with some folks who, apparently, had the same idea as Ben. Five children were burrowed into the hay of a small wagon as the woman sat wrapped in a blanket on the wagon seat. Her husband, Ben deduced, was arguing with Jack Dowling, the livery stable owner. Ben checked out his own wagon that had been pulled into the back of the stable. He would wait until Jack was free to broach his concerns.

 

As he checked to be sure the coats were still in the hinged box behind the seat, Ben couldn’t help but overhear the conversation at hand across the stable. “Mister,” Jack was adamant. “You’re crazy to go out in this weather. And not with those kids or yours, that’s a certainty. Hell, pardon me, ma’am,” he’d tipped his had to the chilled woman sitting on the wagon seat, “three of your boys don’t even have warm coats with ’em. You could die out there, you hear me?”

 

“I understand,” the man said patiently. “But you must understand, I’ve got to get home. This is Christmas eve, you know.”

 

“I sure do know that,” Jack was exasperated. “That fact will at least account for finding your bodies intact after this storm quits. It’s too cold for ’em to rot.” He turned away, disgusted as the man prepared to move out.

 

“Wait a minute,” Ben approached the family. “My name’s Ben Cartwright.”

 

“James Christian,” the man smiled and held out his hand. “This is my wife, Marie, and them two big ‘ons is Junior and Matt. Luke is the smaller one in the corner and the two middle girls is Betsy and Ellie.”

 

“Mind me asking where you headed in this god forsaken weather?”

 

“Not at all, ” James responded cheerfully. “We’ve got a small homestead up on the Central Plateau. We’re headed there.”

 

“Mr. Christian,” Ben began. “You must be new to this area. This weather isn’t fit for man nor beast, sir. And certainly not with those young’uns of yours. Why, they’re not even dressed for this cold.”

 

“I appreciate your concern, Mr. Cartwright. But me and my family, we have the utmost belief that the good Lord above will protect us. He’s done it so far, so I don’t see no need to change course.”

 

“But…” The man’s smile stayed the rancher’s comment. Ben could see he’d met someone every bit as stubborn as he was. Ben believed in the Lord, that was a fact; but he also believed that adage that the Lord helped those who helped themselves. He couldn’t let this innocent family leave without something to help them. If they were headed toward the Ponderosa, he’d have traveled with them, inviting them in to share in the fellowship of his home when they arrived there, but they were obviously headed in a very different direction.

 

“Mr. Christian, at least let me offer you an early Christmas present for your sons. They’ll freeze out there with those light jackets on, it doesn’t matter how much hay they’ve got to burrow down into.” Ben moved to his wagon and brought out the three jackets he’s purchased for his own sons. “Take these, please, a gift from my family to yours. I think our sons must just about be the same size.”

 

James stared at his benefactor, as if deciding whether to accept this generous offering or not. “I thank you, sir. I believe the Lord sent you to us for a reason. And my sons thank you, too, don’t you boys?”

 

The three boys, who had gingerly accepted the jackets at first, were now all smiles, each sporting a handsome coat that would protect them from the elements.

 

“And here’s a couple of blankets, too.” Ben handed the man two wool blankets he kept in the box in case of emergencies. “I wish you were headed my way. I’d travel with you, but all I can offer you now are my prayers.”

 

“That should be aplenty, Mr. Cartwright.” With that the man climbed up in the wagon, driving out the doors Jack had opened. Smiling, the man turned to wave and was lost in the whitness of the storm.

 

Jack shook his head. “Damn fool,” he muttered. “Well, Ben, what can I do for you?”

 

Ben spoke softly. “I guess I was hoping you’d tell me you thought it’d be safe to try and make it to the Ponderosa today.” When the livery owner looked at him incredulously, Ben smiled. “I know. It was wishful thinking. It’s just this is the first Christmas eve I’ve not been home with the family.”

 

Jack nodded sympathetically. “It’ll take a miracle for this snow to let up enough to get out to your place. I’m sorry, Ben, but you’re going to have a Virginia City Christmas this year, I believe.”

 

Turning, Ben meandered back to the hotel.

 

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

 

Joe was just about frozen. He’d spent all morning doing barn chores, including having to carry water from the house for the horses. In so doing, he’d slopped water onto his pants which had just about frozen now. And, he still wasn’t done. Sighing, he pulled his coat around him and headed back to the house. He just had to warm up and he knew he’d have to change his pants before going back out.

 

The youngest Cartwright was greeted by silence when he entered the great room. There was still some fire in the fireplace, but the room was definitely chilly. Joe wiped his shirt sleeve across his nose, then moved to the fireplace, adding more wood and stirring the fire. He stood there for several minutes, trying to thaw out. He blinked his eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay. It was Christmas eve, Little Joe was totally alone on the ranch, cold as he could remember with still a day’s worth of chores to do.

 

He knew the herd had been moved to the south pasture for its shelter and its ease of getting hay to them in just such an event as was happening. The cows wouldn’t last long in this weather without the additional food one of his brothers would already be taking out if they were here. Joe knew he had to hitch up the sled. With its runners, he’d be able to get hay out to that pasture. The wind almost always blew the snow on that section of the road into drifts on the side. That was one of the reasons Ben always wintered his cattle there. That pasture was always accessible by horse and sled.

 

Joe made himself a sandwich, not because he was hungry, but because he knew he had to. He smiled, hearing his father insisting he eat a good meal before going out to do a days work. Oh, Joe wished his father was here now.

 

The boy shook his head. He was on his own and the survival of those cattle and the Ponderosa’s spring calf crop depended on him putting his self pity aside. Bundling up against the cold, Joe headed for the barn.

 

His task took him longer than anticipated, partly because he’d had to clear a path out of the barnyard, and partly because his hands were too cold to function efficiently. Finally, though, he had sled full of hay hitched to their biggest team of draft horses. Climbing aboard, Joe headed to the pasture.

 

The trip there had taken less time than he’d figured, though. At least something was working in his favor. The cattle were bunched in the south corner, some of the leaner ones already shivering. It had seemed to take forever, but Joe had finally unloaded the hay into four big stacks and already the cattle were eating.

 

Joe turned the team around when his eye caught some motion off to the left. It almost looked like someone with a team of horses, stuck in a snow drift. “Hey,” Joe hailed the man, then drove his wagon over to the man. He was surprised to find not just a man, but an entire family. Despite the new coats the boys sported, it was obvious they were all cold.

 

“Mister, you need some help?” Joe offered.

 

“Well, son, I reckon I could use some help. My name’s James Christian. This here’s my wife, Marie.” Joe tipped his hat as introductions were made.

 

“My name’s Joe Cartwright. Our family’s got a house near here. Let’s hook my team up to yours and I’ll bet we can get you pulled out.” Together, the deed was done and Joe surveyed the shivering family.

 

“Sir,” he began politely, “I don’t know what you’re doing out here in this weather, but why don’t you come over to our house. I can fix you up a good dinner. Hop Sing left Christmas dinner for our whole family and it looks like I’m gonna be the only one here to eat it.” He smiled lamely. “I’d sure appreciate the company, too.”

 

James looked at the boy, then, obviously having made his decision, slapped Joe on the back. “Lead on, son. We’d be most grateful.”

 

It was 20 minutes when they were back at the ranch. Little Joe, James and the three oldest boys helped put Joe’s horses up. They unhitched James’ team next, found some hay, oats and water for them and tied them inside the barn. Still cold, Joe was glad he’d offered them some Ponderosa hospitality.

 

Marie and the two youngest had gone ahead where Marie had set Hop Sing’s feast before them. With the fire crackling and the delicious smells that greeted them, Joe knew his father would approve. In no time, the food had been consumed and the three youngest were obviously getting very sleepy.

 

“Well, Joseph,” James began. “We thank you for your kindness, but we must be moving on.”

 

“Mr. Christian, you just can’t take your family out in this storm. Please, you can stay here. There’s plenty of room here. Even if Pa and my brothers come home.” Joe was concerned about the James’ family, but he was desperate not to spend Christmas eve alone.

 

The older man realized the source of his host’s concern, and seemed to be considering Joe’s offer. But then he said, “We’ve got to be on our way, Joseph. We’ve still a long way to our home.”

 

Joe knew better than to pester his guest to stay. His father would be livid if he heard of such rudeness. Suddenly, Joe’s face lit up. “Mr. Christian, wait just a minute. I’ve got a Christmas present for Mrs. Christian.” With that, he ran up the stairs, returning in moments with a warm, woolen, winter coat. “This coat belonged to my ma. Her name was Marie, too. I’ve kept this coat ever since she died, but I know she’d rather someone use it than it just hang in my closet. Please, take it.”

 

Again, Mr. Christian seemed to consider Joe’s offer. “Thank you, son. Your mother must have been someone special to have borne such a kind son.”

 

Joe smiled, thanking his new friend, then mumbled under his breath. “I’m not sure my pa would be so quick to agree with that last assessment.”

 

James smiled benevolently at the boy. “I’m sure he’d be very proud of you, son. And you’ll be fine tonight. We thank you for all you’ve done for us, but now, we must be on our way.” With that, he clapped Joe on the back before turning to join his family in the wagon. Joe followed him out the door, watching the wagon pull away, waving at the children who waved back to him. As they turned the curve so Joe could no longer see them, the boy turned back to the barn, checking on the stock for the last time.

 

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

 

By late afternoon, Adam and Hoss had decided they were going to risk the trip back to the ranch. They had only their pistols with them, little prospect of catching any game, and only the remains of the lunch Hop Sing had packed for them for food. Besides that, the two brothers were not anxious to spend Christmas Eve away from the family.

 

“Hoss, we’ve got to move as quickly as possible. I hate to think of being caught out in these mountains tonight. You got that wagon hitched up?”

 

“Done.” Hoss looked around. “Well, we’ve left this place in better shape than when we got here. Dadburnit, I’m glad this place was here.” With that, the two brothers climbed in the wagon, checking the Christmas tree to be sure it was tied on. Hoss laughed. “After all this, I sure ain’t goin’ home without this tree.”

 

Adam smiled back, picked up the reins and slowly moved the two of them down off the hillside. It was exhausting work, with one or both of them having to clear parts of the road periodically. Still, they managed to make it to the crossroads by early afternoon.

 

It was at the crossroads that they met a lone man, coming along from the east, an axe over his shoulders. Two older boys, about Hoss and Adam’s size, were walking with him while a smaller boy struggled to keep up in the deep snow. Hoss and Adam looked at each other, wondering if they were seeing things.

 

“Hey,” Adam called out to the four. The man shaded his eyes as if hoping he weren’t seeing things. Adam stopped the wagon as he and Hoss got down to see what was happening.

 

“My name’s James Christian,” the man smiled, extending a hand in greeting. “These three boys are my sons, Junior, Matt and Luke. My wife, Marie and two daughters are home, waiting for us to get back with a Christmas tree.” When Adam and Hoss looked at him like he was crazy, the man shrugged his shoulders. “Well, it seemed a good idea at the time.”

 

Hoss laughed. “My name’s Hoss Cartwright and this is my brother, Adam. Guess we’ve all made decisions we’ve, uh, wondered about from time to time.”

 

“Guess so,” James laughed again. “What are you boys doing out on a day like this? Looking for a Christmas tree?” His glance encompassed the tree tied into the wagon.

 

Adam grinned self-consciously. “Point well taken. We came up yesterday to get a tree, but got stranded at an old line shack. Listen, can we give you a ride back to your house? You won’t find any pines along this road til you get back up in the mountains and it’s way to late to make it there today.”

 

James looked at his sons, who nodded their approval to the plan. Poor Luke looked so miserable that James realized he really had no choice but to accept the offer. “Climb in boys. We can catch a ride part way in.”

 

“Nonsense,” Adam interrupted. “It surely wouldn’t be neighborly to set you off without taking you all the way home.” He watched the family settle into the back of the wagon, then, taking instructions from James, headed the team in that direction. It was late by the time they arrived at the house, a small, but neat and clean shack nestled in some aspens.

 

Marie and the girls ran out to greet their father and brothers, hugging them all.

 

Hoss and Adam stood, watching, touched at the obvious concern the women had had for the men in their lives. “Pardon my manners,” James pulled away from his daughters’ embrace. “These two kind gentlemen are Hoss and Adam Cartwright.” The Cartwrights tipped their hats as introductions were made all around. “Without these boys, Marie, I believe Luke would be stuck out in some snow drift about now.” James laugh belied his words and Luke looked a little less embarrassed.

 

“Come inside, please.” Marie had found her voice as she shooed the children into the house ahead of her and the men. “We’re just setting down for a light dinner. Won’t you join us?”

 

“Thank you ma’am, but we really have to be on our way.” Adam wanted to hurry on before it got too late. They’d be travelling in the dark as it was.

 

“Nonesense. It’s ready and you can leave as soon as you’re done. I promise that.”

 

Looking at Hoss’ willingness to stay, Adam replied, “You’re most kind. Thank you.” Dinner was a light hearted affair. As the adults finished drinking their coffee at the table, the girls began pestering their brothers.

 

“Come on, Junior, let’s get your tree out of the wagon. That’s the prettiest one we’ve ever had.”

 

Junior looked at his father, embarrassed at the girls effusive praise of the tree that they thought was to be theirs. “What are you waiting for,” Hoss called over. “That tree’s not going to unload itself.” The boys looked eagerly to their father, hoping he’d agree to this generous offer.

 

“Just coil that rope and put it in the box behind the seat,” Adam added.

 

James paused as he considered the offer. “What are you waiting for, boys?” their father smiled at his children’s eagerness. “These men have to get on home themselves.” He turned back to the Cartwrights. “That is, unless you’d like to stay the night. We can always make room.”

 

“Thank you, sir, but with this being Christmas Eve, we’d really like to try making it home.”

 

“That’s right. We’ve got a little brother about your youngest’s size who just about makes Christmas. He and Pa are probably worried sick about us.”

 

“”We really want to get on our way.”

 

“Why yes, of course. Your gift of the tree was wonderful. The children have talked about having a beautiful tree like the ones we used to have at home, and I’m afraid I encouraged it. They would have been devastated.” He smiled at the two Cartwrights. “Your father should be very proud of his sons.”

 

“Thank you, sir. Now, if we won’t seem too rude, we’d really like to be going.”

 

“Certainly. Have a Merry Christmas.”

 

“Thank you, I’m sure we will. And Merry Christmas to you, too. Come by and see us sometime.” The two left, warmed by the hospitality and kindness of these strangers. They were glad that, in some small way, they could reciprocate the good feelings.

 

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

 

In Virginia City, Ben paced back and forth in his hotel room. He’d spent a great part of the afternoon with his friend, Roy Coffee, but had returned to the hotel when Roy prepared to leave for his dinner date with the widow. Although both Roy and Widow Miller had offered genuine invitations to join them for supper, Ben had declined. He was feeling anxious and out of sorts. This was Christmas Eve, a time for his family to be together. Never had they been apart this glorious time of year.

 

Finally, Ben could stand it no longer. While there were drifts of snow all around, the blizzard had finally stopped and Ben was bound and determined to make it home. Jake had thought him crazy when Ben offered to buy one of his horses, and had finally agreed to let Ben borrow the sorrel gelding, providing her returned him as soon as he could. With a warm thank you and a confident wave, Ben had turned the gelding toward home.

 

The trip home was a long and arduous one, such that Ben was reminded of his and Inger’s passage across the plains. Although a difficult trek, Ben would not have missed it, for if he had, he might never have met Inger, had Hoss or, probably, have met Marie who had borne him his youngest. In such a melancholy mood, Ben turned at last to the road that would finally lead up to the ranch house.

 

Checking his watch, Ben sighed. It was after 11 p.m. and he was bone tired, as cold as he could remember. Putting his watch back in his pocket, Ben moved on toward the house. Muffled voices coming from the barn caused him to pause as he rode into the yard. Dismounting, Ben almost ran into his middle son as he walked to the barn, curious as to who was out at this late hour.

 

“Pa, what are you doing out here?” Hoss asked just as Ben started with an almost identical question.

 

“My God, I’ve been stuck in town since yesterday. I was sure you boys would have made it home.”

 

“We’ve been holed up at the line shack, Pa.”

 

Adam joined them, anxious as he realized Little Joe had been totally by himself these last two days. As though orchestrated, the three turned and quickly headed for the house. Cautiously opening the door, the three men stepped inside. Quietly removing their gear, they walked to the couch where they’d seen Joe asleep.

 

Ben’s heart quickened as he beheld the sight before him. Joe, asleep on the couch, had the large family bible opened to the Christmas story. Joe had obviously been crying, for his face was streaked and dried water spots were all down the page. The two brothers looked at each other, wishing Joe had not been so alone. They had each other, Ben had his friends in town. Joe had only himself this holiday season.

 

“Joseph,” Ben gently shook his youngest son awake.

 

Groggy with sleep, at first Little Joe didn’t comprehend his family was with him. Rubbing his eyes, it finally dawned on him, and his face exploded in a wide grin.
“Pa! Adam! Hoss!” Joe was so overcome with emotion that it was difficult to speak. “I tried to stay up, and I tried reading the Christmas story. But Pa,” he turned toward his father, handing him the bible. “It just wasn’t Christmas without you reading it. Please?” His eyes pleaded with his father as much as his voice did.

 

Ben coughed, trying to hide the emotions that threatened to overtake him. He turned to blow his nose, then looked to his sons. “Boys, let’s stoke this fire and get us some coffee to warm up with. Then, why, it’s still Christmas Eve, and plenty of time to read from here,” he said as he tapped the bible. He moved to put logs on the fire while Adam began the coffee. Hoss sat by his young brother, his arm around the boy as he squeezed his shoulders. God, it was good to be home.

 

The family finally settled down, once again, to hear Ben’s rendition of the birth of Christ. Ben surveyed his family with utter contentment. Sure enough, Hoss had claimed the sofa as his own, while Adam sat across from his father in the other stuffed chair. Little Joe had brought down his mother’s afghan from his room and sat wrapped in it as he leaned against the front of his oldest brother’s chair. Adam was giving his little brother a shoulder massage, which threatened to put the boy to sleep again. Ben cleared his throat and began, his deep bass bearing the emotion and feeling his heart held deeply within.

 

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus…” It seemed so long since he last spoke this rich history. “…And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as had been told to them.”

 

Ben looked to his sons. Joe was asleep, his head on Adam’s knee. Hoss was yawning, the day’s struggles wearing on him. Unconsciously, Adam was gently stroking his brother’s soft curls. The oldest brother looked up as he realized his father was finished. He was a little embarrassed, realizing he’d been thinking more about how much Little Joe’s tear streaked face had affected him, rather than focusing on this holy story. Joe tried to act so tough sometimes, but he was just a kid, Adam’s kid brother. The older brother’s heart was filled with love for his family.

 

“Son,” Ben was talking to Adam. “How about helping me get these two to bed?”

 

Adam smiled, shaking Joe gently to wake him up. “Come on, little brother. Santa won’t come if you’re not in bed.” Joe looked up, groggy from sleep and returned the smile. This was what his father had always told him when he was just a boy. It sounded good to hear it again. Supporting his brother, Adam helped Little Joe up the stairs and to bed. In minutes, the boy was asleep.

 

Ben spoke quietly to his middle son. “Time for bed, son. It’s been a long two days.”

 

“Ain’t it been, Pa.” Hoss stood up, stretching his arms over his head. “Good night, Pa.” Hoss looked over to the big grandfather clock. “And Merry Christmas. You know, Pa. I just wished Joe’d been able to get to them Christmas decorations. Guess they’re locked in the storage shed.”

 

“Locked?” Ben was surprised.

 

“Yeah,” Hoss admitted sheepishly. “You know how Little Joe is with presents. I fixed that door and put a pad lock on it, then locked all my presents in there.” The two men laughed, then, banking the fire, prepared for bed.

 

Ben met Adam coming out of his youngest son’s bedroom. “Is he asleep?”

 

“Like a baby. His eyes were closed as soon as his head hit the pillow. Merry Christmas, Pa.”

 

“Merry Christmas, son.”

 

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

 

“Pa, Pa,” Joe was racing up the stairs. “Come quick.”

 

Ben shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It was Christmas Day, but, good Lord, it was still dark outside. What was Joe doing up after the late night they’d all experienced yesterday. Joe burst into his father’s room without knocking.

 

“Pa, you’ve got to get downstairs. Now.” Joe turned, then ran to roust his two brothers out of their beds. Ben debated admonishing his son for getting the household up so early, but realized this was just Joe. He’d talk with him at another time about being too old for such shenanigans.

 

Pulling on his dressing gown, Ben met Hoss and Adam, bleary eyed from such a short night, coming out of their rooms. “I’m going to kill him,” Adam threatened under his breath. Hoss laughed. He couldn’t remember any Christmas that Joe hadn’t wakened them this early. And, he couldn’t remember any Christmas where Adam hadn’t made his idle threat.

 

It was only when they reached the landing that the Cartwrights saw the reason for Joe’s excitement. Before them in the living room was the most beautifully decorated Christmas tree they had ever had. Around it were Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful paper. The candles were lit, casting an ethereal light around the room.

 

While awed by the sight, Ben was annoyed that Joe had broken one of his cardinal rules and lit the tree’s candles; that was allowed only by Ben or Adam. “Joseph,” Ben turned toward his youngest son’s animated face, wishing he could think of some gentle way to get his message across. “You know the rule about lighting the candles on the tree.” Ben was obviously very cross and disappointed.

 

Joe looked confused. “Pa, I didn’t do this, honest. I thought you’d done it.”

 

It was his father’s turn to look confused. Ben turned to look to his other sons. They shook their heads, obviously as unsure about what was happening as Joe.

 

“Hey, Pa. Check out what Hop Sing left for us.” Four pair of eyes turned to the dining table, laden with a Christmas breakfast fit for kings.

 

“That explains it,” Ben was relieved. “Hop Sing must have come in last night.”

 

“No, Pa, he didn’t.” It was Joe talking. “I already thought of that and checked his room. ‘Sides, there’s no tracks outside except yours from last night.”

 

“No matter. Hop Sing told us he’d left meals for us.”

 

“Uh, Pa,” Joe shifted uneasily back and forth on his feet. His family’s eyes turned to him. “I fed almost everything Hop Sing left with a family I found stuck in a snow bank. There wasn’t much left after they left.”

 

“And the tree?” Ben turned toward his older sons.

 

“We didn’t have a tree, Pa. We ran into this man who was looking for a tree for his family and it seemed like the thing to do was to give them ours. Their kids were so excited when they saw the tree, we just couldn’t take it away.”

 

Ben shook his head. “This family you all saw…there wouldn’t have been a man, his wife, three sons and two daughters would it?”

 

“Yeah, Pa, it would be,” the three sons spoke almost simultaneously.

 

“I don’t know what’s happening, boys.” Ben was bewildered. “This is truly a season for miracles.”

 

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

 

It was three days later that the Cartwright clan was riding fences, ostensibly looking for any cattle who might have been mired in the deep drifts. Although none of them admitted it, their search had strayed outside the area where they kept their cattle and had headed more to the Central Plateau. Easily finding the wagon tracks left by Adam and Hoss, the four followed the trail into the aspen grove. “I don’t understand it Pa, there were people living here just three days ago.”

 

There, folded neatly on top of a tree stump in front of a long abandoned cabin, were three new jackets…one, suede, one, sheepskin and one, deep green wool jacket. Hesitating, Ben stepped off his buckskin, picked up the jackets and looked heavenward for few minutes.

 

Turning to his sons, Ben distributed his belated Christmas presents. “Merry Christmas, sons,” he said quietly. “Merry Christmas.”

 

THE END