Bonanza
~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
* Day 13 *

 

Summary: The Cartwrights’ Secret Santa tradition origin and evolution, as told from each son’s perspective.

Rating:  G
Word Count:  3,150

The Secret Santas

December 1835 — Adam

The family of three were spending the winter in St. Joseph, or St. Joe, as some folks called it. They would stay until spring when it would be safer to travel with a wagon train. They had two rooms in what Adam knew was a fancy boarding house. The rooms were connected by a door that was cracked open a bit when he slept during the day. Mama said it was so she could hear him better if he needed her.

Once again, he’d gotten sick. This time, though, his mama was there to see he was ill before he even knew it. She had insisted he go to bed and brought him drinks that soothed his throat.

Just having her stay with him all day so that he didn’t have to be alone in the boarding house was the best medicine he could have. Of course, she also gave him her Swedish remedy, and he happily took it. It tasted better than the doctor’s. Adam was sure it worked better, too. After all, she told him it was made with her secret ingredient… love.

Mama hummed most of the day. When she wasn’t humming, she’d play his mother’s music box. It was warm and comfortable in the trundle bed, and he floated in and out of sleep with happy dreams of Mama wiping his brow or feeding him.

It wasn’t long before Adam was sitting up in bed, awake most of the day. Mama still wanted him to stay in bed another day. And he quietly obeyed.

She surprised him by bringing the rocking chair next to his bed after supper. “Let me rock you.”

“Is that all right?”

“Of course it is! You’re not too big for me to hold you. Even if you were, I would still hold you in my heart.”

Adam climbed out of bed, and Inger helped him settle on her lap. She covered him with a comforter so he wouldn’t get a chill. Pa came in and sat on the other side of the bed.

“Did you know that Santa is different in different lands?”

“No, Mama.”

“Well, he is. In the village where I grew up, he was called Tomte. He’s a gnome who travels with a goat and sled. In most places in Sweden, he would knock on doors and be invited inside. In my village, though, he would knock and leave his presents on the porch or outside the door. No one ever knew who he was. The children were told not to peek for fear he would leave our village and go elsewhere where no one would bother him.”

“Like Santa.”

“Ja. So, what do you want Santa to bring you, Adam?”

“Nothing. He won’t come.”

Inger looked at him in confusion, and then looked at Ben. He had a sheepish look on his face, and she raised an eyebrow. She gently asked Adam, “He’s never visited you at Christmas?”

The little boy sadly shook his head. “Pa says he can’t find our wagon.”

“I see. Well, I heard you have to believe in him for him to come.”

“I did that. It didn’t work.”

After a moment, Ben spoke softly, “Adam, I think this year Santa will come. Is there something you’d like him to bring?”

“I don’t know. Anything he can.”

The silence lingered until Inger broke it, “Let’s leave the decision to Santa, then. I’m sure you’ll be happy with his choice.” She then rocked him and sang several lullabies. His eyes became heavy, and before she finished the third song he was sound asleep. Ben lifted him from her lap. Together they gently tucked him in before retreating to the other room.

Once the door was closed, Inger turned on her husband, “Do you want to explain why didn’t Santa come?”

Ben hung his head. “I’d rather not.”

Inger stood glaring at her husband, both fists on her hips, and he found the silence unnerving. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her so angry. Finally, he relented and continued, “Well, at first he was too little to know about Santa. And last year money was tight. I didn’t even know he knew about Santa until months later.”

“Did you think a shiny penny, a piece of candy or a toy would be too much?”

“I didn’t think he knew about Santa.”

“You already said that. And now you do. You’d better find something to make up for Santa not coming before. It doesn’t have to be anything flashy, but it does have to be something we can take in the wagon when we leave.”

“Are you telling my how to raise my son?”

“I am telling you how we should raise our son. He’s a little boy. He has no toys. It’s important for a child to believe in someone like Santa. Don’t you think that helps them believe in what the Bible teaches?”

“Jumpin’ Jehosophat, Inger, I’m doing the best I can!”

“I know that. But you are no longer alone. So what are we going to get our son?”

That year, one very happy little boy had not one but two shiny pennies, a bag of butterscotch candies, a primer and a leather ball from Santa. He thought the best present was the tumbling block quilt his new mama had made especially for him. It was the first time anyone had made anything for him. He knew that he and Pa were now rich, since they had Inger. Adam bundled up in his quilt when he got sick, and it made him feel better to be surrounded by his mama’s love.

In December 1840 when Hoss got sick and Ben was in New Orleans, Adam gave his little brother the quilt Inger had made.

 

December 1841 — Hoss

It had been a difficult year in some ways, and a very good year in others. The ranch was flourishing. The Cartwrights had food without having to depend upon hunting and fishing. Marie had joined the family. It had been difficult for Adam to welcome her, although by the end of the year he was quietly accepting her.

Adam was still in charge of seeing that Hoss stayed out of trouble when they went to town. The mercantile at Eagle Station was a potential disaster for a little boy who didn’t know his own strength. And because of his size, adults who didn’t know thought Hoss was an older child. It was Adam’s job to make sure Hoss stayed away from breakables and kept watch on his younger brother.

On this trip, Hoss and Adam talked to the Bell children who had recently moved to the area. Innocently, Hoss asked them what they hoped Santa would bring. They told him Santa never came to their house. His eyes got big and filled with tears as he realized what that meant. The boys were separated when Mrs. Bell collected her children, and Marie came over to tell her boys they could each pick out a piece of candy.

All the way home Hoss was quiet. When he was alone, he asked Adam to write his letter to Santa.

 

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good boy this year. And we have a lot of good things. Thank you for sending Mama with Pa. She’s exactly what I wanted for both Christmas and my birthday.

You know the Bell children who just moved here? They say you’re not coming to their house. Since you already gave us Mama this year, would you give them my gifts? Adam says you can give them his gifts, too.

Love,

Hoss

 

After Marie tucked Hoss into bed, Adam pulled out the letter and handed it to Pa. He read it, then shared it with Marie.

Once they’d both finished, Adam asked, “Can we be the Tomte for the Bells? I have some pennies saved that could be used for candy. I made a toy for Hoss, and think I can finish two more for the Bell boys before Christmas.”

When Marie asked what the Tomte was, Adam and Ben explained what Inger had said. Marie loved the idea of a Secret Santa, and so they made some plans. Hoss would get his wish, although he’d also still get his gifts.

There was a toy for each child. Marie made a rag doll with a dress and nightie for each girl. Adam finished his toys for the boys. Ben shot a turkey for the family on Christmas Eve, and there was a box from their cellar of canned goods and staples.

Adam and Ben took the gifts to the Bell’s house. Adam stayed hidden from view in the wagon, but he could see his father deliver the gifts, knock on the door and run back to the wagon. Mr. Bell answered the door with his rifle, but quickly saw the gifts and took them inside. Before shutting the door, he yelled a hearty, “Thank you!”

Hoss and Adam didn’t see the Bell children until spring when they were still talking about Santa and his gifts. Hoss had been told that his letter was sent to Santa and that he wasn’t to tell anyone about it or it would ruin Santa’s surprise. He took it very seriously and never told anyone.

December 1859 — Joe

At seventeen, Joe was excited to finally be included in the family’s Secret Santa plans. He’d known about it for several years and that it was a secret. Rather than blurt out that he knew the truth, he kept it to himself until his father and brothers decided to include him.

He felt he had to do that to prove to them and to himself that he could keep a secret just as well or better than them. He was learning to hold his tongue when it came to important matters including secrets.

This year he learned a couple of secrets from his father. First was that Adam had not had a visit from Santa until Inger joined the family. Thanks to her, Santa came every year after that. As a little boy, Joe’d assumed Santa came every year. When he learned how Santa hadn’t come when Adam was very young, he wondered how that had affected his oldest brother. Initially he found it inconceivable that anyone in his family would not have been visited by Santa. When he saw Adam avert his gaze when it was mentioned, Joe uncharacteristically held his tongue instead of making a snide comment.

And he learned the story of the first Secret Santa Christmas. He also learned that Adam had given Hoss the quilt Inger had made for him. And when Joe asked, his pa had confessed that the antique tile quilt his own mama had made was originally Adam’s. And it began to dawn on Joe just how much his oldest brother did indeed love him and Hoss.

Joe’s mission this year was to find out if the families they were helping needed anything specific. Adam would be headed to San Francisco next week and could pick up any items that might arouse suspicion in Virginia City. This year confirmed Joe’s own suspicion that this Christmas project was one reason why Adam always went to the city in early December.

It warmed Joe’s heart to realize that his family helped children every year. And he was pleased that his mother was an important part of the first Secret Santa.

Joe knew his brothers teased him about doing their chores on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. What they didn’t know was that he’d started it, not to hurry their opening of presents as they assumed, but rather to help them get some extra sleep before and after their deliveries.

Yes, he thought again, he could keep a secret. And this one was definitely worth keeping.

 

December 1873 — Jamie

Jamie was deep in thought while doing his chores alone in the barn. He felt blessed to be part of this family. Every time he thought about the loss of Hoss, it still hurt. Pa had been right, though, that it hurt less with time. He forced himself to think of the good times and not focus on what was lost.

In the aftermath of Hoss and Alice’s deaths, Adam had returned. He had slipped seemingly effortlessly into the oldest brother role, which Joe had willingly abdicated. That made Joe the middle brother once again, which he seemed to be enjoying thoroughly. He could tease both brothers and was beginning to be the Joe they’d known before.

As Jamie moved to clean the next stall, a deep baritone voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Want some help?”

“Sure. I ain’t gonna turn down help. It makes the job go faster.”

“And the burden lighter?”

“Yeah. How did you know?”

The side of Adam’s mouth twisted in a small smile, “Lots of experience doing chores alone and with help.” And then he winked.

Since his arrival, Adam had been helping Joe overcome not only desert ordeal but also their shared grief at losing Hoss, and Joe’s losses of Alice and their unborn baby. Hop Sing had been right that Adam was the only one who could somehow reach Joe and help him heal. Oh, Jamie had no doubt that had Hoss lived, he would have done as good or better job. After all, Pa and Joe had both said that it was Hoss who had helped Adam both after his own ordeal in the desert and after losing Laura and Peggy Dayton to their cousin Will.

It was time to think about Christmas and gifts. Jamie had little experience with giving before he became a Cartwright. The concept of Santa finding his family had been only a distant memory to him. Santa had stopped coming after his mother died.

The two brothers worked side by side in silent companionship. Jamie was amazed at how quickly Adam had become not only his brother but someone accessible that he could lean on, whether for advice or just someone to listen. It wasn’t the same as Hoss, but Jamie still cherished their relationship.

When they reached the last stall at almost the same time, they shared a chuckle. Jamie immediately volunteered to do it. After Adam cleaned and put away his tools, he began to check the tack. Jamie finished the stall and dumped the wheelbarrow, and then cleaned his own tools before putting them away.

Since it looked like his oldest brother was open to a conversation, Jamie decided to ask about the origin of the family’s Secret Santa tradition. Hoss had planned to tell him last year, and it seemed fitting to ask his oldest brother who Hoss had said started it. Before he could ask his question, Adam spoke.

“What’s on your mind?”

“How do you do that?”

“Do what, check the tack?”

“No, read my mind.”

Adam laughed. “Oh that. Lots of practice with younger brothers. So, I take it you do have something you want to talk about?”

“Yeah. Hoss promised to tell me about the Secret Santa tradition. The first one. Although he said he might need Pa’s help since he was a little boy when it happened. He said his memory was sketchy about that year. Will you tell me the story?”

“Sure. You ready for a break? We could go in the house and get a warm drink.”

“Sounds good to me.”

They walked in companionable silence to the ranch house. The silence was something else Jamie appreciated about Adam. He didn’t have to fill every minute with conversation or chatter. Actually, when Jamie thought about it, his oldest brother rarely spoke any unnecessary words. After hanging up their hats and coats, Adam went into the kitchen. He spoke briefly with Hop Sing and then came out with two cups of warm apple cider. Each had a cinnamon stick sticking out of it.

He handed one to Jamie, who settled himself on the settee while Adam sat in the blue chair.

“Thanks, Adam! How did you get the cinnamon sticks?”

“Oh, I think it helped that I brought extras from my latest trip to San Francisco. I told Hop Sing what we were going to talk about, and he said it was a celebration of growing up that you were finally learning the story.”

Both sipped their cider and then held the mugs in their hands. Their warmth was a comfort after working all morning in the barn. The weather had turned brisk, and Jamie wondered if it might snow. The sky looked that way, but he was never as good at predicting the weather as Hoss had been. A silent tear tracked down his cheek as he thought about never seeing his biggest brother again. He quickly turned and brushed it away, hoping Adam wouldn’t see. If he did, he didn’t let on.

The combination of the warm fire and spiced apple cider helped Jamie relax. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d been, worrying about what was the right time and way to approach Adam.

His oldest brother was silent with a far off gaze as he searched his memories. After a few moments, he began his story with Hoss wanting to help the Bell children. He explained how Santa hadn’t come before Inger, and what she said about the Tomte.

“Since then, it’s become a tradition at Christmas for us to give anonymous gifts and share our bounty with those less fortunate. This year you can help decide about gifts and make the deliveries. We have to be quiet and sneaky, which is why Joe never did it until he was older than you. He did help with the gifts and often had great suggestions.”

“Why?”

“Joe had the sneaky part down. It was holding back his giggles that was too challenging for him to make deliveries.”

Adam’s eye twinkled and then both of them chuckled. Jamie thought about everything Adam had said.

After a few moments he remarked, “And all that started from Hoss when he was a very little boy wanting to help.”

“That’s one way of looking at it. Without Inger and her story—whether true or not—Pa and I would never have thought about it. It actually was a way for us, first Pa and me, and later Hoss to honor Inger and her memory at Christmas. Then after Marie was gone, we also did it to honor her. And this year, we’ll all do it to honor Hoss and all our mothers’ memories.”

“I definitely want to help. What do I do first?”

They discussed what they’d need to do. Ben, Joe and Hop Sing wanted to be part of it. Candy and Griff also wanted to help.

No outsider ever discovered the Secret Santas’ identities. Or if they did, they kept the secret.

Often during deliveries the Secret Santas thought they heard Hoss’ hearty laugh and Inger and Marie’s joyous ones. And perhaps they did.

 

Link to 2019 Advent Calendar – December 14:

The Tipping Point by Patina