Bonanza Brand
~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
* Day 8 *

Summary:  An earlier request and a shopping trip well before the season help expand a Ponderosa Christmas Tradition.
Rating:  G    Words: 1,700

Note:  This story was written for the Bonanza Brand 2020 Advent Calendar, originated in the Forums.

Christmas Traditions

Sitting on the bench seat with his arms crossed and his legs swinging back and forth; anyone who knew six-year-old Little Joe Cartwright could see he wasn’t very happy. Earlier in the morning Ben had given him firm instructions on what behavior was expected as well as the dire consequences should it be reported back that he misbehaved while accompanying Hop Sing to the settlement. With a pouting sigh he whined, “Not that I don’t wanna go with you, but why couldn’t I go out with Papa and Hoss?”

With reins in both hands, Hop Sing concentrated on driving the team of horses hitched to the buckboard.  Pausing before he answered, he knew he couldn’t make reference to the child’s age; that would surely set Little Joe into an epic tantrum. “Mr. Cartlight busy with Hoss and the men out on the range.” Softly shouldering into his charge, “If you not eat all those apples, you not be sick in belly when Papa and Hoss do their shopping. When he give me list for supplies, he say I take you go shop for Mr. Adam’s gift.”

“But his birthday was months ago,” Joe complained.

“Not birthday, Christmas.”

“But it’s only September,” the boy bemoaned, flopping his hands to the seat and dropping his head backwards with a groan.

“It take time for gifts to be delivered to Boston. We no shop now, gifts not arrive in time for Mr. Adam to open Christmas morning.”

Turning in his seat, Joe asked, “But how do I know what to get him? I gots months to think before I have to buy presents for everyone else.”

Observing the curly-haired child fidget in his seat, “In Lit’le Joe heart, you look there and you know.”

With a shuddering breath, Joe wiped the heels of his hands at his eyes, threatening to brim with tears, “Hop Sing? Do you miss Adam?”

Seeing his companion nod at his question, Joe answered, “I miss him, too.”

“Hop Sing know. Trust me, it be all right.”

Joe listened to the sounds of hooves plodding along, the occasional blowing from one horse or the other, the harness jingling, and the creak of the wheels as they traveled along. Watching the passing scenery, he witnessed a doe with her fawns grazing as well as squirrels flitting from limb to limb within the trees. In a clearing Joe spotted a stately buck, standing as if at attention.

Hearing trembling sigh that followed a sniffle, Hop Sing knew the youth was doing his best to accept the changes that had occurred during the past year. Without a second thought, he handed the reins over and wrapped an arm around the boy’s shoulders.

A smile began to grace Little Joe’s face as he took hold of the long leather straps. Driving the team brought to mind the times his oldest brother had allowed him to do the same. Thinking of Adam, Joe remembered some of the late-night talks the two had; especially the last discussion which had been the evening before Adam had left for Boston back in the spring. They’d talked of family, the ranch, and ventured into traditions. Joe couldn’t help worrying at how this Christmas would be so different; no Momma and no Adam. Before their conversation ended, Adam had informed Little Joe that he needed his help.

Sitting taller…. But, maybe he could…. He had a task to complete and his oldest brother had trusted only him to help. Yep, it was up to him to make it the best Christmas it could be.

*****

Months later, a Christmas sun rose brightly over the snow-filled landscape; illuminating the magnificence of the Ponderosa blanketed in white. Hop Sing and Ben Cartwright were already hours awake, anticipating the youngest member of the household bounding down the staircase; the child’s excitement overflowing, eager to find out what Santa had delivered.

Placing a fresh pot of coffee on the table, Hop Sing looked up at hearing a creak on the staircase. “Mr. Cartlight,” he whispered and tapped the man on the shoulder, nodding with his head.

Lowering the San Francisco Chronical, Ben watched his youngest son cautiously make his way down the staircase. Tongue stuck out the corner of his mouth in earnest concentration, Joe cautiously balanced the presents he carried. Hoss stood at the top of the staircase, his gently fisted hands held in front of him at shoulder height, his shoulders raised close to his ears, his faced revealed his apprehension as he watched his little brother take each step, oh so slowly. Everyone let out a sigh of relief when the boy stopped on the middle landing and turned.

“Hi Pa! Hi Hop Sing! Merry Christmas!” Bending over, he set the packages down and lifted the top present and carefully carried it to the tree. He repeated his actions with his second wrapped gift. With the third and final package, he held it close to his chest and jumped down each step, one at a time before kneeling at the tree and slipping the surprise below the boughs. Stepping back, his gaze began at the bottom, moving past the many strings of cranberries and popcorn he had helped thread, the numerous ornaments, some old, some new, before stopping at the very top where he spotted the cloth angel. He remembered Adam telling him it has been sewn by his mother when she was just a child. “Yep, just as Adam said.” Nodding his head, Joe observed Hoss’ approach and knew a playful swat would soon be aimed towards his posterior. Making good his escape; Joe skipped to the table, taking his seat to the right of his father.

“Merry Christmas Joseph, Hoss,” Ben announced, watching his youngest tuck a checkered napkin into the unbuttoned collar of his shirt.

“Merry Christmas, Pa, Shortshanks,” Hoss proclaimed, taking a seat to the left of Ben. “Merry Christmas Hop Sing, breakfast shore do smell good,” he draped a napkin across his lap.

Placing a platter stacked with hotcakes and sausage links to the table, “Merry Christmas to brothers, too. Eat before breakfast get cold.” With a nod, Hop Sing stepped away to return to his kitchen.

“Hop Sing?”

Halting before turning down the hallway, Hop Sing backtracked at hearing the small voice. “Yes, Lit’le Joe?”

“You’ll join us for breakfast, right? I mean, you are part of the family.”

Looking to his employer for guidance, Hop Sing smiled and walked to the seat at the opposite end of the table when the man nodded.

*****

Colorful paper and various ribbons lay strewn across the floor as each member of the Cartwright family enjoyed the gifts that had been given and received.

“Pa?” Joe whispered and pointed, “There’s still one gift.”

Reaching under the tree, Ben pulled one not so perfectly wrapped gift and read the name on the tag. “This one says it’s for Hop Sing.” Raising his eyebrows, Ben shouted, “Hop Sing!”

Waiting for their Chinese housekeeper and cook to make his appearance, Ben looked the present over. He knew in years past that Adam had always purchased a small gift for the man, and Ben had been saddened earlier in the morning to realize with Adam living so far away that the tradition would not continue this year. But, having recognized the backwards-slanted penmanship of his youngest, he wondered.

Padding quietly into the great room, “You need me, Mr. Cartlight?”

“Yes, it seems St. Nicholas has left a gift for you as well.” He handed over the package and encouraged the man to have a seat on one of the chairs.

Looking to the brothers sitting side by side on the floor in front of the crackling fire in the hearth, he saw Hoss barely shake his head no as his shoulders imperceptibly rose in a shrug. He noticed the youngest boy attempting to sit stoically, but the expression on his face and his green eyes shown bright in eager anticipation.

Nimble fingers unwrapped the gift. Lifting the lid off the paperboard box, he pulled the item out to show everyone a roll of red and white striped material.

“Unroll it,” Joe encouraged, crawling forward on his knees. “See, it’s a sleeping cap, it’s long enough for your queue to fit inside.” Little Joe announced as the material unfurled in Hop Sing’s hands. “Before he left, Adam and me got to talking about all kinds a stuff and later, well…. I figured this could help keep your head warm and your braid from getting all mussed up while ya sleep.”

“Thank you, Lit’le Joe. Gift is unexpected and most welcomed.”

Beaming at the praise, Joe turned back to the book of horses he had received from Adam and the black and white wooden horse Hoss had carved and painted, all while wearing the newest cowboy hat he had received from his father.

*****

Later that evening, Ben sat on the edge of Little Joe’s bed.

“That was a thoughtful gift you gave Hop Sing.”

Lying on his back, playing with the coverlet, “It didn’t seem right for him not to get a present like everyone else.”

Leaning over to place a kiss on Joe’s forehead, “Adam said the same thing the first Christmas Hop Sing was with us.”

“Tre…” a yawn slipped out, prompting Joe to stretch his arms over his head, “addi…tion.”

“That’s tradition,” Ben stated as he drew the blanket up his son’s chest.

Flopping his arms to his side, “Yeah, before he left to go to Boston, Adam asked me to help keep the tradition alive.”

“But Adam never invited Hop Sing to eat breakfast with us at the table.”

“Nope,” Joe giggled, “that was my idea.” Pulling his arms and hands under the covers, Joe snuggled deeper, “You didn’t mind, did ya?”

“No son. I didn’t mind at all. In fact, I think it was a wonderful addition to the tradition.” Standing, Ben walked across the floor. Halting at the bureau, he turned down the lantern wick and blew out the flame before proceeding to the door. “Merry Christmas Little Joe, and sweet dreams.”

Turning to his side and slipping both hands under his cheek, “Merry Christmas, Pa.”

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Character:  Hop Sing

Gift:  Stocking cap

Link to Bonanza Brand 2020 Advent Calendar – Day 9 – Heirlooms by faust