{"id":5519,"date":"2010-12-24T17:53:05","date_gmt":"2010-12-24T22:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5519"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:36","slug":"the-christmas-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5519","title":{"rendered":"The Christmas Surprise (by deansgirl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The first Chrismas after Marie died was going to be a sad one.\u00a0 Can Adam and Hoss make the season bright after all?<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (2,240 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Christmas Surprise<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christmas was always a special holiday at the Ponderosa. But that first Christmas after Marie died was going to be the hardest Christmas of all. Adam Cartwright stood on the porch of the ranch house and looked out towards the setting sun. Tomorrow was Christmas. He lowered his eyes and discreetly wiped them on the back of his hand. It would never do to let the family see the tears that stung his eyes. The Cartwrights had agreed not to have a Christmas this year. It just would not seem right without Marie. There were too many traditions that they had with her. There was not even a tree in the house and all the invitations that they had received had been refused. Of course, there would be no party at the Ponderosa. If Marie was not there to do it right there would be none at all. Which is too sad, Adam thought, the Ponderosa parties were the best in the territory.<\/p>\n

Adam was startled out of his thoughts by his younger brother Hoss who left the shelter of the front door to stand next to him. Adam was glad that he had wiped away those tears. \u201cAh shore am goin\u2019 miss the tree and the presents.\u201d Hoss started. \u201cChristmas always was such a happy time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam agreed with him. But their father had not wanted Christmas so he said, \u201cYes, but lots of sad memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, ah think its too bad that the baby\u2019s first Christmas after the loss of his mother has to be like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had to agree. Little Joe should be celebrating Christmas like all the other children. There should be a tree in the house with presents under it in the morning. Adam turned when he heard the front door slam and his little brother came out and looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d the young boy asked, \u201cWith out a tree will we have presents tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was unsure how to answer his brother. Little Joe stood there looking up at him with trusting eyes. He could not say no. Even if Pa felt bad about Christmas that was no reason to refuse a Christmas to the baby of the family. No Little Joe deserved Christmas. That was when Adam decided that even if Pa did not want a Christmas he would make sure that there was one. \u201cWho knows, Joe?\u201d he answered with a smile. \u201cMaybe a tree will come with the presents. Now why don\u2019t you go inside? It\u2019s cold out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam.\u201d Joe skipped inside the house.<\/p>\n

Hoss watched Little Joe leave before he turned to his older brother. \u201cAdam, why\u2019d ya say that?\u201d he demanded. \u201cYa know we ain\u2019t goin\u2019 have a Christmas this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa doesn\u2019t want a Christmas.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cBut I do and so does Joe and I think you do too. So we will plan the Christmas party. Pa need never know until after it is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa\u2019ll git into huge trouble.\u201d Hoss warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019ll love it once he settles down. He\u2019s just pretty upset, Hoss.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cHe\u2019ll be glad to see that we can still continue living without Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about the traditions?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Adam placed a hand gently on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said tenderly. \u201cMarie is never coming back. It\u2019s time we start making new traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first person Adam had to see was Hop Sing. Adam knew that Hop Sing, not being Christian, did not celebrate Christmas. He did hope, though, that the little Chinese cook would help them make it the greatest Christmas ever.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was glad to help. \u201cChristmas happy day.\u201d He smiled a big smile when Adam asked if he could have cookies for tomorrow morning and a big Christmas dinner. \u201cHop Sing was hoping Mista Ben would come to senses and celebrate. Hop Sing already make Christmas cookies. Now only have to kill chicken. We can pretend its turkey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cTake one of the hams from the smokehouse.\u201d He suggested. \u201cChristmas is for ham, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYesa.\u201d Hop Sing clapped his hands in joy. \u201cSo much fun. But wait,\u201d he said as a thought struck him, \u201cwhat about tree and gifts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou worry about the dinner.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cHoss and I will take care of everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was still in bed as Adam and Hoss silently left the house and hitched their horses up to the sled. Chubb and Beauty were used to carrying their masters not pulling the boys behind them. But Adam and Hoss clucked gently to the two beautiful animals and the horses tossed their heads as if to say \u201cWhat ever.\u201d Then they were off.<\/p>\n

Should we get the tree furst?\u201d Hoss asked . \u201cOr are ya getting\u2019 presints?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPresents.\u201d Adam answered his eyes on the dark road in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s pretty late, Adam.\u201d Hoss pointed out. \u201cWho\u2019s goin\u2019 be open for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how are ya goin\u2019 get presents?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to ask someone to open up for us.\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think they will?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. And I won\u2019t know for sure until I get there. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cOK, Adam.\u201d Then he lapsed into silence.<\/p>\n

It was when the boys were nearing Virginia City that Hoss finally asked another question. \u201cWhat ya goin\u2019 buy?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure yet.\u201d Adam answered. \u201cLet\u2019s see what Mark Fletcher has in the general store, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and bounced slightly on the seat. \u201cI caint wait.\u201d Hoss laughed. \u201cThis is fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped the wagon in front of the Fletcher General Store. It was closed, of course, but when he rang the bell Jim Fletcher was still in the store. He opened the door and his big genial face smiled at the sight of the Cartwright brothers. \u201cHello, boys!\u201d he called. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cWe\u2019re planning a surprise Christmas, Mr. Fletcher.\u201d He answered. \u201cHow about letting us in to buy some gifts? Are you still open?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim Fletcher nodded. \u201cFor you boys I shore am. \u2018Sides I heard about your problem at home with Christmas and I said to myself that it was a sad situation. I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re about to buy something for the family. What can I help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss followed the friendly storekeeper into his large general store. It smelled of cinnamon and spices. Hoss took a deep breathe and sighed. Adam looked around the store for a few minutes and then pointed to a puzzle game in the corner shelf.. \u201cCan I have that for Little Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d Jim took the puzzle off the shelf and handed it to Adam.<\/p>\n

The young man let his eyes rove around the store some more. \u201cHoss, how about that new knife set for Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at the shiny knife set on the counter top. \u201cHe\u2019d like that.\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

Jim set it next to the puzzle. \u201cWhat else, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a black leather wallet on the shelf next to a black men\u2019s hat and shoes. \u201cThe wallet for Pa, please.\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n

Jim smiled. \u201cYour Pa will love this wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked around the room again and lowered his voice. \u201cThe dice and marbles, please.\u201d He said quietly. \u201cFor Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim laughed and set it on the counter. \u201cWhat else?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cNothing.\u201d He replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Jim demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust some journal books.\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI have some more writing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim smiled and started to pack everything into some boxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much is it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty dollars.\u201d Jim replied. \u201cDo you want me to charge it to your account?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI have the money here.\u201d He handed the money to the storekeeper and smiled. \u201cThank you so much for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s some paper in there, too, Adam. You can wrap the gifts at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThank you so much.\u201d Then he turned to his brother. \u201cCome on, Hoss. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wanted to drop the gifts off at home first. \u201cIt\u2019ll be easier to get the tree that way.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n

Hoss agreed. \u201cWhere should we put the gifts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hide them with Hop Sing.\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe can keep them in the kitchen when we go to get the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. When the boys stopped in front of the ranch house Hoss grabbed the box of gifts and walked quietly inside and into the kitchen. It smelt like ginger and spices. Hop Sing was busy making his pumpkin pie. \u201cChicken all killed.\u201d He announced. \u201cHam smoking over fire. What you got there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas presents.\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cAdam and ah are goin\u2019 to get the tree. Can you hide these?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Hop Sing smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo peekin\u2019.\u201d Hoss warned heading towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo worries.\u201d Hop Sing smiled a large smile as Hoss left the house.<\/p>\n

Adam was waiting for him in the wagon. \u201cI got some saws while you were in the house.\u201d He whispered. \u201cIt\u2019ll have to be a little tree, Hoss, since we don\u2019t have much time to cut and trim it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right.\u201d Hoss assured his older brother. \u201cAs long as we have a tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tree was small compared to ones in years past. But as Adam and Hoss chopped it down and loaded it into the wagon they both agreed that it was the best tree they had ever seen. Now to sneak it into the house without waking Pa.<\/p>\n

That was the hardest part. Adam bumped his shin on the tree as they carried it into the living room. Hoss cut his hand on the bark as they set it up. Hoss went into the kitchen to get Hop Sing to put a bandage on the cut while Adam surveyed the tree. Now if he could only remember where Marie had put the ornaments.<\/p>\n

He need not have worried. When Hoss reentered the great room he carried a box. In the box were all the ornaments. Hop Sing peeked his head out from the kitchen and smiled. Adam saw him and nodded his thanks. \u201cCome and help us, Hop Sing.\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n

The tree men worked hard to trim the tree. It was an hour before they finished and Adam sensed how badly the tree needed a woman\u2019s touch. Still they had one more thing to place and that was the star at the top of the tree. \u201cThe star of Bethlehem.\u201d Adam murmured as Hoss hung the star. \u201cOh, Marie, I wish you were here to see this.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then the presents were laid under the tree and Hoss looked at the grandfather clock. It was almost three o\u2019 clock in the morning. But it had been a profitable evening. Joe would be so excited. Now Pa, Adam shook his head, Pa might not be too thrilled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Pa! Wake up!\u201d Little Joe bounced on his father\u2019s bed. \u201cPa a tree came last night and presents, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright sat up and rubbed his eyes. \u201cWhat are you talking about, Joe?\u201d he asked his youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just went downstairs.\u201d Joe answered. \u201cA tree is down there and presents too. Come on down, Pa. I want to open the presents.\u201d Little Joe hopped off the bed and ran towards the door. \u201cOh, and Pa,\u201d he stopped and turned. \u201cMerry Christmas\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched the door slam behind his son. Then he shook his head and lay back down. There could not be a tree or presents. He would know if there was. And he had decided that Christmas would not be celebrated that year.<\/p>\n

Ben sat up in surprise. Could Adam have disobeyed him and decided to have Christmas after all? The conversation he had with his son the week before came back:<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, we really should have Christmas. Little Joe does not understand why you have decided no Christmas. He is just a child, Pa. Don\u2019t take away his Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if I decide we are not going to have Christmas then we will not have Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I think you\u2019re making a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll thank you not to tell me what to do, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa. But if you think Little Joe is not suffering over his mother\u2019s death, then you are wrong. I\u2019ve heard him crying at night. I think Christmas presents will help him to forget his troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and stood up. Yes, Adam would disobey his orders. He loved his little brother and he was stubborn, stubborn as, well as Ben himself was. Ben slipped on his clothes and headed towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

He saw his sons there standing around the tree. Ben made no sound as he watched his boys from the top of the stairs. Little Joe was thrilled and his smile made Ben\u2019s heart melt at Adam\u2019s act. His son had acted in Little Joe\u2019s best interest after all. And as he walked down the stairs to join his sons beside the tree he smiled at Adam and Hoss and took his two eldest sons hands in his. \u201cThank you.\u201d he said simply. \u201cAnd Merry Christmas to all of you. Now how about opening some presents.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0The first Chrismas after Marie died was going to be a sad one.\u00a0 Can Adam and Hoss make the season bright after all?<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (2,240 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":5348,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1051,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/CartwrightFamily.jpg?fit=259%2C194&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48063,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48063","url_meta":{"origin":5519,"position":0},"title":"Pictures of Angels (by AH83)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"December 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: While sorting through Christmas decorations, Ben finds two cherished mementos of a Christmas long ago.\u00a0 Rating: K, Word Count: 917","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":35442,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=35442","url_meta":{"origin":5519,"position":1},"title":"I Think of You (by SJRCartwright)","author":"SJRCartwright","date":"December 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Remembering the family gathering together to open their gifts on Christmas morning. 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