I was sitting on the couch with a nice fire going and some Bossa Nova playing on the tube. Earlier, we had a lovely supper, watched a couple of old Uncle Herriot episodes before C turned in for the evening. Buddy had gone out on patrol so I was writing while I waited up for him to return. While it was chilly outside, our recent warm-up had melted all the snow we had received in the past few weeks.
I heard the portal flap open and heard Buddy’s paws hit the 2 wooden boxes we have for him to jump down on. As his typical habit, he mewed as he came into the library past the lit tree to announce his arrival. But tonight was different—for immediately after mewing he spoke:
B-Howdy Dad! Merry Christmas!
J-Howdy yourself and Merry Christmas to you, too! You’re speaking and it isn’t midnight yet!
B-Yeah, why wait I thought. I knew it would please you.
J-Indeed and thank you. Would you like a snack? (Getting off the couch)
B-Is the pope Catholic? (chuckling)
J-Ha! Bin used to say that!
B-I know!
He tailed me with intent as I pulled his wet food out of the frig and stood at the counter by the sink to spoon it into his dish. I managed to pivot around him and stepped over to his feeding area to place the dish down. As he leaned over to eat, I gave him a scritch and felt his chilly fur. I went back to the frig for a refill and walked out to the couch while he ate. It was still snowing. Soon, he jumped up next to me and began to do some post-patrol/feeding cleaning.
J-How was patrol?
B-Not much going on. Cold and thankfully no snow. Man, that fire feels good. Thanks!
J-You are welcome. Anybody out there?
B-Nah. Everyone’s hunkered down.
J-Pruners?
B-No.
B-So, I’m thinking of speaking more often.
J-Cool. Will you include Mum or is this our thing? I think she would be delighted.
B-Hmm, I really hadn’t thought about that.
J-No hurry. Whatever you are comfortable with, ok?
B-Sure. (he nosed over towards my glass) Mother’s Milk?
J-Yep!
Buddy’s ears suddenly perked up.
J-You hearing the Big Guy?
B-Yep or I am hearing bells jingling for no reason.
We heard a dull thud on the roof. Buddy immediately looked up as his eyes widened. Then, his head snapped towards the library and a large shape emerged into the tree light.
S-Merry Christmas, my good friends!
He strode over to the loveseat and sat down.
J/B-Merry Christmas to you, Santa!
J-Howya been, man? Would you care for a dram?(I had a glass and napkin ready for him)
S-Oh, busy. Sorry about the green Christmas. And yes, a dram would be lovely. (he took a nice swig and wiped his mouth). Thank you. That hits the spot. How are you, fellows?
J-Not too shabby. Been one helluva year.
B-I’m pretty good, thanks.
S-Yes, Jeff-you and your beautiful wife have had a trying year on a number of levels. I am sorry about that.
J-Well, thanks. But, we have gotten through it and we’re ok.
J-And how’s your beautiful wife, btw?
S-Just fine, thanks for asking. Hopefully has her feet up enjoying a cupper.
S-This year has been hard for many. So much wickedness causing so much suffering across the planet. It's like some sort of virus. We had to obtain many more lumps of coal than usual and in fact, I dedicated separate sleighs with specially trained elves to deliver them. Why Washington DC took 3 coal sleighs by itself! Very bad boys and girls there, my goodness!
J-Yeah. They deserve it and much much more.
S-Well that part, your kind will have to attend to. I’m not in the justice business. But for what it is worth, these things unfortunately come and go. I’ve seen it over the years. (his brow wrinkled and his eyes saddened) Your kind Jeff, are very slow learners and keep making the same mistakes over and over.
J-I know. Religion has been around for centuries yet it doesn’t seem to have made things better. Often worse depending on the circumstances. Well geez, I’ve bummed St. Nick out. Let’s have another dram.
S-Great idea. Sorry, I usually am not like this. I’m in the joy biz. Like this big guy (giving Buddy, who had jumped up next to him, a belly rub)
J-Yes he is. How are our old crew?
S-All are well and send their warmest greetings and hope you and C are well.
B-Have you seen my Mum?
S-Your feline Mum? Yes. She recycled a while back and is living in Iowa with a lovely and loving family. I told her where you were and she was very happy for you. All of your siblings have recycled and are scattered around the world and doing well. They send their greetings.
J-Awww, that’s great news, Buddy-roo!
He had his head on Nick’s lap as Nick stroked his ears. He murmured a few short kittenish mews.
J-Are you sad, Bud?
B-This is the first I have heard of them since the colony was broken up. I’ve missed them.
S-Well, my bad for not bringing you up to date. I’ve visited twice since you arrived. I do apologize. Here, I have a goodie for you.
In a barely perceptible motion of his free hand, he produced a small, loosely wrapped bundle and placed it on the coffee table. As he unwrapped it, Buddy’s mood changed and he jumped down and began eating the tasty treat.
J-Fishy?
S-(chuckling) of course. I know what this big guy likes. And there’s something for you, too.
There on the table were wrapped Mozart chocs, a fav from long ago.
J-Oh yum (I bit into one and followed with a sip of Drambuie) That brings back memories. I haven't seen these in years! Thanks, man.
S-(smiling) Well, that is something else I do.
We hear jingling of bells outside.
S-Welp, duty calls.
We stand and hug.
J-Well, thanks for stopping by. Safe journey!
B-Bon Voyage, Nick. And thanks for the news about my kin.
S-You’re welcome. Have a good new year, you two. And C as well.
J-Thanks.
He turned and gave a bit of a salute to say “cya,” then vanished into the darkened corner in the library. Soon we heard bells as the sleigh lifted off with the sound quickly disappearing. Outside was still, the Back 40 covered with a blanket of brown oak leaves. As I went over to the fireplace to give it a stir, I noticed 3 shadowy forms at the Diner. It was the Mama Doe and her 2 fawns. We had put out some corn and seed for them and they clearly were enjoying this unusual item on the buffet. I inwardly hoped that next season we would not have the severe drought we all experienced this year. I turned and found that Bud was curled up on the couch, already asleep. I gave him a soft, single stroke on his fur and he quietly purred.
J-Sweet dreams my friend. And Merry Christmas. Cya in the morning.
I turned off the LED candles, picked up the glasses and wrappings, turned off the tree lights and walked into the kitchen. I was cleaning up when C came in for a drink of water.
C-Did Santa stop in?
J-Yep, sure did-you just missed him. Come, the deer are at the Diner.
We quietly moved into the darkened Great Room. The deer were still there.
C-Aww, they’re enjoying the corn. Merry Christmas to them. Look-there’s a couple of juncos on the ground next to them.
J-How unusual, usually they are nesting at this hour.
I put my arm around her and gave her a smooch on her warm cheek. As our eyes grew accustomed to the light, we noticed more folks at the Diner: LG the squirrel, Mama Nutkin, Bernie the young skunk, Blossom the possum, Big Bun, and a portly raccoon. M/M Cardinal had flown up and were on the feeder. All were quietly feeding without rancor or aggression. C returned the smooch and held me tight as we stood and watched. Buddy was lightly snoring.
C-It’s the peaceable kingdom.
A light snow began to silently fall, melting on the warm bodies who were attending this Winter’s feast. Perhaps this was a hopeful sign for the coming year. That would be a blessing.
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| Christmas in the Woods 1917 Philip Vinton Clayton |
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