Christmas Magic

Christmas Magic

It was the week of Christmas and the town of Camden Corners was a bustle of activity. The sun had come out a few days after the early December blizzard and the snowdrifts were disappearing each day although there was a fresh coating of snow covering the ground.

School was out for the holiday and the children were taking full advantage of the snow. Billy and Butch Duesenberry were looking forward to their first Christmas in Camden Corners. They had always been aware of the holiday. People were always a bit more generous at that time of year and the boys had found panhandling to be very profitable in December. They were very happy they didn't have to rely on strangers' generosity anymore. Kate and Will were delighted their home was filled with laughter and activity that the two growing boys provided. Will believed he was the luckiest man in the world. Kate was everything he had ever dreamed of. In less than a year's time he was a married man with two sons and a baby on the way. He had to pinch himself every once in a while to make sure it was true.

Will was looking forward to the annual Christmas pageant. The Ladies Auxiliary had always taken charge of the event in the past with Will's blessing. It was an event everyone in town looked forward to every year. The tradition had gone on for so many years that some of the early Marys and Josephs were watching their grandchildren in those roles now.

This evening is their last rehearsal before the Christmas Eve presentation. Cassandra Rossi is Mary this year. Kenny Bentley is playing Joseph. Becky Bentley is a singing angel. This is a variation of the usual performance because Becky's sweet voice is so heavenly. Will's son, Butch also is playing a solo on his clarinet. He is a natural with a musical instrument.

Iris Taylor is one of the wise men. She had been practicing the word frankincense all morning. She thought it would be easier if she had been the wiseman carrying the gift of gold to the baby Jesus but she accepted her part and her lines without complaint. Iris was rehearsing while her new baby sister was watching from her cradle. Little Jennie Taylor had been born in September. She will be playing the part of the baby Jesus in the pageant. Joey was running around being a boy but Iris didn't seem to mind.

Diana and Joe Taylor were watching their children from the doorway. The day Iris came into town less than two years ago changed their lives completely. They had been married for five years and were afraid they were not going to ever have a baby. Shortly after they became parents to Iris, little Joey was on the way and before too long Diana discovered she was expecting another and Jennie was the result. Diana and Joe had so much to be grateful for this year.

Kenny Bentley wasn't sure he liked the idea of wearing a beard in the pageant tomorrow night.

“This thing itches. Couldn't we pretend Joseph went to the barber shop that day?”

Caroline Bentley laughed. “Have you ever seen a barber's pole in a picture of the desert Kenny?”

Caroline was reflecting on the previous year too. She was all by herself in this big house just a few months ago when her daughter, Grace married her long time beau, Ted Evans. Shortly after Lucinda and Cassandra came to live in the boarding house she was reunited with Jamison Bentley. Caroline and Jamison knew they were meant to be together and planned a future. Suddenly, two young orphans were in their lives and they became a family. The surprises weren't over when soon after their marriage, Caroline discovered she was expecting a baby. She didn't believe it was possible since her daughter, Grace was making her a grandmother for the first time.

“Grandmother's don't have babies,” she insisted to Doc McMillan.

Once the shock wore off, she and Jamison were delighted at the prospect of a new baby of their own.

Lucinda and Cassandra moved out of the boarding house after Lucinda's marriage to Nick Rossi but the house was still full especially when Jamison's two sons came for a visit.

Caroline knew Kenny would be wearing the beard whether it itched or not. He was a pleasant child who had faced more tragedy than any young boy should have to. His mother died after a long illness and his father eventually drank himself to death after he lost his wife. Kenny took full responsibility for his young sister, Becky. Becky was mute because of fear her father had instilled in her. After a few months of living around people who loved and cared for her she came out of her shell and began speaking again. That was when it was discovered that she had such a lovely singing voice.

Caroline didn't think she could ever be happier than she was right now and then felt Jamison's strong arms wrapped around her waist.

Cassandra Rossi picked up the necklace her papa, Paul McCoy, had given her shortly before he was gunned down on the streets of New York City. Cassandra was only 2 years old when her papa was taken away so suddenly. She was having a hard time remembering him. Her life had changed dramatically in the last year. As it turned out, Mr. Howard who lived next door to Cassandra's mama and her in New York was her great grandfather. He left her mama a lot of money when he died. She and Mama moved here to Camden Corners and met her new papa, Nick Rossi. Cassandra loved Papa Nick with all her heart but cherished the necklace with the pink heart. She only wore it for special occasions but she liked to put it around her neck. She wanted Papa Paul to know she loved him and would never forget him and the necklace had become a symbol of that love to her.

“Cassandra” her mother called from the stairwell. “Kenny and Becky are here for you. They want you to come with them to the park to build a snowman.”

Cassandra, forgetting she was wearing her necklace, raced down the stairs to get her coat and boots on and took off with her friends where they met other children in the park.

After an hour or so of being out in the cold, Cassandra and her friends were back inside the house sipping hot chocolate and nibbling Christmas cookies.

Lucinda noticed her daughter had a chain around her neck. “Cassandra where did you get that chain, is it from your necklace?”

Cassandra put her hands to her throat. She felt for the pink heart and it wasn't there.

“Oh Mama, I forgot I had my necklace on and the heart is gone” she couldn't hold the tears back. The only remembrance of her papa was the necklace and now she had lost it.

Nick had just arrived home and said he would help her look for it. The children put their coats and boots back on and they all went out the door to the park.

Nick and Lucinda knew it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. The snow had been falling since the children had come in from the cold. The heart would most likely be covered with snow by now. They searched until the children were almost stiff with the cold. Lucinda took them home but Nick kept looking until the daylight disappeared. Nick knew how much that necklace meant to Cassandra. He knew losing the heart was like losing her father all over again. He came back home and told Cassandra they would look for it every day and when spring came and all the snow disappeared they would surely find it. Nick knew the chances of finding it were slim but he couldn't let his daughter know that.

Nick spent the better part of the following morning in the park looking for the heart. Lucinda and Cassandra looked with him. It was too cold for a little girl to be out for too long at one time. It was Christmas Eve and Cassandra had to get ready to go to the church for the Christmas Eve service and pageant.

All the children did a wonderful job with their performances. Becky Bentley sang her little heart out. Nick noticed Cassandra touching her neck a time or two. She had planned to wear her precious necklace under her costume while playing her part as Mary that evening.

After the ceremony ended, the parishioners gathered in the basement meeting room for coffee and sweet treats provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Everyone wished their friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas and bid good evening as they all went to their homes. The children were anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and wanted to be sure they were in bed and asleep so that he wouldn't pass them by.

Butch and Billy were a little old to be waiting for Santa but this was the first time in their young lives that they were part of the celebration and joined in and enjoyed the fantasy.

Caroline and Jamison encouraged Kenny and Becky to talk about their mama and Papa. Caroline knew the children loved their new parents but wanted to keep the few memories they had of their birth parents alive. They would always miss their mama and even with his faults, their papa too but they were so happy in Camden Corners with Caroline and Jamison and knew their mama would be happy for them too.

Iris' life was filled with love and laughter. Her little brother and sister adored her and she felt the same way about them. She also loved her Mama Mavis' friend, Cody. He was very special to her. Not only because he knew her mama but he saved her life at the Founder's Day picnic last summer. Iris rarely thought about her father, Earl Short anymore. She felt as though she had lived with Joe and Diana Taylor forever. She liked it that way and she knew she was loved.

Cassandra walked home with her parents. She decided she wasn't going to be sad anymore because of losing the heart. Papa Nick told her she would always have her Papa Paul in her own heart. His love could never be lost. She was deep in thought about how much she loved Papa Nick when she heard him shout.

“Cassandra, look!”

She glanced at the snow pile where Nick was standing and saw a sparkle that made her want to cover her eyes. She walked over to it and and saw her pink heart resting on top of the snow. Her heart had been there all along. Or had it? Through her excitement, Cassandra thought she heard the sound of jingle bells as she reached down and touched her pink heart. She looked up at Nick who was beaming and her own heart felt like it was going to pop out of her chest. Cassandra knew she was a very lucky girl to have two papas who loved her.

After they got home Cassandra said her prayers, mama and papa tucked her into bed.

“Merry Christmas, Cassandra,” said her mother

“Merry Christmas, Mama and Papa.”

They left the room arm in arm as Cassandra closed her eyes.

“Merry Christmas Papa, thank you for my pink heart and thank you for my Papa Nick.”

Caroling in the Snow

 

Caroling in the Snow

Gordon Mackenzie was worried his wife, Fiona would have trouble getting through the snowdrifts on her way home from the pub. He hitched the horses to the sleigh and set out to meet her. Along the way he saw a young man walking against the wind.

“Hey there young fellow, would you like a lift?”

“Don't mind if I do, sir. I'm on my way to visit Doc McMillan, his office is just down the street but I seem to be fighting a losing battle trudging my way through these snowdrifts.”

“Climb on in, I'll just stop here at the pub for my wife. Here she comes now. It looks like she has some company.”

Grady moved over and looked up into the eyes of Elizabeth Lawrence. She looked familiar but he was always so distracted lately he couldn't place her and couldn't imagine that he knew anyone who lived in Camden Corners.

Introductions were made. Gordon drove slowly to Doc's office. Fiona noticed Audrey couldn't keep her eyes off of Grady Murphy and Grady couldn't seem to look away from Elizabeth who was watching the sky and wondering if she would ever be able to board the train to get back home to Buffalo.

“Dr. Murphy, we haven't met formally before but we have worked together at Buffalo General Hospital. Elizabeth and I are nurses there.”

“You must be here to visit the new hospital in town. We are very proud of our facility. Camden Corners has long needed a hospital of its own,” said Fiona. “It won't be completed until the spring at the earliest, are you all going to be working with Doc until then?”

Elizabeth chimed in, “No, Mrs. Mackenzie, we aren't here for work although it does seem like a lovely town. My friend, Audrey was jumping the gun a bit wondering what Camden Corners was like. As far as I know there is no need for our nursing skills just yet.”

Grady spoke up. “Miss Lawrence, I do recall seeing you at Buffalo General. I believe it was in the children's ward.”

“That is where I have been assigned Doctor. You may also remember Audrey. She has been there even longer than I have.”

“I don't think we have ever met before miss.” His eyes drifted back to Elizabeth who seemed to be oblivious to his attention.

They reached Doc's office and Gordon stopped the carriage to let Grady off. He thanked Gordon for the ride and smiled at Elizabeth as he fought the snow drifts up to the front door.

“Oh Elizabeth” sighed Audrey. “Did you see how he is being coy with me. He pretended he didn't know me. The silly man. He's going to play hard to get with me.”

Fiona and Gordon glanced at each other skeptically. It was obvious the good doctor only had eyes for Elizabeth.

Jack Mackenzie met them near the barn. He helped his father take care of the horses while his mother and her guests went into the house.

“You go ahead mother, I'll bring the suitcases in after I help Papa with the horses.” He glanced at the two visitors and liked what he saw.

Jack was the most serious of all the Mackenzie children. He was a talented artist and seemed to lose himself in his painting. He worked in New York for a couple of years and established himself as an artist there. He missed his home and family though and moved back much to the delight of Fiona and Gordon. He recently opened an art gallery in Camden Corners and invited other artists in the area to display their works. Jack was amazed at what young Tony Marino was able to capture with his camera and proudly displayed his creations also. His sister, Carrie helped him in the gallery and took pains framing each and every work of art. The gallery was a huge success and had an enviable reputation as far away as Connecticut. Even with his success Fiona worried that he had forgotten how to have fun. All through high school Jack never lacked for female companionship. He was a bit on the wild side back then. Although he never spoke of it, Fiona believed his heart had been broken while he was living in New York. She was happy to see the sparkle in his eyes when he saw the two pretty girls walk by him and into the house.

“I certainly hope he doesn't fall for Audrey. She seems to have eyes only for her young doctor friend.” she whispered to Gordon as they were getting out of the carriage.

“The young doctor has eyes only for Miss Elizabeth so maybe she will need Jack around to pick up the pieces.” Gordon said quietly. Gordon was as worried about their son as Fiona was.

Fiona showed the girls to Amanda's old room where they unpacked the few clothes they had brought with them and changed into some dry footwear.

“Jack is very nice looking, don't you think Elizabeth?”

“Audrey, you are suppose to be head over heels in love with Dr. Murphy. Why are you looking at Jack Mackenzie? Yes, I guess he's good looking, I'm still angry with you for dragging us all the way here for no reason at all.”

“What do you have waiting for you in Buffalo that's so important Elizabeth? Your father has moved to Pennsylvania with his new wife. Your brother is in New York City and you don't even have a cat to go home to.”

“I'm glad my father has found happiness with Janice and you know it. Why do you make me sound like a pathetic orphan? You know my father begged me to move to Pittsburgh with them and I'm always welcome at my brother's home.”

“I know but they have their own lives. You work all day and go home to an empty room in a boarding house at night. Wouldn't you like to have an adventure of your own?”

“Like a wild goose chase after your doctor friend?”

Fiona knocked on the door. “Come downstairs girls and meet the rest of the family. We will be having a quick supper and then piling into the carriage for some caroling. We won't let a little thing like a blizzard keep us from entertaining the neighbors with our glorious singing.”

Audrey thought it was a wonderful idea. Elizabeth wondered if it would be rude of her to stay here under that toasty looking quilt and read the novel she had begun on the train. She decided it would be and joined in with a smile on her face.

Jack liked Elizabeth right away. She had a sensible head on her shoulders especially compared to her friend Audrey. Audrey was pretty enough but she was silly and scatterbrained. The Mackenzie's stopped by the Burke house. They also had their own carriage and the two large families covered in blankets and quilts were on their way to the Blackburn house for a little liquid refreshment before venturing back out for their caroling.

Elizabeth was happy she decided to come along. She didn't remember ever having such a good time. She and Audrey were welcomed by everyone. Dr. Murphy came along with the McMillans and was appearing to be much more relaxed than he had been earlier in the day. Audrey was staring at him with longing in her eyes. Jack noticed the doctor was looking in her direction but could only see Elizabeth.

“I think our new doctor friend is trying to get your attention Elizabeth.”

“Oh no, he is interested in Audrey. She has set her sights on him and once Audrey makes up her mind to snag a gentleman, he doesn't have a chance.”

“That figures. She does seem to have her head in the clouds, doesn't she?”

“Jack, are you interested in Audrey?”

“No, of course not. I like a girl more down to earth.”

Lucinda walked by and mentioned that she would like to talk to Jack about art work for the hospital when he had some time.

“Go ahead, I've been monopolizing Jack's time long enough. I think I'll check on my friend Audrey.” Elizabeth walked Audrey's way and noticed a scowl on her face.

“Elizabeth, Grady keeps staring at you not me. I think he is attracted to you. After traveling all this way he doesn't even know I exist.”

“Don't be silly, Audrey. Every man in this room has noticed you. Jack Mackenzie can't stop talking about you. Why not go over there and make his evening.”

Audrey's eyes lit up. She looked over at Jack and her heart skipped a beat. He really is very nice looking. Grady Murphy was all but forgotten.

Fiona and Gordon smiled at each other. “If anyone can bring Jack out of his shell it's Audrey” said Fiona.

The young people all went out caroling in spite of the weather. Everyone else stayed behind to have a little more cider and eggnog. Reggie was happy to play host. After working outside all day he was very comfortable in the warm cottage.

The snow had let up and it was just falling lightly as the carolers made their way through the town. Mack and Maddie Mackenzie saw a noticeable difference in Jack. It seems Nurse Audrey was just what the doctor ordered.

“He's practically giggling.” Mack said to Maddie and Carrie.

“It's about time he got back to the living” Carrie said with a smile.

“I think our new physician and nurse will be playing doctor themselves before too long.” Maddie said with a chuckle as she glanced at Grady and Elizabeth. Mack was embarrassed but Carrie laughed.

Elizabeth found herself standing next to her friend Audrey and whispered in her ear. “Isn't Camden Corners a wonderful place? I'm so glad you brought me here.” Audrey just smiled.

The evening came to an end. Elizabeth and Grady bid each other a good evening with the promise of meeting the next day.

Grady slipped into his room with thoughts of Elizabeth as he readied himself for the big feather bed. It had been quite a day. Grady was nervous about his meeting with Doc but he needn't have been. Doc was a warm, kind man just like his mentor, Dr. Gilbert said he would be. Grady had met his share of egotistical physicians at Buffalo General. He knew he would feel comfortable in a small town setting and already he was sure Camden Corners would be the place for him. He had spoken briefly with Elizabeth about her plans for the future. She indicated she might be thinking of a change herself.

Within the next couple of days Audrey and Elizabeth both had promises of positions in the new hospital when it opened. In the meantime, Doc Julie hired them both to help out in the office.

“Dad, a nurse can do many of the things you, Tom and I have been doing for the patients and it will allow us more time to help them. Now that there are four doctors in the practice, we can't expect mother and April to do even more work than they do already. April will be leaving for nursing school before we know it and then it will only be mother.” Julie said

“Yes, and you would like them both to stay in Camden Corners. I may be getting on in years but I know when romance is blossoming. I can see our Dr. Murphy is smitten with Elizabeth Lawrence and your old friend Jack Mackenzie has found a new lease on life with the spunky Miss Audrey. I think it's a wonderful idea. Let's hire both of them.”

It was decided all three would return to Camden Corners shortly after the new year. It would give the hospital time to fill the soon to be vacant nursing positions. Elizabeth and Audrey also wanted to be there for the children who sadly had to spend their Christmas in the hospital. They, along with the other nurses and doctors always made the day very special for their little patients.

Shortly after the train pulled out of the station heading north, Jack Mackenzie was at the counter purchasing a ticket to Buffalo for the following weekend.

Timmy's Gift

 

It was three days before Christmas and four year old Timmy Hawthorne was eating his oatmeal at the kitchen table with his brothers and sisters. Papa had already left for the Hawthorne Garden Shop.

Lucas Hawthorne was a gardener. He loved plants and trees and anything that grew in the ground. The folks in Camden Corners often said he had a magic touch. Those who could afford his services were happy to have him take over their lawns and flower gardens in the summertime. He kept busy all year. He had a tree farm and grew poinsettias and holly bushes that he sold in his shop.

This was by far the busiest week in the year. Everyone wanted the perfect Christmas tree for their parlor. All of the shops along Main Street were decorated with holly and poinsettias from Lucas' shop. His wife, Laura was a big help to her husband with her skill at turning sprigs of holly into a beautiful wreath or garland.

Timmy was the youngest of the five Hawthorne children. Lucas, Jr. and Abraham were talented skiers and had been hired by the Camden Hill Ski Lodge as instructors during the winter months. April, who wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, was filling in as receptionist in Doctor Julie McMillan's office during her winter break. Penny loved everything Christmas and was helping Mr. & Mrs. Pringle in their shop for the day.

Timmy was slowly eating his oatmeal. He had a question he wanted to ask his mama and brothers and sisters. They were all talking at once and nobody was paying any attention to him when he reached for the sugar bowl knocking over his full glass of milk. The milk spilled all over the table and floor and in April's lap.

“Oh Timmy, look what you have done. Now I have to change my dress and I will be late for Doc McMillan's.”

Mama told April to hurry up and change and she would clean up the spilled milk. Lucas and Abe were on their way out the door when Timmy ran after them to ask them his question.

“Lucas wait up. Abe, I want to ask you something.”

“Can't talk to you now little buddy, we have to go”.

Penny was already on her way down the street.

“Hey Penny.”

She was singing Christmas carols and didn't hear her little brother calling her.

April came downstairs in a clean dress. Gave him a pat on the head and was out the door on her way to the Doc's.

“I'll ask Mama,” thought Timmy, “Mama isn't in a hurry.” But she was.

After she cleaned up the milk she started washing April's dress and then she had all the breakfast dishes to clean before she started making wreaths from the holly branches Papa brought home last night.

“Mama, I have a question to ask you.”

“What is it Timmy?”

“Well, I have a nickel and three pennies in my piggy bank and I want to buy a present for Jesus for His birthday but I don't know what He wants.”

“That's nice Timmy but Mama is very busy this morning. Let's get your snowsuit and mittens and boots on you so you can play outside for a little while.”

Timmy was all bundled up and went outside to play. He had his coins inside his mitten. He thought maybe he would walk to the Garden Shop to see Papa and ask him what he should buy for Jesus.

Papa was helping Mr. Greenly put a big tree in his truck.

“Hi Timmy what are you doing over here? Is Mama at Nichol's Market?”

Timmy said no but his Papa was busy with Mr. Greenly's tree and didn't hear him. Maybe he would come back later. He walked down the street to the bakery. Miss Diana was putting a plate of fresh baked cookies out on the porch.

“Hi Timmy, would you like a cookie? Is your Mama next door at the candy shop?”

“Thanks for the cookie Miss Diana. No, my Mama is not at Miss Maddie's. Can you tell me what to buy for Jesus for His birthday.”

Diana laughed and bent down to talk to Timmy when baby Joey started to cry. She went in the other room to pick up Joey and when she got back Timmy had disappeared.

Timmy kept walking to every shop on Main Street. Miss Maddie gave him a gumdrop but then a customer came in before she could answer Timmy's question.

Andy Parker at the post office stamped his hand with his post marker but then had to give Doc McMillan his mail.

Doc walked him out of the Post Office and just when Timmy was going to ask him his very important question, Miss Nettie Dawson slipped on a patch of ice and Doc ran over to help her up.

Timmy stopped at the fire station and petted the fire house dalmatian.

He saw Miss Emma decorating a Christmas tree outside of the antique shop. She handed him a piece of fudge but Lily needed her help with a wreath she was hanging and Emma had to go back into the shop before Timmy could ask his question.

His next stop was to visit Mr. & Mrs. Pringle at the Christmas shop. Mrs. Pringle was helping Annie Parker who was buying a nativity set. She also bought a small fire engine ornament. Timmy was watching as Mrs. Pringle carefully wrapped the baby Jesus and the fire truck. Mr. Pringle called out to Timmy and handed him a peppermint stick. Timmy knew just what to buy the baby Jesus for His birthday and ran to the toy store, his eight cents still in his mitten.

Timmy searched and searched the store and finally found a bright shiny fire engine. He reached into his mitten and brought out his eight cents.

“Is that enough for the fire truck Mr. Luke?” Timmy asked.

With a twinkle in his eye, Luke told him it was just the right amount for the 25 cent truck. Timmy beamed as Luke handed him his purchase.

“Merry Christmas,” Luke called out as Timmy walked out the door.

Timmy was getting a little tired but he was almost to his destination. He saw Carrie and Allison Parker outside of the Snowflake Christmas Shop waiting for their mother, Annie.

“Hi Timmy, where are you going?” asked Carrie.

“I'm on my way to see Jesus.”

When Annie came out of the shop, Allison who was barely 2 told her,

“Timmy wiff Jesus”.

Annie had a funny feeling when she heard that but she was so busy that morning, she dismissed it.

Timmy was almost to St. Peter's Church. He had walked by the water because he liked the sound of the waves splashing on shore. He took off his mitten so he could eat his peppermint stick. He dropped the mitten on the shore but he didn't notice because he was happily eating the peppermint stick and admiring the fire truck.

He was almost to the church where Mary and Joseph were looking over baby Jesus in the manger. The three wise men were standing around them. They had gifts for Jesus but not as special as the gift Timmy was giving Him.

The peppermint stick was very good but his hands were getting awfully sticky. He climb up on the rocks and into the manger and put the fire truck in baby Jesus' hand. He thought he saw Jesus smile but he could barely keep his eyes open any longer and fell sound to sleep next to Jesus in the manger.

Laura was so busy with the wreath, she didn't realize how long Timmy had been outside. She went to the front door and called his name.

“Where could he be?”

She ran back in the house and called for him but still no answer. She put on her coat and started out the front door she went to the garden shop first. Lucas said he came there earlier but he was so busy he didn't know where he went. They both walked down Main Street.

Diana said, “Yes, Timmy was here but she was busy with Joey and he left.”

Maddie said , “He was here but I was busy with a customer.”

All of the shop owners said they had seen him but they were all so busy they didn't pay that much attention to where he was going.

Penny and April both heard that Timmy couldn't be found, they joined in the search. Word had spread up the hill to the ski lodge and Lucas and Abe came into town as fast as they could.

Timmy's brothers and sisters remembered that they didn't have time for him that morning and now he was gone.

Eric Flanagan from the fish market found Timmy's mitten by the water. Everyone was on the verge of panic when Annie remembered the words Allison had muttered earlier something about Timmy being with Jesus.

“Carrie, did you see Timmy earlier?” Annie asked her daughter.

“Yes Mommy, he was going to see Jesus.”

Luke joined the concerned group and told them Timmy had been to his shop earlier and bought a fire truck.

The vicar remembered Timmy being very interested in the nativity scene that was being constructed at the church last week. Vicar was watching it being assembled when Timmy walked up with his sister Penny and looked on as the workers lay the baby Jesus in the manager. Vicar Will hopped on his bike and pedaled as fast as he could to the church.

Sure enough, there was Timmy sound to sleep in the manager. The vicar ran into the church and up the stairs to the tower and rang the bell until all the villagers came running. Everyone whooped and hollered that Timmy was alright.

He opened his eyes and looked around and saw that everyone was clapping and laughing. Mama had her arms around him and was crying.

“Why are you crying Mama? Jesus likes His birthday present. See He's holding it in His hand.”

It was true. The truck had gotten sticky from the peppermint and was stuck on baby Jesus' hand.

Everyone in town had been too busy to listen to a little boy that morning. They all knew, from that moment on they would never be too busy for the really important things again. Decorations and customers and chores could wait but little boys shouldn't have to.