A GIFT AT CHRISTMAS

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on December 2013

As the sun rose over the mountains it was clear to see that Jack Frost had been busy during the night. The rooftops
sparkled like diamonds.
Joseph was awake earlier than usual. When Annie discovered this she was somewhat concerned that maybe Joseph wasn’t feeling well.
“This is not the norm for you Joseph. What has you up so early?†Annie asked trying not to appear worried.
“It’s like this…you know the kitten you call Snook? Well, I woke up in the middle of the night to this sound of purring. Snook had curled up between my ears, of all places.â€
“Awww, that is so cute. Don’t you think so Joseph? He must like you.†replied Annie.
“Maybe, but then wouldn’t you think he would have picked a place, like, by my feet?â€
“I can’t answer that Joseph, but if I was his size I would be in the same place.â€
Joseph looked at Annie quite puzzled and asked why.
“That’s easy. Because it would be a cozy place nestled between those big ears. It would be like being in the valley between two mountains.â€
“I should have known you would say something like that.â€
“Well, who knows Joseph. Maybe I will be a writer when I am all grown up.â€
“Yeah, right Annie.â€
“A girl can dream can’t she?†Annie replied as she turned to Baby.
“She does have a point Joseph. Remember when you used to dream of being a famous rescue donkey?â€
“Enough about the dreams.â€
“Oh, Baby, you just let the cat out of the bag.
Oops! Pardon the pun. Did you get it? Can’t wait for the answer because my belly is telling me to feed it†Annie laughed as she started for her breakfast. But, being Annie, she couldn’t miss anything either……
“Did I hear something about a rescue donkey?†Havier shouted as he came around the corner from the big barn.
“Well, not really rescues per say Havier. I was just reminding Joseph of his dream of how he once wanted to be the donkey that helped rescue people that were in some sort of trouble.†answered Baby.
“You know, Little Ones, donkeys have played a big part in history. They can be traced way back.â€
“As far back as Land before Time?†asked Annie.
“In some ways you could say that, Annie.†Havier answered.
“How do you know about land before time? Even I am too young for that.â€
“Oh Baby, the movie. Didn’t you hear the kids talking about Land Before Time when they came to visit?â€
“Not much gets past me but I guess that one did. What about you Joseph?â€
“I’m with you Baby, but I would like to know more about my ancestors Havier.â€
“Well, I can tell you there are a lot of records showing the bravery of donkeys but there is a story that is told every year of a donkey being with Mary and Joseph at Christmas. As the story goes, the donkey carried Mary on his back because they were trying to find a place where Jesus could be born. Eventually she gave birth to him in a stable.â€
“Oh WOW!!! Not only are you a donkey but your name is Joseph.â€
“I wonder if there was an Annie there too.†yelled Annie as she bounced around.
Baby wasn’t saying much as he was lost in thought. It didn’t take Joseph long to pick up on it.
“Penny for your thoughts Baby. You haven’t had a thing to say and that is not like you.â€
“I was just thinking.â€
“About what may I ask?â€
“I was thinking about Snook going to sleep with you last night Joseph. It started me thinking that the lady hasn’t been around now for a couple of days. I think I will ask TC if she knows why she has not come for a visit.â€
“Is something wrong Baby? I just heard my name.â€
“Oh TC, you came just in time. Baby has something to ask you about the absent lady.â€
“Is that right Baby?â€
Baby took a few minutes and told TC about his concerns.
“It’s funny that you would mention that Baby because I had the same thought a few minutes ago. Sometimes people come for a visit and leave. Some come back while others never do.â€
“Do you think she will be back?â€
“That, I cannot say. We will just have to wait and see.â€
Just then Joseph moved closer to Baby……
“Can you tell if TC knows and is not telling us?â€
“No, she isn’t holding anything back this time Joseph.â€
“Back up the train just one minute! If we are talking about the missing, what about Maddy?†asked Annie.
For a second there was silence.
“Oh, for a minute I thought you were talking about me.â€
“Oh! Hi Murphy. Not unless your name is Maddy.†answered Joseph.
“She has gone home with her parents but she will be back soon. Have to check on the new arrival and see how they are doing. Still seems funny not being the only cat.â€
“That is right. Maddy hasn’t been around either. Wonder if they got lost together?†asked Joseph.
“Is that the little girl?â€
“Yes it is Havier. I miss them.â€
“Hello Momma Kitty.†yelled Annie.
“The kittens miss them too because they would spend hours playing with them.â€
“Then there are the treats we would get, as well, from the lady. When she brought something for the kittens, she never forgot about us.†whispered Joseph.
“Anything to do with food you would be the one to remember for sure.†Baby added.
“Can’t deny I love my food.â€
Everyone was so busy the rest of the day that it was bedtime before they knew it. Even though Joseph had been awakened early by Snook, he made sure there was some extra hay next to his head just in case he came tonight. TC and Havier smiled as they checked on the Little Ones before going to sleep themselves.
The owners had been getting the barn ready for Christmas. The kittens were having lots of fun getting into the decorations. The owners would only laugh when they had to redecorate.
The day had started off as normal when……….
“HURRY EVERYONE!!!!! shouted Annie.
Not knowing what was going on, the others ran to see what Annie was all worked up about.
“Anything wrong Annie?†Baby shouted.
“We have visitors coming! Look towards the house.â€
Within minutes, through the door, came the lady but she wasn’t alone.
“Well, hi everyone! I didn’t expect to have a welcome like this. I think you have all missed me but I am back now and I do have treats.†said the young lady.
Everyone looked at her with deep interest.
“Does she look different, but not in a bad way?†asked Baby.
“She is different.†added Momma Kitty.
Before Kitty could answer……she walked over to a bale of hay and sat down.
“I have brought someone to see you.†she whispered.
“What does she mean? We can see there is a man with her.†Joseph answered with a tone to his voice.
Just then she opened her coat. Silence fell on the barn…………………
“SHE HAS A BABY!!!!!!! yelled Annie.
“This is Violet Rose and I wanted you to be the first to meet her. That is why I haven‘t been around.â€
Within minutes the barn was full with a lot of excitement as everyone showed their happiness over Violet Rose.
“We have to leave now but I promise we will be back in a couple of days to see you again with Maddy.â€
The Little Ones especially didn’t want to see them go but TC assured them they would return soon. As they watched them leave the barn……….
“I think we have our own Christmas story.â€
“What do you mean Joseph?†asked Baby.
“It is Christmas and we had Violet Rose come for a visit with her parents. Didn’t you say that Jesus was born in a stable, Havier.?â€
“Yes, I did.â€
“Our baby wasn’t born here but they came to visit us. What do you think TC?â€
“Joseph, you amaze me at times and this is one of those times.â€
As night fell and everyone settled in for the night, Snook brought his brother Springer with him to cuddle in the hay bed Joseph had made for them.
“Sweet dreams Little Ones.â€
“Don’t forget Christmas.â€
“We won’t Annie, but there is one thing I have to do.â€
“What is that Joseph?â€
“Give her a drive.â€
“Little Ones!!â€
“Think that means we better say….
Good Night TC and Havier. Merry Christmasâ€
　
Hi Everyone. We hope you liked our story this month. Come back next month and share in our adventures. Until then, may we wish one and all Happy Holidays.
If you can’t be with someone you love, remember them in your heart.
We will enjoy having Violet Rose with us this Holiday Season and if you haven’t put it together why there was no story last month - it was due to her arrival.