CHRISTMAS AT THE BARN
Written by Leona NielsenPublished on January 2018
The frost had started separating itself from the tree branches on the hill as Baby woke with a big yawn. He certainly could feel that winter had arrived as he rubbed his cold nose on his leg. Just then a white fog passed in front of his face.
What was that? Baby thought to himself as he continued waking up. There it goes again but this time Baby opened his eyes a bit wider but he couldn’t see anything. It was like a heavy fog had moved into the barn. How could that happen? I have to ask Scout about this one, thought Baby.
“Scout, how can fog get in the barn?” Baby asked.
“What fog Baby?”
“You mean you can’t see the fog that blows by every few minutes.” Baby answered.
“Baby, fog doesn’t blow, it gently rolls in.”
Baby thought for a moment, just as the fog blew past him once again.
“Scout, if it’s not fog, what is it?
Baby didn’t wait for Scout to answer…..
“THERE IS A DRAGON IN THE BARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” shouted Baby. “I can’t see his face but I can feel him blowing on me. Annie!!! Annie!!!! Run and hide behind Scout. He will protect you….run Annie!!!! JOSEPH, where are you??? I can’t see you….maybe the dragon got Joseph….That’s why he is not answering……” Baby shouted as he continued talking.
“Calm down, Baby.” Scout said.
“CALM DOWN…..you want me to calm down when there is a dragon in the barn?” shouted Baby.
“There is no dragon, Baby. It is…..”
But, before Scout could finish Baby yelled, “SCOUT!! ARE YOU BLIND??? You can’t see the white fog!!!!!”
“Baby, it’s not a dragon, it’s Joseph.” said Scout.
“It’s Joseph??!! Scout, how can you say that Joseph looks like a dragon, Oh, my!!……I knew it, the dragon swallowed Joseph.” Baby answered as he nervously moved around.
“No Baby. Joseph is breathing and because it is cold Joseph’s breath looks like fog. Baby, do you hear me?” Scout asked.
Baby was pacing back and forth not knowing what to say. He felt a bit silly now that he understood what it was.
“Baby.” Scout said again.
“Yes.” answered Baby in a soft voice.
“Are you alright now?” asked Scout.
“I guess so, but I feel silly.”
“That’s alright, Baby, any of us could have done the same thing. The best thing was that you were worried about Annie and Joseph even though you were afraid yourself.” Scout replied.
“I was worried about you too, Scout!” Baby answered.
“I know.”
Missy had been listening to what was going on.
“That was a nice way that you answered Baby. Scout….TC, come and join us. Little ones, I want to tell you something. TC is going to be my eyes from now on making sure you stay out of trouble and learn the lessons you need to know.” Missy said.
“Why, Missy?” asked Baby.
“Little ones, I feel the time has come for TC to start using all that I have taught her over the years.”
“Where will you be, Missy?” Baby asked.
“Don’t worry little ones. I’ll be watching to make sure TC does a good job.” Missy answered softly.
“That’s okay, Missy, as long as we know you are watching. Can we still ask Scout about things?” asked Baby.
“Yes, little ones.” came the answer back.
“What’s a dragon?” Annie asked.
“Well, I know it is not me.” said Joseph “Baby, do you want to see a big-eared dragon make some fog?” Joseph had to say something as he blew his breath on Baby again.
“That’s okay, Joseph. I think I have had enough dragons for awhile.” Baby answered.
The owners had just entered the barn when…..“Let’s do it and see what our owners think.” said Joseph.
“I don’t think they will get it. What the heck, let’s have some fun.” said Scout.
On the count of three, Baby, Joseph, Scout and Annie, who wasn’t sure what was going on, all took a big breath, blowing it out as hard as they could to make fog. The owners only remarked that it had been a cold night.
“See, they didn’t get it!” said Baby.
“I don’t get it.” said Annie.
“When you get older we will explain it Annie.” Baby replied.
“Always when I get older.” Annie mumbled to herself.
“Are we going out today Scout, do you think?” asked Baby.
“Not sure.”
They could hear the sound of footsteps in the loft above them.
“They must be getting hay.” said Joseph.
“I don’t think so. I see boxes being passed down the ladder.” Baby answered.
“I guess it is that time of the year.” said Scout.
“What’s that?” asked Annie.
“It is the time of the year our owners call Christmas.” Scout replied.
“Oh no! I should have known it wasn’t going to be a good day.” Joseph complained.
“What do you mean by that Joseph?” Annie asked.
“People come and we have to get dressed up.” answered Joseph.
“Oh, that sounds like fun having a lot of people come and what else happens.” Annie answered.
“Don’t you think we should let Annie find out what it is like for herself?” said Scout.
“Good idea, Scout.”
The rest of the day was busy at the barn and Annie watched with excitement as all the funny-looking things were being put up.
“It is almost that time.” Joseph said.
Before Annie could ask what Joseph meant, the doors opened and the owners were bringing in a tree.
“Oh! Oh!” was all that Annie could say, she was so excited.
“I don’t know what the excitement is. It’s just a tree with no back. Take a good look.” said Joseph.
“I have never seen a tree in a barn before and especially one with the back missing.” said Annie.
“I guess they learned from last year.” Baby said as he looked at Joseph.
“I don’t think we need to go there.” Joseph whispered.
“Why, what happened?” asked Annie.
“Joseph tried to eat the tree last year.” said Scout.
“Why? What was on the tree?”
“Besides decorations there were candy canes.”
“I was curious, that’s all. I wanted to make sure it was good and safe for us to eat.” said Joseph.
As they watched, the owners hammered the tree to the wall of the barn.
Baby said, “I guess it won’t get eaten this year!”
Scout was watching Annie’s reaction to the tree and thinking how excited she was.
“I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.” Annie said as she closed her eyes for a night’s sleep.
In the morning, it didn’t take long before the boxes were being opened revealing hats, bells and all kinds of stuff.
“I wonder what they will put on me this year?” Joseph asked.
“I know what Annie will be wearing, I think.” Baby said.
“What will it be, Baby?”
“Scout is it alright to tell Annie? You did say she should find out herself.” Baby said.
“It’s alright Baby. Go ahead and tell her what you think.”
“Well, Annie, I think it will be my old mail coat.”
“What does it look like Baby?” asked Annie.
“Oh no Annie, I can’t tell you that. You will see soon enough.
”How soon", Annie wanted to know and Baby looked at Scout.
“Are all girls like that, Scout? Have to know everything.” Baby asked.
Scout didn’t answer. He could only smile.
“Listen……Listen.” Annie whispered.
They could hear the sound of bells coming towards the barn. The decorated carts were on their way.
“Let’s get ready everyone. The ride is about to begin.” Joseph remarked.
The owners spent the next hour getting everyone ready for the ride.
“Can someone tell me why I have these white things in these pockets?” Annie asked.
“Well, Annie, you have Christmas cards that we will deliver to our neighbours’ to say thanks for the treats they bring us and for us driving on your land when we go for a walk. That is why your coat is called the mail coat.” Scout replied.
“Oh, does that mean that I have an important job?” asked Annie.
“Sure does, Annie.” And with that answer Annie knew she was liking her new home more and more.
The visitors started arriving bringing their children. It was time for the Mini-ride to begin.
Joseph and Baby were so excited that they sort of forgot about Annie.
“Annie, you have to keep up with us.” shouted Baby and Joseph.
“My legs can’t go as fast.” Annie shouted back.
“Okay, we will slow down for you.” they answered.
The children put the cards from Annie’s coat in each mailbox as they passed. When the ride was over Baby looked at Joseph.
“Did you hear that?” Baby said to Joseph.
“No, what?”
“One of the children said that this was as much fun as Santa coming.” Baby replied.
“That makes me feel warm and good inside.” Joseph replied.
“I knew you had a soft spot inside, Joseph.” Baby whispered.
“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want them to think I am soft.”
“Who’s Santa?” asked Annie.
“Here we go again.” Joseph whispered to Baby.
“Well, are you going to tell me or is that like the dragon, I have to wait until I grow up?” Annie asked.
Missy and TC were standing on the hill listening and watching all that was going on.
“Oh, TC, I am pleased that you are ready to lead the little ones.”
“Why is that Missy?”
“Well, TC, from what we are hearing it is going to be interesting times ahead.” Missy replied as they went to join the others for apples and treats.
“Is this what Christmas is all about?” asked Annie.
“TC, I think this one is for you.” Missy said.
“There are two things left to happen Annie. Tonight, Christmas Eve, our owners will make a midnight visit to the barn and our breakfast in the morning will be a special one for Christmas."
“Why do they come at midnight?” Annie asked.
“I think it is to see if we can talk.” Joseph said.
“Why? Don’t they know we do that anyway.” answered Annie.
The answer brought smiles to everyone’s face.
Missy gave her last instruction in saying, “It’s time to say good night Little Ones. TC will have to get used to settling you down in the future.”
“Good night, Missy.”
In memory of our horse Missy 1982-2009
Hi everyone! We hope that you enjoyed reading about our Christmas at the Barn. We learned that by having our Christmas ride, we were able to make some children happy. Doing something good for someone else – isn’t that what it is all about? Hope to see you next time when we will tell you about “The Snowstorm”. See you then!
Baby, Joseph, Scout and Little Annie.
The frost had started separating itself from the tree branches on the hill as Baby woke with a big yawn. He certainly could feel that winter had arrived as he rubbed his cold nose on his leg. Just then a white fog passed in front of his face.
What was that? Baby thought to himself as he continued waking up. There it goes again but this time Baby opened his eyes a bit wider but he couldn’t see anything. It was like a heavy fog had moved into the barn. How could that happen? I have to ask Scout about this one, thought Baby.
“Scout, how can fog get in the barn?” Baby asked.
“What fog Baby?”
“You mean you can’t see the fog that blows by every few minutes.” Baby answered.
“Baby, fog doesn’t blow, it gently rolls in.”
Baby thought for a moment, just as the fog blew past him once again.
“Scout, if it’s not fog, what is it?
Baby didn’t wait for Scout to answer…..
“THERE IS A DRAGON IN THE BARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” shouted Baby. “I can’t see his face but I can feel him blowing on me. Annie!!! Annie!!!! Run and hide behind Scout. He will protect you….run Annie!!!! JOSEPH, where are you??? I can’t see you….maybe the dragon got Joseph….That’s why he is not answering……” Baby shouted as he continued talking.
“Calm down, Baby.” Scout said.
“CALM DOWN…..you want me to calm down when there is a dragon in the barn?” shouted Baby.
“There is no dragon, Baby. It is…..”
But, before Scout could finish Baby yelled, “SCOUT!! ARE YOU BLIND??? You can’t see the white fog!!!!!”
“Baby, it’s not a dragon, it’s Joseph.” said Scout.
“It’s Joseph??!! Scout, how can you say that Joseph looks like a dragon, Oh, my!!……I knew it, the dragon swallowed Joseph.” Baby answered as he nervously moved around.
“No Baby. Joseph is breathing and because it is cold Joseph’s breath looks like fog. Baby, do you hear me?” Scout asked.
Baby was pacing back and forth not knowing what to say. He felt a bit silly now that he understood what it was.
“Baby.” Scout said again.
“Yes.” answered Baby in a soft voice.
“Are you alright now?” asked Scout.
“I guess so, but I feel silly.”
“That’s alright, Baby, any of us could have done the same thing. The best thing was that you were worried about Annie and Joseph even though you were afraid yourself.” Scout replied.
“I was worried about you too, Scout!” Baby answered.
“I know.”
Missy had been listening to what was going on.
“That was a nice way that you answered Baby. Scout….TC, come and join us. Little ones, I want to tell you something. TC is going to be my eyes from now on making sure you stay out of trouble and learn the lessons you need to know.” Missy said.
“Why, Missy?” asked Baby.
“Little ones, I feel the time has come for TC to start using all that I have taught her over the years.”
“Where will you be, Missy?” Baby asked.
“Don’t worry little ones. I’ll be watching to make sure TC does a good job.” Missy answered softly.
“That’s okay, Missy, as long as we know you are watching. Can we still ask Scout about things?” asked Baby.
“Yes, little ones.” came the answer back.
“What’s a dragon?” Annie asked.
“Well, I know it is not me.” said Joseph “Baby, do you want to see a big-eared dragon make some fog?” Joseph had to say something as he blew his breath on Baby again.
“That’s okay, Joseph. I think I have had enough dragons for awhile.” Baby answered.
The owners had just entered the barn when…..“Let’s do it and see what our owners think.” said Joseph.
“I don’t think they will get it. What the heck, let’s have some fun.” said Scout.
On the count of three, Baby, Joseph, Scout and Annie, who wasn’t sure what was going on, all took a big breath, blowing it out as hard as they could to make fog. The owners only remarked that it had been a cold night.
“See, they didn’t get it!” said Baby.
“I don’t get it.” said Annie.
“When you get older we will explain it Annie.” Baby replied.
“Always when I get older.” Annie mumbled to herself.
“Are we going out today Scout, do you think?” asked Baby.
“Not sure.”
They could hear the sound of footsteps in the loft above them.
“They must be getting hay.” said Joseph.
“I don’t think so. I see boxes being passed down the ladder.” Baby answered.
“I guess it is that time of the year.” said Scout.
“What’s that?” asked Annie.
“It is the time of the year our owners call Christmas.” Scout replied.
“Oh no! I should have known it wasn’t going to be a good day.” Joseph complained.
“What do you mean by that Joseph?” Annie asked.
“People come and we have to get dressed up.” answered Joseph.
“Oh, that sounds like fun having a lot of people come and what else happens.” Annie answered.
“Don’t you think we should let Annie find out what it is like for herself?” said Scout.
“Good idea, Scout.”
The rest of the day was busy at the barn and Annie watched with excitement as all the funny-looking things were being put up.
“It is almost that time.” Joseph said.
Before Annie could ask what Joseph meant, the doors opened and the owners were bringing in a tree.
“Oh! Oh!” was all that Annie could say, she was so excited.
“I don’t know what the excitement is. It’s just a tree with no back. Take a good look.” said Joseph.
“I have never seen a tree in a barn before and especially one with the back missing.” said Annie.
“I guess they learned from last year.” Baby said as he looked at Joseph.
“I don’t think we need to go there.” Joseph whispered.
“Why, what happened?” asked Annie.
“Joseph tried to eat the tree last year.” said Scout.
“Why? What was on the tree?”
“Besides decorations there were candy canes.”
“I was curious, that’s all. I wanted to make sure it was good and safe for us to eat.” said Joseph.
As they watched, the owners hammered the tree to the wall of the barn.
Baby said, “I guess it won’t get eaten this year!”
Scout was watching Annie’s reaction to the tree and thinking how excited she was.
“I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.” Annie said as she closed her eyes for a night’s sleep.
In the morning, it didn’t take long before the boxes were being opened revealing hats, bells and all kinds of stuff.
“I wonder what they will put on me this year?” Joseph asked.
“I know what Annie will be wearing, I think.” Baby said.
“What will it be, Baby?”
“Scout is it alright to tell Annie? You did say she should find out herself.” Baby said.
“It’s alright Baby. Go ahead and tell her what you think.”
“Well, Annie, I think it will be my old mail coat.”
“What does it look like Baby?” asked Annie.
“Oh no Annie, I can’t tell you that. You will see soon enough.
”How soon", Annie wanted to know and Baby looked at Scout.
“Are all girls like that, Scout? Have to know everything.” Baby asked.
Scout didn’t answer. He could only smile.
“Listen……Listen.” Annie whispered.
They could hear the sound of bells coming towards the barn. The decorated carts were on their way.
“Let’s get ready everyone. The ride is about to begin.” Joseph remarked.
The owners spent the next hour getting everyone ready for the ride.
“Can someone tell me why I have these white things in these pockets?” Annie asked.
“Well, Annie, you have Christmas cards that we will deliver to our neighbours’ to say thanks for the treats they bring us and for us driving on your land when we go for a walk. That is why your coat is called the mail coat.” Scout replied.
“Oh, does that mean that I have an important job?” asked Annie.
“Sure does, Annie.” And with that answer Annie knew she was liking her new home more and more.
The visitors started arriving bringing their children. It was time for the Mini-ride to begin.
Joseph and Baby were so excited that they sort of forgot about Annie.
“Annie, you have to keep up with us.” shouted Baby and Joseph.
“My legs can’t go as fast.” Annie shouted back.
“Okay, we will slow down for you.” they answered.
The children put the cards from Annie’s coat in each mailbox as they passed. When the ride was over Baby looked at Joseph.
“Did you hear that?” Baby said to Joseph.
“No, what?”
“One of the children said that this was as much fun as Santa coming.” Baby replied.
“That makes me feel warm and good inside.” Joseph replied.
“I knew you had a soft spot inside, Joseph.” Baby whispered.
“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want them to think I am soft.”
“Who’s Santa?” asked Annie.
“Here we go again.” Joseph whispered to Baby.
“Well, are you going to tell me or is that like the dragon, I have to wait until I grow up?” Annie asked.
Missy and TC were standing on the hill listening and watching all that was going on.
“Oh, TC, I am pleased that you are ready to lead the little ones.”
“Why is that Missy?”
“Well, TC, from what we are hearing it is going to be interesting times ahead.” Missy replied as they went to join the others for apples and treats.
“Is this what Christmas is all about?” asked Annie.
“TC, I think this one is for you.” Missy said.
“There are two things left to happen Annie. Tonight, Christmas Eve, our owners will make a midnight visit to the barn and our breakfast in the morning will be a special one for Christmas."
“Why do they come at midnight?” Annie asked.
“I think it is to see if we can talk.” Joseph said.
“Why? Don’t they know we do that anyway.” answered Annie.
The answer brought smiles to everyone’s face.
Missy gave her last instruction in saying, “It’s time to say good night Little Ones. TC will have to get used to settling you down in the future.”
“Good night, Missy.”
In memory of our horse Missy 1982-2009
Hi everyone! We hope that you enjoyed reading about our Christmas at the Barn. We learned that by having our Christmas ride, we were able to make some children happy. Doing something good for someone else – isn’t that what it is all about? Hope to see you next time when we will tell you about “The Snowstorm”. See you then!
Baby, Joseph, Scout and Little Annie.