~Chapter 16~
The Magic Jingle Bells
Christmas Eve was drawing to a peaceful close.
It was ten minutes to midnight, and all was still in Centerville.
Mr. Beamer gently guided Charlie back over the snow-covered pathways, up out of the pleasant valley, back to his peaceful farmhouse.
The open sleigh with all of its sleepy participants inside passed through the front open wooden gates, entering into the warmth, and comfort of Mr. Beamer's barn. Hung from the center of the barn were two incandescent lights. They sent a pale, warm glow onto everything below.
The Henderson family of chickens was all in their chicken coops sleeping soundly. Able the pig with his brood of piglets, was asleep inside their beds of mud. Mr. Turkey was in a deep slumber by the front door, on a large white, fluffy pillow. Miss Beatrice the goose and her family, were asleep at the very back of the barn. Ole' Miss Harriet the milking cow was wide-awake, and just standing there, minding her own business in her stall, which was right next to where Charlie slept. She nonchalantly turned to look at Charlie, Mr. Beamer and the wagon full of sleeping kids as they entered the barn, but did not pay them much mind.
Mr. Beamer took a large string of jingle bells off the front of the wagon. He started to shake them gently, in a low quiet tone, shaking them very quietly at first, then a little louder and then a little louder.
"OK kids were here" said Mr. Beamer in soft voice "everyone wake up, it's midnight, and Christmas Eve is upon us".
All the sleeping children: Mrs. Beamer, Muncy, and Louis were slow to wake.
It had just turned to twelve o'clock as Mr. Beamer stop shaking his jingle bells. He listened fixedly for a moment more, as the strangest thing happened next.
He thought he still heard?his jingle bells?echoing out into the cornfields and trees, outside and off the barn's wooden ceiling above. The sounds of the jingle bells were still oddly and slowly growing louder and louder.
Mr. Beamer glanced down at the jingle bells that were held motionless in his hands.
Mr. Beamer could not figure out why they would still be ringing long after he had stopped shaking them, finally the sounds of the jingle bells grew so loud that it startled and alarmed all, who were now suddenly wide-awake.
The bells grew louder and louder engulfing and overtaking all of their senses.
Heard outside of the barn doors, was a loud rustling. All of the chickens inside were suddenly, in a mild panic. The strange sounds appeared to be coming from within the winter clouds above them.
Then a loud, booming, and very deep voice was heard calling out, up in the distant sky.
"HO! HO! HO!"
Mr. Turkey now shot up on his pillow. He started shaking frantically at the thought that something strange was happening. Beatrice the goose called out in a frightened squawk for all of her goslings to huddle quickly under her out stretched wings. Able the Pig and his family, started feverishly bury themselves deeper into their mud dens, so as not to be seen or heard from.
Again was heard.
"HO! HO! HO!"
The voice rang out again, only this time the voice was with much more volume, and hung in the nighttime air right above the roof of the barn. There was a loud cracking sound of a leather whip, and the continuing and sustained sound of ringing jingle bells, hanging in the cold night air. Mr. Beamer started to gather all the children together under Charlie's sleigh, as quickly as he could.
"What is that strange sound Mr. Beamer?" yelled out Louis in a state of alarm.
"Where's the sound of those bells coming from Mrs. Beamer," "shouted out Molly with a panic in her voice, that made Louis's seem tame "and that voice I hear, who's is that?"
"Mr. Beamer. W-hat's?that sound?Mr. Beamer??" called some of the other girls from underneath the sleigh.
"Children do not be afraid, Charlie and I are here" shouted out an also worried Mr. Beamer.
Charlie rose up; he began to whinny again as loud as he ever had before.
"Louis over here?by my side!" ordered Charlie in a commanding tone.
Louis immediately sidled up next to Charlie for protection.
Muncy started barking out a loud alarm, along with Charlie's whinnies. It was the most unlikely of duets, serenading into the night. All in the barn started to cover their ears with their hands, to deafen the sound of the bells, as the volume from them got louder and louder with each passing moment.
The children and animals in the barn were all: hiding or undercover beneath the horse-sleigh, or behind bales of hay for safety; when all of a sudden the sound of the jingle bells, were right outside of the barn doors.
Everyone: completely stopped what they were doing, uncovered their eyes and ears, and then turned to stare at what was slowly gliding in, right through the large open, front wooden doors.
What entered into the barn before them was a mighty and superb, open-sleigh standing?over twelve feet tall and about twenty feet long. The grand sleigh was suspended for a moment?in time?and?in space?for all to observe, and witness its glory.
It lightly touched down on the earth in the center of Mr. Beamer's barn.
Heard from the portly driver was an earsplitting whistle, a crack of a leather whip and a thunderous shout.
"Back?back?easy?now?easy there?" said the driver who was deep in concentration trying to navigate the landing "not too?fast. There that's right, sit it down right?here."
The short, stocky man at the reins of the sleigh was standing up on the large wooden buckboard, dressed in a glorious shinny red suit, with a bright red hat on that had beautiful white fluffy trimmings.
He was hard at work operating the leather reins in his left hand. He gripped a large, black leather whip in the other hand. Raising his hand upwards, he held it there for a moment then with one swift motion of his arm in a downward gesture, he cracked the whip again one last time, just to punctuate his stately arrival. The whip made a forceful sound as it cracked the cold winter air. The sound rang out, in all directions in a deep low rumble.
Out in front of the majestic sleigh in two perfect lines were eight proud reindeer. It was an assemblage of eight of the most tremendous reindeer, anyone had ever seen before with human eyes. Each reindeer was adorned with, glistening red cloth topcoats, to ward off the chill in the air, had tiny melodious well-crafted jingle bells intertwined into their golden reins, and had red decorative ribbons strew about them, in a way as to be of the most delightful manner.
The reindeer all had enormous racks of chocolate brown fuzzy antlers that bespoke of their grand family tree of descendants, who had lived before them. The family tree of these reindeer must have been from kings and queens.
One reindeer stood out above all others present. He positioned himself at the front of the troop. No doubt in anyone's mind, he was the leader of all who came behind him. This was the one that the corpulent and very plump driver was voicing his commands to, as he completed his regal landing on the hay covered barn floor.
His name was Rudolf!
He stood a few hands taller than the other reindeer: holding a steadier and more monumental gait. He must have been nineteen hands tall, and stronger than an ox. His shoulders were as wide as a full-grown moose, and as powerful as a bull elephant. The years of toil and hard work in front of this monstrous sleigh had turned him into a force that should be witnessed by all, and taken lightly by none.
At the tip of his nose was the most strange appendage, anyone had ever seen before. There was a small bulbous, glowing, and very brightly lit? red nose!
Rudolf's nose shown brighter than a hundred lit candlewicks on fire at once. It could flash, on and off like a camera flashbulb, or string of lit Christmas tree lights.
"HO! HO! HO!" again, called out the driver in a loud playful voice as he exited from the sleigh. With conviction, he transfixed his big black boots onto the ground below.
"Don't be afraid?now children," said the gentleman in a friendly tone "come out and meet?"Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer"? and his glorious friends."
A few of the children huddled under Charlie's sleigh, peaked around the buckboard, to get a better look at Rudolf. Louis stepped forward, catching a glance of the round stranger from underneath Charlie's neck.
Mr. Beamer softened, as a gentle smile came across his face.
"First, let me introduce myself. Many of you may know me as Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or simply?Santa. I have traveled many miles tonight from far-away up north, to bring you good-tidings, and sublime presents for all."
Mr. Beamer was completely recovered from his fright, even though the sight he was seeing was so peculiar. He measured his steps as he approached, the widespread, little man in the bright red suit.
Mr. Beamer's memory was finally jogged clear it became unmistakable now, as the snow that had blown in with the sleigh cleared, and fell to the ground. Now he remembered the noble Santa Claus from years past.
Mr. Beamer reached out his hand in friendship to Santa's, as he stepped ever closer.
Mr. Beamer began to speak.
"You might remember me Santa. I was one time in your company many?many? years ago. I had stumbled into your great village once, after a long and arduous journey over your local mountains. Upon meeting you, you invited me with open trusting arms into your great city, and once taught me the ways of your massive and great wrapping-machine. Old age has crept upon me now, but I believe it was right around the early nineteen hundreds. Hello again Santa my name is Thomas Costello Beamer. And this is my lovely wife Abigail."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance again" said Santa as he took off his red fluffy hat to reveal a long full mane, of very white hair. He took a slight bow in Abigail's direction he then smiled at her, just as big, and as bright as he could.
"Pleased to meet you Santa Claus" said Abigail as she curtseyed.
All of the children finally came out from under the Charlie's sleigh, after recognizing Santa Claus. The Henderson family of chickens and Mr. Turkey circled in flight around the great sleigh, as Beatrice the Goose let her goslings loose out from under her protective wings.
"Yes?yes?come here?come closer and let me get a better look at you all now," said Santa as he looked at Mr. Beamer and all the children, that had now gathered all around him.
Molly smiled. She then gave Louis a quick wink as Chug started to tug on Rudolf's tail. That got a stern look from Santa.
"Chug?please?wait...until I introduce you, before you tug on any tails."
The other children all giggled.
"Now where were we?Mr. Beamer, oh yes?the great wrapping-machine? Mr. Beamer we had a fine time many years ago. I now remember it like it was yesterday. Glad to see you're looking so well. No doubt it's from eating all those fresh apple pies that Mrs. Beamer has been baking for you all these years, and as you can see, Mrs. Claus, has been known to bake me a few delicious pies as well."
Santa grabbed his great big, wide belly. He began to shake it, letting out a tremendous belly laugh.
Mr. Beamer grabbed his wide belly as well, shaking it right along with Santa, to the delight of the children.
"So why have you come all the way down to Centerville. And why have you landed right here, in my barn tonight??"
"Well?to tell you the truth, I came down here from the North Pole to see you especially Mr. Beamer, and talk to you about a great favor I need from you, and Mrs. Beamer. We can get to all that in a few minutes" said Santa as he longingly reached out for the children.
"Come closer all?come?closer children," said Santa as he gave each and every child a long heartfelt hug?"I wish to adore you all."
After the salutations and introductions were done, Santa motioned all to come over to now meet his great reindeer.
"Chug you may at this time, meet my fine Rudolf."
Chug smiled. He patted Rudolf on the neck with great respect in his heart, for such a magnificent animal.
Children slowly approached the sleigh with all the kind reindeer. They began to introduce themselves one by one. A curtsy here, a friendly hello there, a few loving strokes on the manes of the reindeer, and a few playful tugs on their tails.
Santa started to point with a stubby forefinger at each reindeer in the troop. "This is Donner over here. That is Dancer, the one with the small green wreath around his neck and that one there, closest to the front is Prancer, and over here is Vixen, with the bells on his head, and of course, here are Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blixen.
The children all gladly encircled the reindeer as Santa spoke.
"And certainly you all can see the one in the front over there?that's Rudolf and his wonderful, brightly lit?red nose."
All of the reindeer nodded their heads, snorted air out through their mighty nostrils, and stamped their hooves on the barn ground in a proud fashion.
All the while, Charlie just stood thunderstruck at seeing Santa Claus, and all the great animals he commanded. Saint Nicholas's great sleigh and mighty reindeer were side by side to that of Charlie, and his one horse sleigh. It was a very strange juxtaposition, and union, that Charlie was in.
Louis had tried the best he could to decorate Charlie's sleigh that night, and to dress it up the best he could, but when Charlie saw what a magnificent sleigh and what noble animals Santa had assembled in front of his sleigh the hard truth of it all kind of let all of the air out of Charlie.
Charlie exhaled out a quiet breath of disappointment.
Charlie stepped out of his horse reins he turned to go to his hay bed at the rear of the barn where old Miss Harriet was standing all by herself.
"You know Charlie I have not been known to say too much over the years but when I do speak it usually means, that I have something important to say?so here I go," said Miss Harriet in a slow quite voice.
"Yes Harriet. What's on your mind?" asked Charlie, in a low, soft voice.
"I've been living in this barn for the better part of forty years, and have seen a lot of changes over the years. Animals coming and going, the turning of the seasons, some pranks played on Mr. Turkey, Halloween tricks by the Henderson's, and some very entertaining barnyard dances. I think you get the idea. But I have to say, this is the "strangest and oddest night" that I have ever witnessed in all my days on earth, and I have a very peculiar feeling it's going to get "even stranger"?before this night is through."
Charlie shook his head in agreement.
"I know Miss Harriet. This is one wacky barn, and I've got a feeling it's going to get "even stranger"?as well. Only in Centerville Harriet?only in?"
Charlie shook his head again, slowly back in forth.
Miss Harriet continued to chew on some hay. Either of them did not say another word.
Santa noticed Charlie slink and slunk away; he did not say a word.
"Now let's get down to the business of Christmas and presents for all," said Santa as he bounced back over to his sleigh. He went about exploring inside of an enormous bag of toys.
The children all began to clap their hands with true delight now showing in their eyes.
Everywhere in the back of the sleigh, all you could see were dozens upon dozens of bags that were over stuffed to the top, with beautifully wrapped presents, and heavenly toys. Santa tossed a few bags of presents onto the ground in front of the sleigh. Out splashed all types of goodies for the children and grand presents for everyone else present.
"Mr. Turkey please come over here, you're the first in line. Come down here my nervous friend and don't be afraid, just because it's Christmas Eve. The only plans I have for you tonight, is to give you a gift, and wish you holiday good tidings."
Mr. Turkey gulped.
Santa ambled around in his bag of presents, pulling out the first gift of the evening. It w
as a large book with lovely gold trim around the edges. It was almost as big as Mr. Turkey himself. There was a large blue bow around the center of the book and a nametag hung off the top corner that everyone in the barn could clearly see.
The tag said, "For: "Mr. Turkey".
The book was just lovely.
Mr. Turkey nervously walked up closer to the sleigh next to where Santa was standing. Santa could tell that he looked the worse for wear. Poor Mr. Turkey looked like he hadn't had a real good night's sleep in months. He had: large black rings under his sullen eyes, was a little pale in the face, and had a very shaky walk as he approached Santa to receive his gift.
"Now, the gift I will give you tonight is a great book that a very important. A wise friend of mine wrote just for you. It is a story about life, and how to live it correctly and most importantly, because of your special situation?you know?of being a turkey and all?it has to be a very special book?indeed. Through its reading, it will show you: how to conquer your fears, be they great or small. Mr. Turkey through the reading of this book, it will help you create a world of peace within yourself, and your inner-mind. If the book does not enlighten you the way it should, then let me give you a few more great words of advice. Always remember these unforgettable words, that I tell you now: If all else fails, and you get caught one day and find yourself being someone's Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, and you know you're done for?run as fast and a far away as you can and don't pause to look back. Remember a coward, always lives to see another day! This last part you seemed to have already mastered, so you can skip over reading about that part.
Mr. Turkey gulped twice more.
"But just in case someday you do find yourself in real trouble: here is a brand new pair of red sneakers?that are just?your size."
Santa with a great belly laugh handed Mr. Turkey his new red tennis shoes, and the great big book.
After hearing this statement from Santa all the others animals in the barn started laughing as well, along with Santa. Mr. Turkey gave an uneasy laugh. He was a little too nervous to say much of anything, but he did accept the two gifts, bowed down in a respectful gesture, placed the sneakers on his feet, then walked off with his big book tucked tightly under one of his wings; looking all the more confident already.
"These next presents here are for the Henderson family of chickens."
Santa tossed a bag of presents onto the barn floor. As the large bag hit the ground out flew toys for all of the little ones to play with.
All bowed, smiled, grabbed a toy, and off they went to their chicken coups for the evening.
"These next gifts here are for Able the Pig, and these here are for Miss Harriet the Milking Cow, and Beatrice the Goose and your growing family," said Santa as he pointed to each present, and its rightful owners.
All came closer accepted their gifts said many thanks to Santa then retreated with their fine gifts in hand. All went off in different directions to explore their contents, and see what special gifts that Santa had brought them.
"Chug, Short-Stack, Sammy, and Harry your presents are in that bag over there."
Chug and Short-Stack ripped into the large cloth bag just as fast as their young hands would go. They both found; brand new leather baseball gloves, newly starched white uniforms for the whole team that said in bold red letters? CENTERVILLE GIANTS. Next was an array of new official baseball bats, and all types of other baseball equipment.
Overcome the kids were, with sheer joy.
"Thanks for the thoughtful gifts Santa," said both, over and over again.
Santa pointed towards the baseball bats and said, "Those bats were crafted from the most exquisite hardwood from the great forests of the Northwest. They should help our hometown Giants out next year, when you play those hated Logansport Tigers again. And Chug I have a strangest feeling, you're going to hit at least two home runs in the next championship game, and Short Stack, you're not going to strike out?not even...once."
"How did you know what we wanted Santa?" said Chug as he was trying on his new leather baseball glove.
"And one other thing Short Stack, there is some new heat balm in there that does not smell as "awful", or as "deadly" as yours smells. You need to start using this new stuff?if you?you...don't mind."
Everyone in the barn began to applaud loudly in agreement with this last statement by Santa. Short Stack winced as a frown came to his face, but he understood the joke.
Muncy's present was a new squeak toy that he found at the bottom of one of the bags that someone had left opened. He pulled off his nametag from the corner then darted off with his new fuzzy-friend in his mouth, to a back corner of the barn. There he lay, and could be heard the rest of the night, wrestling with the toy lost in a world that belonged only to him.
"OK. How about the rest of the children now?" said Santa while rubbing his stubby but strong hands together, in even greater anticipation! Santa jumped into the back of the sleigh again. This time he removed an even larger bag of presents. He threw the bag across his back, climbed down from the sleigh, and said, "All you children present gather round now. Becky, Molly, Cindy, Janie and all you other girls, here are your presents. These are the finest pastries from France. I was just there about an hour ago, so I know that these are the freshest, and sweetest of delights that you will ever taste. The pastries are made from red sugary-apples grown near the great Lavender Fields, which France is most famous for, there are also a few other presents in that bag for you girls?new dresses, hair pins ET? Take them all. Take them all."
The girls all giggled. All thanked Santa profusely as they started to nibble on their delights, and rummage through the rest of the delightful presents to find their own special gifts.
"Next, this lovely gift is for Mrs. Hattie May Parks. You've been a good girl all year with taking care of the farmhouse, all the animals, and in particularly in taking care of your famous daydreamer?Louis. Here is a great gift I have brought to you from the very heart of civilization its self...London. It is the finest and most modern dress, which nobody else in Centerville has. It is the newest style, and it is "all the rave", overseas."
Santa reached into a different bag around in very back of the sleigh, and out Santa pulled, a beautifully woven cotton dress, that was the finest blue color Hattie May had ever seen. The collar at the top of the dress was perfectly starched just as if she likes it. There was also a very refined white cotton shirt with a matching lovely blue ribbon. This was all so special, and overwhelming to Hattie May.
"Why, Santa I can't accept this," said Hattie May not really meaning it "it's all too much."
She gave Santa a big kiss on the cheek. She moved over by the other girls to admire the quality of the workmanship, along with the stunning colors.
"Mrs. Beamer?here is a top quality gift that I have for you. It is a book of special and very new pies recipes from Paris; which is of course the cooking capital of the world."
Mrs. Beamer politely came over, accepted the gift, and kindly thanked Santa with a soft kiss on the cheek. She now moved over to where the other girls, and Hattie May were still standing.
"Now, Mr. Beamer my first rate and very special friend, I have something considerable large, and fantastic for you" said Santa as he started to walk over to, and through the open barn doors, and out into the front yard "Follow me?please ?follow me?Thomas."
Mr. Beamer followed Santa through the open barn doors with wonder, and admiration in his heart for Santa.
There it was as big as life!
A brand new, shiny steam powered truck, with a beautiful sturdy metal wagon attached to the back. Santa snapped his fingers once. The truck's large steam engine started up with a thunderous roar. Pulleys and wheels started turning, steam was bleaching from the black smokestack, and the whistle blew once, loud and clear for everyone to hear.
Santa strolled over to Mr. Beamer, giving him a hearty ha
ndshake.
"You will no longer have to use "Charlie the Barnyard Horse" to pull your ice-wagon in the summertime, and you can now use this truck, to haul all of your supplies into town".
Mr. Beamer looked at Santa. He could not believe what he was seeing.
"How did you get that into your sleigh?" asked Mr. Beamer in a questioning and astonishing tone.
"I have my secrets," said Santa as he winked at Mr. Beamer, then beginning another loud belly laugh.
"But what about Ole' Charlie, we can't do this to him? It will be just so disappointing for him if he sees this. He won't have any more work to do. That ice-wagon is all he really has. It's his?pride-and-joy."
Santa came over to where Mr. Beamer was now standing next to the steaming contraption and said, "All things have been considered; all things are planned out. You have to trust me on this Mr. Beamer. I have many important "future plans"?for Charlie that I can't talk about...with you?just yet."
"Thank you anyway, but I can't do this to our Ole' Charlie. I just can't accept the wonderful gift before me," said Mr. Beamer shaking his head in disbelief as he, and Santa turned back towards the barn.
Charlie had heard the loud whistle of the steam truck outside. He meandered over to Louis, who was standing next to the open barn doors, to see what all the noise was.
"Louis look, it's one of those new machines, like the milk wagon that replaced my good friend Baron Von Beck who use to deliver the milk in town. I told you they were going to replace me someday. I told you so Louis. I just knew it."
"Charlie, how can this be? Why would Santa bring a new truck for Mr. Beamer? He must know that you won't be needed to deliver the ice any more in the summertime...and that...that?you'll be out of work...for good," said Louis who was in just as much distress as Charlie.
They both turned, and walked back into the barn talking between each other, with their heads hung low.
Mr. Beamer and Santa saw Charlie with Louis, and the sad looks on their faces.
"I told you Santa. Look at Charlie, look at Louis they seem simply brokenhearted, as well as very doleful."
"All in good time Mr. Beamer. I have delightful plans for Charlie in the very near future. Please let me finish giving out my gifts to all. Then we will discuss Charlie's future," said Santa as he softly patted Mr. Beamer on the back to reassure him.
"Louis, will you please come over here? It is now time to give you your "special present" that I have carried with me for the longest time," said Santa who was now back, inside the barn with Mr. Beamer.
Louis shuffled over to Santa with his head hung low then spoke softly into Santa ear.
"Why did you give Mr. Beamer a new steam truck, and hauling-wagon? This will put Charlie out of work for good. I'm in no mood to get a gift from you or anyone else this Christmas for that matter."
Santa placed a hand on the top of Louis's head, felt his red cowlick then whispered back into Louis's ear "I have "special plans" for Charlie. He is going to get "the most special gift"...of all tonight. Trust me Louis. Please just trust me. But first I must give you your "special gift"."
Santa unbuttoned the two top black buttons of his fine red suit. He reached his left hand inside to grip something that hung around his broad neck. Louis had a puzzled look on his face that his "special gift" would be found inside of Santa's suit. After a few moments of searching about, Santa finally pulled out of his red suit a beautifully crafted, fine golden chain, and locket. He gently handed it over to Louis's, outstretched trembling hand.
"What is this Santa? It is so beautiful."
"Open the locket Louis. This is your "special gift" from me to you this year."
Louis slowly looked it over, up and down and from side to side then paused for a moment longer to gaze at its beauty. Louis ever so gently opened the exquisite golden locket that he now held in his small quaking hands. There was a petite latch on the side made of pure white gold, and decorated with a few small prized gems. There was a stunning arch to the clasp. It showed of a quality of workmanship that could never be found in Centerville, the state of Indian, or even in this country.
"This golden locket was made by the well-skilled hands of an old goldsmith in Amsterdam. I had it specially made for you Louis."
Louis finally opened the sublime locket. His eyes swelled with loving tears. His heart began to pound, as he had never felt before. Louis did not say a single word, as he stood there motionless for what seemed like eternity.
All nearby were in great anticipation to see what Louis had found inside of the "special locket".
"It is truly beautiful," said Louis as he held it up for all in the barn to see.
Hattie May slowly walked closer over next to Louis, peered over his shoulder then looked inside the locket, to see what mysteries it held. As Hattie May's eyes focused on the picture inside the golden locket small gentle tears began to roll down both sides, of her soft subtle cheeks. She turned all of her attention on Louis, giving him a hug that only a mother could give her..."only child".
The photo inside the locket was that of Louis's father, Captain Jeremy Parks with Hattie May, and Louis on a Christmas morning from a time of long ago. Captain Parks was in his full dress uniform, looking so proud and content, standing with his loving family.
His military buttons were shimmering as well as bright. The cut and style of his uniform and hat could not to be matched. All three family members were standing in front of a flocked, snowy white Christmas tree. There was a warm inviting fire roaring in the brick firebox and there were colorful wrapped Christmas presents all around at the base of the beautiful Christmas tree. Captain Jeremy had one hand around Hattie May's slim shoulders, with one hand on Louie's bright red hair, found neatly trimmed on the top of his head.
It was the only picture Louis had ever seen of his father.
It brought tears of joy to little Louis.
Louis wiped away a few more tears out of his eyes then carefully placed the singular locket around his thin neck.
"Thank you so much Santa. This is the most "special gift" that I have ever received."
Louis gave Santa a big heartfelt hug, along with a kiss on one of his rosy red cheeks.
"Thank you Santa this is the best gift anyone could ever give to anybody ever!" said Mrs. Hattie May as she too gave Santa a warm hug and another soft kiss on his other cheek.
Louis turned slowly showing everyone in the barn the family-picture in the golden locket, in addition to the beautiful golden chain. Upon seeing both, they all agreed it was the best present that any of them had ever seen.
Louis wiped away the last of his tears, and then began to speak in a passionate tone to Santa.
"Now Santa, I have one thing left to ask you before you have to be on your way this evening. I know you're going to be very busy tonight, passing out all of those presents that are in the back of your sleigh. After all it is Christmas Eve, and all the children of the world are depending on you, and everything and I know this is your busiest night of the year but..."
"Well, what is it Louis? What troubles you so?" asked Santa.
"I wish Charlie to get a "special gift" as well tonight. One that was as wonderful, and as thoughtful, as the one that you just gave me."
"Now that's a big order Louis. How could I find something so meaningful plus so caring to give Charlie, as I was able to give...to you? I will have to think long and hard about this one. It is truly a "tall order"...ah...ah...yes...," said Santa as he stroked his long white beard. He looked over in Charlie's direction "now what could I have...for...Charlie?"
Charlie was still disheartened to have seen the steam truck, with the wagon parked out front of the barn. He just felt so unwanted, and unneeded that all he could do was lay down in his bed of hay at the back of the barn, thinking about better days that might lay ahead, but mostly he just kept running the images of
Baron Von Beck standing in his lone stall all day, with nothing to do.
This could not be a worse night or nightmare...for Ole' Charlie.
Upon hearing his name being included in the conversation after all, Charlie now stood up on all fours in his stall. He slowly sauntered over to where Louis and Santa were standing. He turned to admire Rudolf again, looked at all the special gifts in everyone's hands, and then looked at the golden chain and locket now hanging around Louis's neck.
What gift could Santa, give me that would top all of this, thought Charlie.
Why would anyone wish a gift for him that was so great?
After all, he was only an "old barnyard horse" that was getting on in age. Not thought of to be the brightest of horses, a bit clumsy, and was very soon to be replaced, then become useless by the new horseless carriage that was now sitting in the front yard, outside of the barn. All present began to join in, each one asking Santa the same thing repeatedly.
"What about Charlie?"
"Yeah...what about...Charlie...?"
"You're all right, this will have to be the greatest gift I have ever given to anyone, but I think I have just the one thing Charlie?"desires and wants the most". You see when Mr. Beamer came to visit me so many years ago in the North Pole. He told me of this great horse he has had the pleasure to know. He told me of the exceedingly kind and gently heart he had. He told me of this horse's great love of children along with his kindness to old people, and other animals. He also told me of this horse's gentle nature, of his unmatched bravery. He then told me of the love that everyone had for him as well. You see what goes for man also goes for animals and beast. "It is better to have given and offered love to all, than it is to receive love from all in return".
Charlie's ears perked as he raised his head, to listen what Santa was saying about him.
"Life is long and fraught with many strange twists and turns that can take you off the proper course in life that was designed for you by higher-powers. You have to be strong, and always stay the course...of good. Always stand by your decisions be they right or wrong, and learn from your mistakes. Do not take short cuts in life, and always be true to your friends and family. Always remember the words I impart onto you now, if you want to live a happy and fulfilling life. And no one in the whole world so represents this philosophy, and way of thinking...more than our own Charlie".
Tears began to flow down Charlie's wrinkled cheeks.
"Charlie was there to lighten your spirits Louis; when you missed that catch at the ballpark, he is a true best friend. He is always nice, kind, and gentle to all the kids in town when he delivers the ice. Charlie: helped with a barn-raising this year, pulls supplies for Mr. Beamer down into town whenever he needs them, he helped out at the fair this year, and he pulled all of you kids on that hay ride just a few months ago. Then Charlie was the bravest of the brave when he stopped the bank robbers who tried to steal Jupiter...at the town's Fair. And most of all he saved Louis from being kidnapped, and who knows what might have happened to Louis, if Charlie hadn't come to the rescue?to put a stop to that" said Santa as he looked at Charlie then shook his head in loving approval.
Charlie sat there listening intently to all that Santa was saying about him. He became completely overwhelmed. Charlie slowly sat down on his hindquarters in the center of the barn, paused for a moment to take in all that Santa had said about him, took a long deep breath, then he started to speak when Santa kindly interrupted him.
"Excuse me Charlie but this is no time for you to speak. Now may I continue with what I was saying? I hear by give "Charlie the Barnyard Horse" the greatest gift ever given by me, to any man or woman I have ever met, to any fish swimming in the open seas, or to any animal or beast, I have ever had the pleasure to know, that walks upon this earth."
Santa reached deep into a large bag of gifts at the very back of his sleigh for the last time in the evening. He searched and prodded around the broad bag for about five minutes as everyone looked on, trying to contemplate; what superb gift he would offer to Charlie. Everyone in the barn just kept thinking repeatedly, what was the..."greatest gift in the world"...that Santa Claus could ever give someone? Santa reappeared from the back of the sleigh. From deep within the great and remarkable last bag of presents, he produced a glorious and delightful string of silver "Jingle Bells" in his left hand.
"Charlie here it is. I found it at last!"
Santa held the beautiful string of silvery jingle bells high over his head, for all to see.
He continued to speak.
"This is the gift I now would like to offer you in return for all the great, along with sometime very dangerous deeds that you have performed this year, without a care for your own safety, and for which you did in the name of kindness and love. It is not just a gift given from only me. This is a gift given to you from all, who have benefited from your friendship, or love in one form or another, over the course of the year. You see the saying that you have to be good all year because Santa is watching you are true. I have been watching you Charlie all year, just as I have been watching all the children, and animals in the world, to make sure everyone has been good and kind."
Santa continued.
"These are not just ordinary jingle bells; no, not ordinary in any way, or shape. You see Mrs. Claus made sure that I had these with me when I left for tonight's world travels and festivities. I had this planned out many, many years ago, with the help of Mr. Beamer plus Rudolf. Mr. Beamer had brought you to my attention. He told me on many occasions what a kind, and great animal you were when he visited me in Santa's Village...so long ago. Then on a single night from way back, I was in one of the deepest sleeps I had ever been in, when a very clear and enlightening vision came to me. This vision never left my mind nor was forgotten by me, from that night on."
Mr. Beamer smiled, now shaking his head in complete agreement with Santa. He finally had remembered all that had happened before...from so long ago.
"Upon waking the next morning I went directly into my, "Chest of Secrets" that is always kept at the foot of my bed. There I found the superb old book named the "Book of Miracles" that was given to me by a wise wizard friend of mine. Inside of this book, I came upon the formulation to create these one of a kind string of, "Magic Jingle Bells". After quite a bit of toil and bewilderment on my part I finally brought this magic string of bells into the world."
Louis smiled at Charlie. He now knew that Charlie would indeed receive the most "special gift"...of all this evening.
"For tonight Charlie you are to fly away high into the wintry sky of Christmas Eve on a great as well as, a life changing journey, with me and the "Great Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer". All of the other reindeer will help guide us as well the Proud Prancer, the Courageous Vixen, the incomparable Donner, and all of the other heroic reindeer.
I have a new and most very special job for you, now that you have officially ended your long-term employment with Mr. Beamer. Mr. Beamer now has that new steam truck and wagon outside, and will not be in need your services anymore. Charlie you are to help me, and the mighty Rudolf deliver all these splendid presents to all the children of the world. Tonight will be the most special and wonderful night of your life" said Santa as he started to hand the band of silver "Magic Jingle Bells" over to Charlie.
Charlie reached out, taking the "Magic Jingle Bells" into his mouth. He gave a slow long bow to Santa as a show of appreciation, and approval to Santa. While holding the bells in his mouth he looked over at Chug with pride welling in his eyes. Tears began again to roll down his cheeks again. He turned then looked at Mr. Beamer and Mrs. Beamer, with an incredibly happy and very loving smile written across his old and crinkled face.
Charlie then turned to look at all the girls and boys in the barn, he gave them a stately bow of his head. Charlie looked over at the other side of the barn towards the other barnyard animals for a moment. He gave another loving nod of
his head, in a gesture of special thanks to them as well.
Finally, Charlie turned to give a direct and heartfelt look at Louis and Santa. Charlie gently placed the magic jingle bells on the ground. He began to speak as a great swelling of tears again gently started to roll down the corner of each of his weary eyes.
"Santa how can I thank you...?"
"Where do I begin...?"
Santa slowly held up a hand in the air and gestured to Charlie for him to stop from going on any further. He understood Charlie's feelings no more was needed to be said.
Charlie just had to speak.
"Everyone gathered here this Christmas Eve in Mr. Beamer's barn please let me speak a few kind words to you all, before I accept the fine destiny that awaits me. You know I just love you all from the bottom?of my old tired heart and that you can tell by the tears welling in my eyes, that are now falling to the earth below me that the love and happiness I feel for you all tonight will always be true, forever within me, never fading?and everlasting. Each of you I will remember fondly. I hope that each of you will remember me, and wish me well, in the new quest that has been brought before me tonight by the most generous man the world has ever known...Kris Kringle."
"Thank you...!"
"Thank you all...!"
Charlie now turned towards Santa and Rudolf to face his new adventure, to begin his exciting new travels around the globe.
All in the barn smiled widely at Charlie, with love and friendship in their pounding hearts.
Santa: tightened up his black wide belt a notch, climbed up into the front of his sleigh, grabbed the leather reins of his sleigh in one hand, and then took the large black whip from its holster with his other hand.
He began to speak again.
The voice quickly became commanding and melodious at the same time. The words spoken directly to Charlie were clear, and true.
"Charlie these are the times you were born for you were brought unto this world to spread joy, happiness, and wealth to all. You're as brave as any horse that ever walked the face of the earth, in present times and past. You are kind to all things of man, child and beast! Your ancestral bloodline is that of kings!
You are an "Arion" and this is your calling!
Your great grandfather was a king in a far-away land many generations ago. Your mother was the sovereign ruler of countries that once stretched to the furthest corners of the earth. Other members of your family though out time have lead enormous and proud armies. Guided great leaders though many dangerous adventures, and conquered all the highest mountain ranges, and deepest valleys of the earth. It is now your time to take your place alongside of your...famous family?once again.
The world is in need of your mighty services?once more!
All you have to do is give a firm shake of the "Magic Jingle Bells" now found lying before you. Place them back into your mouth...give them a mighty shake and..."dream what you dare to dream"...and all shall come true for you...on this Christmas Eve."
Charlie listened to all said by Santa, pausing for a moment to look around the barn one last time. He bent down to grasp the "Magic Jingle Bells", placing them back into his mouth.
He clinched down tightly on the string of bells, reared up on his hind legs, closed his eyes for a moment to make his powerful wish then, he let out a forceful whinny!
He vigorously shook the silvery bells with all his might.
The "Magic Jingle Bells" took on the sounds of all the church bells in the world ringing at once, but in a controlled, and melodious fashion. The tones of the bells were of the lowest lows and the highest highs together. All of the notes on the musical scale were represented. The notes sent off by the bells shot out around the earth, and far up into the starry heavens above.
There were diminished minors notes with augmented major notes, plus ringing high C's. The notes sounded like they rang out from a bevy of trumpeter's standing on the top of a beautiful mountain range, playing into a welcoming lush green valley below. In an instant, all became quiet around those singular notes played together, as they rang out...high and true.
Those present in the barn that night who heard the jingle bells agreed that it was the most beautiful sound they had ever heard before.
"The Magic Jingle Bells", as they were being shaken by Charlie on that Christmas Eve were heard though out the world, ringing in every child's ears. The sounds were felt in every father's heart, and cherished in every mother's breast; all that heard them were brought joy down deep in their souls that they would carry with them, for the rest of their natural-born lives.
Just then!
A great flash of white and bluish light now exploded out in all directions all around where Charlie was last seen standing, engulfing him, and hiding him temporarily from view.
The air in the barn started to make a strong, and very loud whooshing noise as it grew in strength and stamina.
As the wind continued to gain in strength all present in the barn began to run for shelter. Hay was thrown out in all directions, as a large cloud of magical dust filled the air. The ringing of the bells with the whinnying of Charlie began to fade, drawing fainter and fainter, as the circling winds, grew in intensity and strength. Then with one great final flash of white and blue light, and with one great robust gust of blowing wind, everything became deathly still.
The sounds of serenading jingle bells became ghostly quiet.
The wind's blowing had suddenly stopped as quickly as they had arisen.
The bright magical lights were gone, and the magical dust in the air began to gently fall back to earth. As all alighted from cover, and recovered their eyesight, a lovely sight, and powerful image now stood before them.
Charlie had been reborn!
Now before all eyes to gaze upon was the greatest horse that has ever stood on the face of the earth! Not since the beginnings of man or before, was there ever a more magnificent animal to be seen...than this horse.
He was twenty-two hands high!
He stood with chiseled muscle and sinewy strength: two-thousand pounds of pure pride. He had a solid, striking white color to match even the most beautiful of clouds that ever sailed into the heavens above.
A great "Pure-Bred White Andalusia Horse" now stood where the old "Charlie the Barnyard Horse"?was last seen.
His muzzle was strong, holding powerful wide flared nostrils that were grasping for air created solely for him to breathe long deep breaths, in the thin air of the heavenly skies above. This horse had a deep girth at his chest, which would allow him to, fully expand his massive lungs, and take in enough air to be able to attain a long and sustained flight. He had a high set tail that was long, luxurious, wavy, and true. His mighty, white silky mane of hair flowed down his strong back, like the rushing of a wild high mountain river, crashing over hidden boulders lying in the riverbed below.
He had a natural high set head that was fine, and cleanly sculpted, and this only added to his grace and beauty. The hind legs were powerful, but not too straight, which would help him on his long arduous treks across the nighttime sky. This "Great Horse" could clearly collect himself at anytime, producing lightning speeds when called upon by his driver.
Clearly the horse standing before everyone in the barn was at its physical peak and fraught with natural athleticism, not to be out matched, in heaven or on earth. You could tell by his classical dressage that he was an inspiration to all and bred to compete and perform, for kings and queens. His countenance was that of pride with an unwillingness, to be dominated by none.
Behind him stood the most magnificent golden colored sleigh anyone had ever seen before. It was dressed from the front of the buckboard, to the rear carriage bolts in red ribbons, with silver and gold leaf trim. The one-horse sleigh was, long and sleek, and aerodynamically built to cut through the rushing winds.
The two wooden-skids on the undercarri
age were built from the finest cherry woods, found deep in the forests of Germany, it was twenty six feet long, and six feet wide at its widest point, and had silver saddle bells, and brass hip bells strewn all along its sides. This sleigh was no old worn buckboard two-seater wagon. This was a grand sleigh built for speed, and an accuracy of flight.
At the back of the sleigh stood piled high: a multitude of presents, decorative boxes, bicycles, sleds, children's toys and baubles of every different sort and style. The gifts rivaled in numbers and quality to that of the toys found in the back of Rudolf's sleigh, which was juxtaposed next to the now newly standing, grand sleigh, and magnificent statuesque white horse.
The sight of this glimmering horse, and fine sleigh took everyone in the barn aback.
Louis regained his courage, and wits the best he could. He walked sheepishly over towards the sleigh and the beautiful "Great White Horse" that now stood right before him.
The "Great White Horse" gazed down upon Louis.
Louis looked back upward into the beautiful eyes of the astonishing beast. Louis took a long pause, looked at the "Great White Horse" once more up and down, and then spoke in a very low and quite tone.
"Charlie...is that...ah...you...inside there?"
No reply was heard.
Louis now moved a wobbly step closer. He then stood perfectly still.
"Charlie I asked?is that?you...inside of there?" said a shaking little boy.
The "Great White Horse" grunted out a faint reply, in a deep and peculiar voice that was yet indeterminable, and indiscernible.
Louis stood alone in front of the great chiseled chest of the horse for a few more seconds to ponder all that he was seeing with his unbelieving eyes. Louis spoke again in hesitation and in fear, but this time with a more powerful voice, and with more volume.
"Charlie...I SAID...for the last time! Is...that...you in there? If it is you, show me a sign, or answer me...right now!"
Everyone in the barn from Mrs. Beamer, Mr. Beamer, Hattie May, all the girls and all the animals stood as quiet and as still, as a frightened mouse crouching down so as not to be seen by a venomous snake in the wild.
"The Magic Jingle Bells" dropped slowly from the teeth of "The Great White Horse". A soft gentle ringing of the bells once again was heard, as the bells gently hit the earth. "The Great White Horse" shook his head just ever so slightly, from side to side, and up and down in what Louis believed was a friendly manner.
His fluttering great nostrils let out a full blast of cold winter air that completely covered Louis, sending a chill quickly along his spine, down into the two souls of his feet. Louis could now feel his red cowlick starting to stand up under his baseball cap.
Fear again, now gripped him.
Louis's baseball cap rose a little bit from the rear. It started to cover his forehead and cobalt blue eyes. Louis raised an unstable hand to readjust the cap back to the top of his head, but to no avail; finally Louis just took his baseball cap off, slowly placing it across his now, ever quivering heart.
Louis was scatterbrained, but tried his best to gather his courage once more. He slowly moved a step closer to the magnificent animal who, was now only a thin yard away. "The Great White Horse" lowered down his head, he then turned it to the side. Louis spoke into his ear, but this time in a soft low whisper.
"Charlie...I know that's you in there. Stop playing games now. Say hi to your best friend in the world. My heart can't take this anymore."
Louis lightly stepped backwards a few feet.
The stately horse raised head up for a moment, looking over at Santa Claus. Santa winked back in approval.
This wonderful pure white Andalusia horse now lowered his head back down slowly, nodding for Louis to approach closer.
Louis took one last small guarded step forward, quelled his shaking body for a moment then turned his head to the side, so his ear was in a better position to hear what was about to be said from "The Great White Horse".
"Louis, all great performances have happy endings, and deserve standing ovations!"
"How'd I do...Louis?"
"Did I...have you fooled at all...?"
"Oh, Charlie I knew that was you all along" yelled out Louis as he jumped forward with joy in his heart. He gave Charlie the longest and most affectionate hug around his neck, ever given.
"Everybody, it's MY Charlie!"
"It's MY...Charlie!" shouted out Louis all the while never letting go of his grasp around Charlie's neck.
"Louis it's your Charlie! I had you fooled. I knew I did!"
"Charlie you weren't fooling me?with that story you told me?about you being an "Arion" horse."
"Nope...I wasn't fooling you ever?!"
"It was true."
"It was true...!"
"I get it now Charlie. What you've been trying to tell me all along, that all you have to do..."to conquer the world and yourself"?is to have "true courage in your heart, trust in yourself, and trust in your friends and family".
"Just follow your dreams Louis, and they will all come true...really they all will?"
"I finally get it Charlie...I finally understand it all. It's as easy to see now as the bumpy nose on Mr. Beamer's face," said Louis as he pointed over at Mr. Beamer's rather large nose.
Mr. Beamer smiled broadly while rubbing his outsized appendage.
Rudolf gave off a great grunting noise, as all the other reindeer started to join him in unison. The noise started to rumble the wood rafters above in the barn, which started hay to rain down all around again.
Everyone rushed over to Charlie and Louis. All hugged them both of them with all their might.
"Santa does fine work, doesn't he?" said Charlie as he turned to lick Hattie May on the face. The jubilation all felt, with the love showered over Charlie and Louis seemed to go on forever.
Santa who was still standing on his sleigh cracked his whip with two thunderous downward strokes. He placed two fingers together, placing them in his mouth. He sent out two loud great whistles into the air, above all the children's voices.
Santa called out.
"Charlie I have given you this "special gift" to make all the children of the world, fill their hearts with happiness, and joy tonight. We must not tarry on any further. Our time is at hand. We have grand presents to deliver. Time is now of the essence. It is now almost a quarter till one on Christmas Eve, and we have not even begun our epic journey around the world yet."
Santa had one last thing to say before he gathered his sleigh with reindeer and alighted into the night sky.
"I now proclaim for the entire world to hear, "Charlie the Barnyard Horse" is no more a part of this time or space. He has passed back into the natural-world, which bore him. Recreated in his image, is the now more powerful, and mighty horse that you see before you now. I proudly proclaim, and offer you "Charlie the Great White Horse"!
Everyone in the barn present clapped wildly, began shouting and yelling, throwing handfuls of straw and hay, high up into the skies above.
"Ready to master the skies Charlie?" asked an enlivened Santa.
"I'm ready Santa. The stars and heavens above will belong to me tonight!"
Louis playfully grabbed Charlie's tail one last time. Charlie flipped his tail for Louis in respect, and love for his best friend.
"Children the world over get ready because "Charlie the Great White Horse" is coming to bring you joy and cheer" yelled out Charlie as he stood up on his hindquarters. He belted out from the bottom of his enormous chest, one last great whinny.
"I'm ready Santa?destiny calls!" shouted back Charlie.
Santa cracked his whip with another ferocious upward movement of his arm, as the wind split in two again. The sound was deafening; reverberating off the barn walls.
Santa called out again "Up! Up and away!
"On D
asher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen?on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, and?Blitzen.
Another quick tug on the leathery reins, and Rudolf's nose lit a bright red glow. Both sleigh and reindeer lifted straight up off the ground.
"Your turn Charlie" blared out Santa.
Charlie picked up the "Magic Jingle Bells" in his teeth from the ground in front of him, tossing them over to Louis. Louis upon catching them walked up to Charlie. He whispered in his ear on last time.
"Good luck...stay safe...and come back to visit me, when you can Charlie. I miss you already!"
Louis placed the singular strand of "Magic Jingle Bells" around Charlie's neck, secured them. He stepped backwards away from Charlie, and his mighty sleigh. Charlie let out another great whinny, gathered his courage, and with great determination, and will power, he lifted himself off the ground.
Charlie's magical sleigh gently rose off the ground, to a height of about ten feet. It slowly spun around to face the front barn doors, positioning its self next to Santa's Sleigh.
The nighttime air became alive again, as it began encircling around the inside of the barn, like a small whirlwind.
Charlie spoke one last time.
"Don't forget the bell around your neck Louis. If you're ever in danger, and need me, just ring it once loud and clear, and I will be there as fast as the great eagle soars in the heavens above!"
Louis shouted back.
"I won't forget Charlie. I won't forget. I will ring the bell, just as hard, and as fast as I can. I know you, will never let me down."
"Good luck Charlie!
"Good luck!"
All waved goodbye, and many tears of joy were shed that night, as Charlie and his grand sleigh, Santa's wondrous sleigh, with Rudolf with his troop of noble reindeer rose farther and farther, off the ground. They slowly passed out through the front barn doors, lifting higher and higher, up into the nighttime sky.
All the children ran out of the barn waiving to Charlie, and Santa as they began to slowly fade away out of sight.
The North Star could be seen shining bright and clear, in the chilly December sky above Indiana. A thin band of snow-filled clouds floated by gently, and ever so slowly drifted apart, as the two sleighs rustled the cool wind between them. As the clouds finally released their grasp on each other, you could see the illuminated full moon, shining high above in the northern sky.
You could barely hear the faint echoes of distant jingle bells, a horse's soft whinny, and the cracking of a leather whip. Ever fainter in the night sky above, you could scarcely see two silhouettes gliding across the face of the illustrious full moon:
Finally and completely they...faded out of sight.
Merry Christmas!
~Epilogue~
The grand story of what happened that Christmas Eve, long ago in Mr. Beamer's barn spread all over the world until it was known: by every child young and old. Parts of the story were embellished over the years and some parts had been forgotten over the years, as the story was passed along, from generation to generation.
Charlie the Great White Horse and the Story of the Magic Jingle Bells Page 18