Up and around December 24 1867 there was a relaxed and cozy sphere at the Ponderosa Ranch. The tree was trimmed by Mitch helped by his father Adam Cartwright. Ben, Hoss and Joe had hung up the other decorations.
That day Mitch was questioning everyone about what he would get for his birthday. But nobody wouldn’t say anything so that the boy gave up.
“What is he very curious”, said Hoss,
“Say that again. By the way, who says that he gets something?”, Joe asked teasing.
“You were also like that at his age”, answered Ben.
“Joe maybe but Hoss and I not”, said Adam.
“Get out of here Adam. I know you all your life so I should know. Mitch is actually quite easy compared to when you were as old as he is now”, reacted the rancher.
Hereby Adam and Hoss knew nothing more to say and kept silent. They knew that their father was right.
The next morning everybody woke up early but Mitch as first. The shepherd Cody too woke up early. He gave his friend a big lick across his face.
“Thanks Cody. I am curious about what Santa has brought”, said Mitch.
Quickly he got up and he went to wash himself and get dressed. When he was almost finished with that Adam came into the bedroom of his son.
“Happy birthday”, said Adam.
He went to sit on the bed and gave his offspring a lovingful hug.
“Thanks daddy”, said the youngest Cartwright.
Adam helped his son with his walking brace and after that they went with the dog downstairs where the others also were.
Ben, Hoss and Joe began to sing, “Happy birthday to you.”
But Cody disagreed with it and began to cry loud.
“Gentlemen, just stop because someone doesn’t like it”, Adam said smiling.
They stopped at once.
“Mitchy, it did sound right, didn’t?”, asked Hoss.
“You shouldn’t have asked him that”, Joe said worried.
“It didn’t sound bad but it would have sound better if daddy had sang along”, said the birthday boy.
“I will go for a walk with Cody”, said Joe.
They went outside while the others walked to the dining-room. Mitch looked at the many presents and kept standing still by the tree.
“Has Santa brought those all for us?”, he asked amazed.
“Yes, why?”, asked Hoss.
“Well, then he has to be enormous rich”, was the light-hearted answer.
“Mitch, first we are going to have breakfast and after that you get the presents for your birthday. This afternoon come the ones for your Christmas”, said Adam.
“I don’t mind. It is my birthday all day long anyway”, said his son while they sat down.
The Chinese cook Hop Sing had made a very extended breakfast which the Cartwrights ate. There was even enough left when Joe came inside.
After the long breakfast the Cartwrights went to the living room.
“Mitch, go sit on the settee because here come your birthday presents”, said Ben.
Mitch went to sit down and looked at his family members with full expectation.
“You get this from all of us”, said Adam.
He gave his son a big present and put it next to him. Mitch unwrapped it and was thrilled with what he had gotten.
“What nice daddy. A bat, a few balls and a glove”, said Mitch.
“You’re welcome kid. We hope that you have much pleasure from it”, Adam said smiling.
Mitch tried on the glove and it fitted exactly.
“May I play outside with Cody in the snow?”, he asked.
“Don’t you want a piece of cake first?”, asked Hoss.
“I am still full from breakfast. Maybe later”, his nephew answered.
“Go on then. We will call you later for cutting the cake”, said Adam.
Mitch got up and went to play outside with the dog.
Hop Sing had baked a big cake for the birthday of Mitch but Hoss had to wait till after lunch for a piece of cake. When it was finally that time everyone had a great taste. Santa had bought for everyone the right presents and had been for that in a bookstore. Even Mitch had gotten a book.
“Papa, can you help me with this book?”, the boy asked.
“Of course I will help you. But I believe that someone wants to go outside with you”, answered Adam.
Mitch looked and saw a begging looking Cody near the front door. A moment later the couple were outside again until it became dark.
The rest of the afternoon there was a delicious smell of pancakes in and around the ranch house. Hereby Mitch and Cody came quickly inside but only Mitch got a warm pancake which he shared with the dog.
“Delicious he Cody?”, asked Mitch.
“Woof”, said Cody.
“Later on we will get more”, the boy promised.
Hop Sing baked three big piles which had disappeared quicker than they were baked. By the delicious pancakes and cold air outside the youngest Cartwright fell fast asleep on the settee. Adam picked him up and brought him to bed.
When it had become very late the Cartwrights looked at the clear Christmas air for a moment.
“Pa, it was a great Christmas day again”, said Joe.
“Even Mitchy was very sweet today”, said Hoss.
“I don’t want to say much but my son is always sweet”, reacted Adam.
“You’re welcome boys”, said Ben.
Not much after that everything was in a deep peace up and around the Ponderosa.