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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n25)
Right in my Own Backyard - A Christmas Banquet - by Brandt Carter
posted: Dec. 18, 2015

Right in my Own Backyard header

A Christmas Banquet

Life goes on at the North Pole, but not this year. On Christmas Eve day, a snowy owl appeared on a snow-covered blue spruce. His urgent call brought all out into the yard where he warned the elves and Santa that a monster snow storm was headed toward the North Pole on Christmas Night.
"HO, HO, HO," answered Santa. "No problem, the reindeer and I will be well on our journey around the world to visit every good girl and boy. Mr. Owl, I do appreciate your weather forecast. My only concern is leaving the Mrs. and all those who live here at the Pole."
"Whoo, whoo," the owl replied, "This Christmas will be memorably different."
The elves and Mrs. Claus hurried about to get Santa on his way. The elves jammed his sleigh and bag full of toys, dolls, and gifts. His wife packed protein bars for the reindeer and Santa's once-a-year favorite, white chocolate chip cranberry walnut cookies, along with a thermos of hot chocolate latte. Off he went, quite visible for a long time because the sky was growing darker and darker as he flew away.
The first flakes started. . . one, two, three, fifty, one hundred and fifty, and one thousand. Snowy Owl's forecast was materializing. Wind picked up. Bunnies burrowed, the birds took shelter under the eaves of the house and in tree hollows. The deer, bears, raccoons, opossums, and squirrels raised their heads; their noses could smell the storm. They all disappeared to their shelters.
As Christmas Day dawned Mrs. Claus looked out to see the wind curling around the house. Snow was piling up one inch a minute. She shut the door. Her elves were everywhere in the house. With Santa and his reindeer gone, the elves were too exhausted and worried to sleep. They had not gone to their dormitory. So Mrs. Claus passed around the last of the cookies and hot chocolate, and she got herself a cup of tea and settled by the fire.
"My dear elves. You have worked so hard this year. You loaded Santa's sleigh with the best and sent him on his way. Don't worry. You know he is wise and has made this trip in fog, rain, and sleet. He will be fine. So let's plan the day after Christmas while we wait for him to return. You know you are all safe and warm here, but the rest of our animal friends may wake up very cold and hungry. What do you think we can do to give them a Christmas?"
The first elf said, "When the snow stops, we can go outside and find them. Then we can wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." The second elf said, "We can sing Christmas Carols to them." Mrs. Claus said those were good ideas, "but what do you think they really need?" The third elf said, "I think they will be very hungry. Do you think we can feed them?"
So all day was spent in preparations to give the birds and animals a Christmas banquet. Down to the root cellar to get carrots and apples. Out to the kitchen to make biscuits and popcorn. A few brave elves waded through the snow to get birdseed and corn. After this flurry of work, Mrs. Claus saw quite a few yawns. "All right you elves. . . off to bed. Tomorrow will dawn soon enough and we will have many to feed until Santa comes back."
It's a funny thing about nature. . . one day she can be downright nasty and the next day she is as beautiful, sunny and peaceful as can be. That was the day after Christmas this year.
Mrs. Claus arose early and began giving directions. "Ready, elves, it's time for us to be kind and generous. First group, go feed the birds. Second group, you take all the animals over 100 pounds. The last group, you feed the small critters." The day was spent giving a holiday feast to all at the North Pole.
When Santa arrived back, he noticed the happy chorus of chirping sounds and contented animals standing at the edge of the woods. Even though he was tired, with another "HO, HO, HO" he exclaimed, "What have you done? I can still feel the Christmas Spirit!"
After Mrs. Claus recounted all that had been done, Santa declared, "Every year from now on, the day after Christmas, was reserved for all the creatures of the world. Let leftover breads, nuts, fruits, and grains be put out to feed those who live outdoors. Fill birdfeeders and provide water."
You, too, can offer a Christmas banquet in your backyard, a beautiful tradition that began that year at the North Pole.



Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com




brandt@broadripplegazette.com
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