Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-25
Teddy's Christmas.


ut is almost Christmas time" sighed
Teddy as he trudged slowly along over
the snowy road toward the dingy cottage
that he called home: land have only
three dollars to spend and there are so
many things that I want to buy with
them Mother needs a nice warm shawl
to wear this cold weather. and little May
must have a hood and pair of new
shoes. Mother said the other day that
she could not go out any more until she
had some and mother has no money now
TO buy them. oh dear; | wish was big
ger so that ! could help her more. Then
there's my new sled l want so much,
such a nice one too as Mr. Jones said he
could sell me for only two dollars.
Teddy had now reached home and he
went about his evening chores. his mind
still busy planning how he could best
spend his money: and trying to solve that
difficult problem, which has puzzled old
er and wiser heads than his. how to make
"A little go great way. Teddys mother
was very poor. She worked very hard to
take care of her children, and often found
il difficult to provide them with the nee
essary articles of food and clothing.
Teddy was only ten years old. but his
life of poverty and privation had made
him thoughtful and older than his years.
He thought every thing of his mother and
tried in many ways to help her. He had
one possession which he highly priced.
The previous summer neighboring far
mer had given him a pet lamb. Under
Teddy's generous treatment he grew TO
be a beautiful creature with snowy fleece
and large soft eyes. The lamb seemed to
appreciate Teddy's love for him for he
was most happy and contented when fol-
lowing him closely, everywhere that he
was allowed to go.
A few. years before Christmas as Teddy
was watching his pet gamboling ABOUT
the yard. farmer Brown drove by and
calling to Teddy asked MN II ne Wouiu
sell his lamb.
Sell my lamb! never thought of such
IL thing said Teddy.
Well saiu the farmer. Il Will give
Won five dollars for him. YOU can think ii
over and let me know in a day or two.
and the kind hearted farmer drove on
thinking that he had done the boy real
favor by offering him so much for the
lamb. Teddy thought it over with a
would be a great help just now but how
could he part with his only pet
When his mother returned from her
work that night she seemed more tired
and sad than usual. Teddys quick eye
noticed the change in her and he tried
to be cheerful and happy that she might
not observe his sorrcwful face. He had
almost decided to sell his lamb.
Il am afraid Teddy said his mother
that we shall not have very merry
Christmas this year. Mrs. Clark told me
tonight that she could not pay me for
my work at present. have not asked
her for any money for a long time and
was 50 disappointed when she refused
me- She said that she was very sorry
but that she had spent so much getting
ready for Christmas that she had no
money for me now. How heartless such
people are. and at such time TOO. Now
little they understand the true spirit of
Christmas. If | had wealth like many
people know how differently should
feel and act toward the poor Yet it may
be more thoughtlessness than want of
heart. We must not judge them too
harshy.'
We'll mother" said Teddy. don't feel
too badly about it, perhaps Santa Claus
will remember us after ALL
The night before Christmas Teddy
brought home Il large bundle and put it
carefully away from little Mays curious
eyes before his mothers return. Christ
mas day dawned bright and beautiful,
Teddy was up betimes. Little May had
hung up her stocking as usual with the
same faith in Santa Claus that she had
always had; and as Teddy filled it with
bon bons and finished off with the new
shoes and bright warm hood. after lay
ing over his mothers chair a nice thick
shawl he felt quite repaid for the loss of
his lamb. His mothers surprise was in
deed great when she discovered her pres
ent. why. Teddy" she exclaimed where
did you get the money to buy this nice
warm SHAWL L tuOuBDl you were SdNiIE
all of your pennies for that new sled?'
Never mind the sled. | can do without
that and IL sold my lamb. Mr. Brown
gave me five dollars for him.
But you thought so much of him Ted
dy. How could you sell him.
Il could do it for you mother" replied
Teddy and he turned away to hide the
tears which filled his eyes, as he thought
of his beautiful pet. Just then the loud
Jingle of bells attracted their attention
nd lnnISinyr n
the door. Il guess tbs Santa Claus COM
ing to bring something he forgot said
little May. The stranger inquired for
Mrs Taylor, How do you do Jennie y
said he as she came forward. Have you
forgotten Charlie Frost?' Charlie Frost
my brother" she exclaimed. Is it possible
you are he? No it cannot be. he is long
since dead. Not yet replied the
stranger. | am Charlie Frost in the flesh
and have returned to spend the rest of
my life in my native land. have tired
of my wandering lonely life and we will
live together and make each other happy.
| have ample means for all. Now we will
have merry Christmas indeed which
was soon in evidence from the highly
savory Odors floating about the little
kitchen. and the many parcels large and
small which found their way from uncle
Charles sleigh into the house.
The following day as Teddy came in
from school his uncle said to him there
is something for you in the she'd and
going out Teddy found the Identical sled
he had wanted so long, and his surprise
and joy was indeed complete when from
his pen near by he heard the well known
bleat of SNOWFALL his pet lamb. Uncle
Charlie had heard from Mrs. Taylor the
story of the shawl. which of all her gifts
upon this memorable Christmas was most
highly priced by her.
Now | wish that all deserving little
boys that may read this story. might
have as happy Christmas as Teddy. and
although they may not have an uncle
Charlie, if those who have much and to
whom much is given. would practice Il
part of Teddys generous self-sacrifice.
many sad hearts would be chcered and
lightened and they would early learn the
value of that grand old lesson which the
Saviour taught. at is more blessed to
give than to receive. H. a. W.