The Great Reindeer Caper Heather Graham #4
“Um, good to hear?” Angela said curiously.
“I always think about my dad when it comes to religion. We were Christian, but he encouraged me to respect everyone, to go to Temple with friends. His words exactly, ‘There’s nothing wrong with the word’s major religions; it’s what men choose to do with them that can cause problems. Seriously, peace and love are really preached about everywhere I’ve been. ’”
He turned and grinned at her. “A wise man said those words. But . . .”
“Okay, why were the early Christians smart?”
“They don’t really know when Christ was born, but most Christian scholars, of today and days gone by, believe it might have been more toward our summer months.
But an exact day doesn’t matter, a chosen day to celebrate and honor the birth every year is important.
And since there was a time when it was all new, it was important to try to gather others—hm, pagans—to the fold.
The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, and there were all kinds of ancient beliefs that tied in with the shortest days of the year, celebrations for the end of harvest season and so on.
And therefore, in my mind, it was quite brilliant to choose a day that could call out to those who had been raised with pagan or other beliefs and bring them all into the fold.
A fold of peace and love, as you were saying.
The important thing, in my mind, is to take a day, a day in which to celebrate a miraculous event!
And for us, Christianity, Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ! ”
She smiled at him. “And what about your dad’s people? The Cheyenne?” she asked him. “How did you grow up?” she asked him.
“Ah! Well, you know, we selected a maiden to sacrifice, killed a zillion buffalo, danced around—”
“Jackson!”
“Okay, okay!” he said, laughing. “No, seriously, most Native American cultures today celebrate Christmas, but as I was saying, before European arrival on the continent, most peoples here celebrated the solstice, just as in many places around the globe. There was dancing; that part was true. And there were many ‘giving’ holidays among us, so . . . but hey, we also have great Native dances and all kinds of stuff . . .”
“One of these Christmases—” Angela began. “We’re teaching our kids about your dad’s roots!”
“Sadly, it doesn’t matter what our roots may be—humanity has practiced some pretty grim stuff in every possible culture.
I’m just glad I was born when there were treaties all around the country with every Native American tribe—and we even celebrate a Native American month.
It’s an eternal hope that we can one day have peace around the world.
But anyway . . . all we do is our best; and we’ve done that for the moment, so .
. . I say onward! This year . . .” Jackson frowned, looking into the distance, his words trailing.
“We’re going to keep shopping and have a great time with our family!”
“Exactly!”
Since they were in the city for the holiday because of their private meeting with Adam Harrison on the 27th, Adam, being Adam, had found them a wonderful house where they could stay in Forest Hills, a beautiful place dressed to the hilt for the holiday season with lights and a little blow-up display of Santa with his reindeer.
Reindeer that stayed on the ground!
And right now, with Mary and the kids at the Met, they could get in their last-minute shopping for the kids’ Christmas stockings.
Corby had wanted a new bike and Victoria a playhouse; those, being big, were at home.
But Angela wanted Christmas bags so that they could put pictures of the presents, along with little things, under the tree that Adam had arranged for the house before they’d even arrived.
They had their day of shopping, and they made it to McSorley’s where Angela was simply in love with the place.
“That you do love this place so much surprises me. You know that women weren’t allowed in here until they caved under pressure in 1970.”
“I do know that. Over fifty years ago now. But Jackson! The place opened in 1854! And do you know who all has been in here? Abe Lincoln and John Lennon, to name just two! It’s still great!
” Angela argued. “Hey, there’s tons in history that we don’t like; to deny it is a huge mistake.
But I’m living for today. And today, I love the place! ”
And it was fun. They chatted with locals and tourists and enjoyed the music.
And the next day was family and the next . . .
A fantastic church ceremony with incredible music, followed by Christmas feasting.
Adam was already in the city, and he was having a few friends in a private room at one of his favorite restaurants. He had other kids coming; and Corby and Victoria were excited and even Mary seemed pleased.
The meal was great. People were happy and thankful to be with each other.
And, of course, there was still talk about “The Great Reindeer Caper,” but they sidestepped it every time. Adam, of course, knew all about their involvement; and when he did speak with them privately, it was just to remind them of their meeting.
“It’s nothing huge . . . or maybe it is. Anyway, we all know how we watch people, law-enforcement mostly, but others and—” Adam began.
“You have new Krewe members to suggest,” Adam said. “Of course; you’re always great when it comes to knowing people. And their abilities.”
“Well, that’s just it,” Adam said. “I have been watching people. I’ve got some great ones; bios and all to send you. But it’s a bit more . . .” Adam said, letting the words trail.
“A bit more?” Angela asked.
“A bit of a Krewe segue, if you will. Oh, Krewe talented and Krewe members. But maybe just a little more, too! I’ll explain at our meeting,” he said quicky. Some of the kids present at their gathering were approaching, and they knew he wasn’t going to say more.
They were curious, of course. But they only had a few days to wait, and it was . . .
Christmas!
They walked a bit and took in more decorations. They listened to carolers.
Finally, the day was drawing to an end. They cuddled the kids and tucked them in and took turns reading Christmas stories with each other. After leaving the kids’ rooms they bid Mary goodnight, and headed into their own room.
And lying there, staring at the ceiling, Jackson suddenly smiled.
“Okay, what’s up?” she asked him.
“I don’t know. We’ve talked about what happened, we’ve talked about what we do, had a great day, and I guess I was just thinking . . .”
“Thinking what?” she asked him.
“There’s one message. For all us, wherever we might have come from . . . it’s the season. And in that, for us today, a one-word message. I mean songs, gifts, family . . . and with it all . . . With all that a one-word message, or maybe three words!” Jackson said.
Angela smiled. “I know the words!” she told him.
“Peace and love!” they said together.
And laughing, she fell into his arms.
“Peace and love and joy to the world!” she whispered, and was ever grateful for the beauty of the day, and that of her life.