By:  Jax

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… Jack Frost nipping at your nose…

An aged turntable sat on an equally old card table, the plastic lid propped up as the 33 record spun slowly, and the infamous Christmas song crackling through the speakers. The Duke farmhouse had been redressed for the upcoming holiday, an evergreen wreath and pine cones hung on the door; the front of the house had been covered with lights that were carefully wrapped around the roof and up to the chimney, then back down the other side.

The Christmas décor had not been limited to the just the outside, the inside had been hit with yuletide cheer as well. In the center of the living room a pine tree stood, its fresh scent wafting through every room of the house. The proud tree had been covered with not only generations of Duke ornaments, but strings of real popcorn and cranberries, and a hand carved wooden star sat on the very top. Around the home, Daisy had placed many pots of bright poinsettias, the red flowers stood out amongst the pine cone and evergreen garland that ran along every wall, like Christmas colored tentacles that stretched out in every direction.

Santa’s on his way…He’s bringing lots of toys…

Luke Duke sang as he stood in the bathroom, his voice echoing off the walls. He wore bright puffy red pants and black boots, and then turned to pick up the coat that lay flung over the shower curtain rod. His soft singing turned to humming as he slipped on the Santa coat and adjusted the collar in the full length mirror behind the door. Luke buttoned up the heavy coat and ran his hands down the smooth velvet, smiling a little at his reflection. On the sink behind him lay his red hat; he picked it up and ran his hand through his dark hair a moment before slipping it on.

“Bo!” He called out as he began to fuss with the hat turning his head from one side to the other, trying to tuck in all traces of his dark hair.  “Bo, how’s it going?”

Hearing no reply, Luke sighed as left the bathroom and went to the room he shared with his cousin and knocked.

“Bo, did you hear me?”

“Yeah Luke, I hear you–” Came the grumble from inside that made the dark haired Duke crease his brow.

“So are you almost ready or not?”

“I ain’t going!”

“Bo…” Luke sighed as he put his hands on his hips and raised his gaze up towards the ceiling. He closed his eyes briefly and took in a patient breath.

“We promised Uncle Jesse we would and I won the coin toss fair and square. Now quit complaining and come on out of there!”

“I don’t see why you can’t do this! I’m more built to be Santa than you!”

Scoffing at that, Luke shook his head. “Since when? Who’s ever heard of a lanky Santa?”

“Hazzard might, cause I ain’t going out like this! No way Luke!”

Luke sighed and touched the pocket of his pants; he pulled out a pocket watch and opened it to check the time. Running short on both time and patience, Luke snapped his watch closed.

“Bo we ain’t got time for this! Will you just knock it off and open the door? How bad can it be?”

The door to the room the boys shared began to open, one blue eye appearing in the crack.

“Bo Duke, get your tail out of there right now!” Luke ordered as he stepped back.

Seeing the look on his cousin’s face, the door opened slightly more; one green felt booted foot stepped out, a bright silver bell sewn to the tip of the pointy shoe.

Luke eyebrows went up at the slight jingle of the bell as Bo’s other foot joined it. He took in a deep breath as a bright red and white candy cane striped tights caught his eyes as his gaze traveled up the lanky body of his cousin. The shorts that Bo wore were a deep shade of Christmas tree green. They came to mid thigh, the ends of they slightly flared. The matching shirt had a V-neck shape, the tops of his shoulders also with the same flared out design.

“That bad–” Luke whispered as he saw the pointed green felt hat on his cousin’s head. His lips twitched a moment and he wiped his hand over his mouth. The fact his cousin resembled a tall blond Peter Pan made his eyes squeeze shut.

Bo’s dark blue eyes narrowed as he saw his cousin trying not to laugh.

“Don’t even think about it Luke!”

“Think about what?” Luke asked in a shaky breath, his cool blue eyes watering as he struggled not to burst out into laughter.

“Laughing! Cause it aint funny!”

Luke finally managed to get himself under control; he started to open his mouth when the back kitchen door opened, and a pair of familiar clacks reached both set of Duke ears.

“Bo! Luke! You fellas ready?”

Bo’s eyes widened, determined not to have his cousin see him this way. He started to make a bee-line for the bedroom when Luke grabbed him by the arm.

“Ah! You’re not going anywhere!”

“Bo! Luke! Come on, Uncle Jesse’s waiting!” Daisy stepped out into the living room, smiling as she saw her cousins. Dressed in all in red, Daisy had on a long skirt with a candy cane striped border along the bottom of it. The apron she wore around her waist, the mobcap that covered the top of her long grey hair, and the top of her long sleeved red blouse all had the same candy cane stripes. The last compliments to her outfit were a pair of gold rimmed wire glasses that sat on the end of Daisy’s nose, and a white knitted shawl hung from her shoulders.

“Oh you both look great!” Daisy grinned as she went over to Luke and made a slight adjustment to his wig, then took the hat on his head and put it on him.

“There, now you look perfect.” She then turned her gaze to Bo, whose face matched the red in his cousin’s Santa suit. His blushing cheeks only made her grin and give them a pinch.

“What a fine elf you have here, Santa.”

“Well he doesn’t look as good as you do, Mrs. Claus, but he’ll do,” Luke teased as he gazed at Bo, trying to make his cousin smile.

“I told you I’m not going; Santa will have to make do with just the Mrs.” Bo started to head for the bedroom when Luke once again grabbed his arm.

“Those orphans are expecting us and so is Uncle Jesse.”

“But this is embarrassing! And I look like a dipstick in this getup!” Bo then gazed at Daisy, hoping she’d help. Instead, his cousin crossed her arms over her chest and scowled.

“Luke’s right, we’ve been planning this for six months and now you want to ruin it?”

“No one said I’d have to dress up as Peter Pan!”

“What else do elves wear Bo? And besides…if you can’t embarrass yourself for the sake of family and orphans…who can you embarrass yourself for? You know this will make those kids have a good holiday.” Luke let go of Bo’s arm.

“But…it’s up to you. If you want to disappoint Uncle Jesse and those kids, that’s your decision.”

Luke went into the bedroom and came out with a red sack; he slung it over his shoulder and motioned to Daisy with his chin.

“Come on, let’s get to the General–”

Daisy gazed at her cousin once, then nodded to Luke as they both turned away and headed out into the kitchen. Bo watched them a moment and put his hands on his hips. They were right, they had gone through a lot of time and trouble for the sake of the orphans and embarrassed or not, he agreed to be an elf.  He also pictured his Uncle’s face, the disappointment that would furrow his brows and make his mouth into a thin line. Bo couldn’t bear that look of heartbreak on the older man’s face; he tipped his chin up a moment and sighed heavily, his eyes closing.

“All right! All right!” He called out as he went after his cousins.

“Luke! Daisy!” He shouted after them, not wanting them to drive off in the General Lee without him. Bo went into the kitchen and stopped in mid step when he saw both his cousins standing by the back door. Luke stood sideways, his shoulder against the doorframe. He had watch in his hand and checked the time.

“A new record Bo, only took you fifteen seconds to realize how upset Uncle Jesse would be if you didn’t show up.” Grinning at once again seeing his cousin’s face redden, Luke snapped the watch closed and put an arm around Bo’s shoulders.

“Come on Cousin, the orphans are waiting.”

Daisy slipped her arm around Bo’s waist, her head touching to his shoulder as the three Dukes headed out the door.

***********

“Oh Daisy…I got butterflies in my stomach!” Emma Tizdale proclaimed as she stood on a small stool, the pedestal perched on the back of a big wooden platform. The forward half had the thick red velvet curtain suspended from the ceiling. The older woman heard the murmurings of the crowd gathered from behind it and wrung her hands together.

Daisy reached up and put a hand on her shoulder.

“You’re going to do just fine Miss Tizdale; all of Hazzard has come out to see you.” Their eyes met and Daisy gave her the most reassuring smile she could. Her head lowered as she went back to her task, fixing the candy cane colored trim at the bottom of the long red dress. Both women were dressed the same, as Mrs. Claus, the only difference being that one was young and the other old.

Straightening up, Daisy turned from the stool and went over to a long rack that held costumes. She pulled out a hanger with a snow white knitted shawl.

“We just need a few last final touches and you’ll be ready for your scene with Uncle Jesse.”

“Mrs. Duke–” Emma sighed heavily, and then brought her folded hands up to one cheek, her eyes growing bright. She then heard her own words and blinked a moment straightening up.

“I mean Mrs. Claus!”

Glancing over her shoulder, Daisy’s eyes widened a little at what Miss Tizdale said, but the suddenly red face of the older woman made her smile.

“Well, guess I won’t have to add any blush to your face Miss Tizdale, Uncle Jesse did it for me.”

Emma’s face only darkened more and she put her hands to her cheeks.

“That man can get to me and he ain’t even in the room!”

Daisy went back over to the stool and offered her hand. Taking the older woman by one elbow, she helped her step down to the stage.

“There, now let’s get you ready for your big scene.” Draping the white shawl around her shoulders, Daisy walked around Emma; she tied the ends of the shawl in a loose knot and adjusted it. She then went over to a card table that had been set up, it sat beside the costume wrack; the top of it littered with various Christmas props. Staring down at the wooden toys, tools and stacks of Christmas letters, Daisy creased her brow.

“Now where is your tray?” Looking around Daisy went to the other side of the room and stepped down from the wooden platform, she headed across the floor of the large playroom where the stage had been built and disappeared into a room. She emerged a moment later with a red tray and a white mug full of hot chocolate.

“Here we go; Bo and Luke had left it in the kitchen.”

Emma watched as the younger woman crossed the room, the smile on her face softening at the mention of the boys.

“Those two have been put so much work into this. They practically did everything themselves to make this season good for those youngsters.”

“You’re right, they have.” Daisy handed Miss Tizdale the tray and stepped back, she took one look at the costumer, her gaze going from the top of the postal Mistress’ head to her feet.

“I think you’re all set.” She reached out and put a hand on Miss Tizdale’s shoulder; they both walked quietly to the back of the red curtain and waited. A moment later, a loud click went off as the lights in the orphanage went out.

Taking in a deep breath, Emma swallowed hard as a second click went off and a spot beam shone down on the stage.

******************

The soft chime of a music box went off as the spot beam’s light cast down on one Jesse Duke. He sat in a big plush red chair, dressed in the traditional red and white of Santa Claus. The red cap sat on his lap, his snow white hair visible as he gazed off in the distance, seemingly far off in thought. From the side came his wife, a proud smile on her face as she approached him. She stopped right by his chair and handed him the mug on top of the tray.

“You seem like you got something on your mind Santa, care to share with the Mrs.?”

Jesse turned his gaze to Emma and a soft smile came to his face. He took the mug and had a sip licking his lips a moment as he stared down into the brown liquid.

“Just thinking about how things have changed.” He set his cocoa down on the floor then reached out and took the tray from her hand and set it down the side of his chair. Jesse then reached out and tugged the older woman closer.

“Remember how things were all those years ago?” He leaned into her a little, his head pressed into her shoulder.

Emma nodded, then propped her chin on the top of Jesse’s snow white head. Her expression softened as she touched her hand to his hair and combed it with her small fingers.

“I remember…seems so long ago.”

Nodding, Jesse took in a deep breath. “So many Christmas’ have come and gone since that time. So many children I’ve made happy and so many toys I’ve delivered…”

“So much good you’ve done.” Emma kissed Jesse’s head then turned to rest her cheek against his white hair, now her gaze too growing far away.

“I remember that very first one. We were so young. I didn’t think we’d ever make it…” Her voice began to soften and trail off at the same time the light that shone down on them both began to fade. Behind them, the heavy curtain began to part.

**********************

Bo sat on the same stool Miss Tizdale had stood on, a card table sat in front of him. He had a hammer in his hands as he worked away on a small wooden train. His aim off, the hammer came down on his thumb and he cried out, then hopped off the stool bouncing around, his wounded hand between his knees; his face twisted in pain. Finally he stilled and shook his hand out, sucking on his injured finger.

“Dang it!”

“What’s the problem now?” Luke came from the side, dressed in his Santa suit. He saw Bo with his finger in his mouth and reached out to grip his wrist.

“You act like you’ve never used a hammer before.” He said as he examined Bo’s hand then shook his head.

“Be thankful you got nine more.”

“Nine more I can flatten, you mean.” Bo sighed as he sat back down. “Are you sure we can do this?”

Luke pulled a scroll from his coat and unrolled it, the long paper cascading down the length of his body and several feet down the stage before finally coming to a stop.

“These kids are counting on me.” Luke then turned to look at his cousin.

“And I’m counting on you to get it done.” He rolled the long list back up and handed it to Bo.

“I can’t do this without you.”

Bo gazed down at the paper and sighed, but then gave a nod.

“We won’t let you down, Santa.”

Returning the nod, Luke turned and walked off the stage. Bo sighed as he opened part of the list and read.

“Toy train, car, doll–” Bo shook his head slowly, the task before him and the other elves seemed impossible but Santa was right, there were lots of kids counting on him for a Merry Christmas.

“Can’t disappoint the kids.” Bo muttered as the curtain once again closed.

*************************

Luke sat in the plushy chair in the same pose that Uncle Jesse had been in. His hat gone from the top of his head, he gazed down at his lap and played with the white fur trim of his coat.

“I know that look.” Daisy crouched down beside the chair; she reached out and took a hold of Luke’s hand.

“Just wondering if I’m in over my head, wondering if I can really do this.”

Daisy smiled and nodded. “We all have talents, and yours was Heaven sent. I know you can do this.”

“I’ve asked a lot of the elves, given them a mile long list and hardly no time at all to fill it.”

“They can do it, they love making kids happy as much as you do.” Daisy leaned forward and kissed the top of Luke’s head.

“Don’t worry Santa; it’s going to be okay.”

Gazing at his cousin, Luke managed a small smile. “How’d I end up so lucky Mrs. Claus?” He teased and Daisy gave a shrug.

“I always loved a man in uniform.” She winked as she stood up and stretched out her hand.

Luke threw his head back and laughed as he took Daisy’s hand and stood up, the two of them walking off to the side and slipping behind the shut curtain.

************************

A sea of toys greeted the audience as the heavy drapes parted; the murmurings were of amazement at the amount of dolls, cars, board games, and other that toys covered almost every usable inch of the huge wooden platform. Bo emerged from the side, his face and clothes stained with paint and dirt. He looked exhausted, but bore a proud grin on his lips as he wiped his brow.

“What in the world?”  Luke exclaimed as he came into view, his face astonished.

“You and the elves did all this?” He looked around in amazement.

“Yes sir we did.” Bo grinned as he put his hands on his hips. “Took a lot of work, but we used hind ends and elbows to get it done.”

“Oh my goodness!” A third voice joined the conversation as Daisy came out; she touched her hand to her mouth as she gazed at the mountain of toys.

“Santa…” She said softly; Luke turned to look at her and drew her into a hug.

“I know, I had my doubts about being able to do this, but now…”

“I never doubted you–” Daisy wrapped her arms around her cousin, then went and gave Bo a kiss on the cheek.

“You’ve done a good job, and a lot of kids are going to be happy Christmas morning.”

Luke nodded in agreement as he draped his arm around Daisy’s shoulder, then Bo’s waist.

“Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.” He drew them both closer to him and closed his eyes, a look of both joy and relief on his face.

**********************

“That was a truly magical Christmas, though they all have been since that first one,” Emma said as she sat on the arm of Jesse’s chair, her arm around his shoulder.

“All those years you’ve always been here with me, I couldn’t have done it without you.” Jesse kissed Emma on the cheek, and the older woman giggled.

“Oh you say that every year!”

“I mean it every year!” Jesse put his arms around Emma, chuckling.

She returned the hug, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Merry Christmas Santa, Lord knows you deserve more than cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. Its not only toys you bring but love and friendship, laughter and tears of joy. The world owes you a lot for reminding us what Christmas is all about…love.Whether it’s the love between family, or the love between friends, its still love.”

Jesse listened to her; he closed his eyes a smile on his face.

“Amen to that…”

He said softly and gave a heartfelt sigh.

****************************

The backdoor to the farmhouse opened and a weary Jesse flipped on the kitchen light. No longer in his red suit but back in his overalls, he hung his red cap up and went over to the stove, turning on the coffee pot.

“What a night.”

“You can say that again, Uncle Jesse.” Bo said as he came in. He had left his green elf clothes behind, and was now clad in jeans and a white shirt.

“But a good night.” Luke slung a garment bag over the bag of the chair and ran his hands over his face. “Can you believe how those kids took all those toys?” He said as he sat down in a chair, his elbows on the table.

“They loved them, made me feel so good.” Daisy closed the back door and braced a hand on the back of Luke’s chair; she reached down and slipped off her heels, then gave each foot a rub.

“Yeah…it was worth it.” Bo went to help his uncle, getting the jar of cookies down and setting it in the middle of the table. Luke watched him a moment and scoffed.

“Funny, you didn’t seem to think so earlier. You were ready to stay home.”

Bo gave a sheepish smile and shrugged his shoulders.

“Even a Duke can be wrong.” He said as he pulled out a chair beside his cousin and sat down.

Daisy snickered as that as she set her shoes aside. She no longer wore her Mrs. Claus dress, having traded it for jeans and a light pink shirt. She went over to the stove and picked up the coffee pot.

“I got it Uncle Jesse, just sit down. You’ve done enough for one night.”

“I didn’t do anything that special Daisy.” Jesse got four mugs and brought them to the table, then passed them out.

“Now Jesse you know that’s not true. You organized that whole thing and we’ve been gathering toys for close to a month.” Luke reached out to get the cookie jar and took off the lid. “Those kids at the orphanage would have a pretty sad Christmas morning if not for you.”

“I had help, Luke.” Jesse gave his nephew a smile.

Daisy brought the coffee pot over and poured everyone a cup, her hand on her Uncle’s shoulder as she did so. She leaned over and rested her head on the top of his.

“I don’t know about you all, but I think we need some Christmas music, don’t you?”

Jesse put his arm around Daisy’s waist and nodded. “Yeah, its Christmas Eve after all, we can listen to some songs.” He gazed at each one of the boys, his eyes a little wide.

“And then its off to bed before Santa comes.”

Bo shook his head and began to laugh. “Aw come on Uncle Jesse, Luke and me know ain’t no such thing as Santa.”

“Well sure there is…don’t you believe?”

“Cousin?” Bo asked as he looked across the table at Luke.

“I don’t know, I guess it could be possible.” Luke dipped a cookie in his coffee before having a bite.

“I believe you Uncle Jesse; I don’t want to end up with coal in my stocking.” Daisy laughed as she went to put the record on. She headed out of the kitchen and then gasped as her gaze fell on the tree.

“Uncle Jesse! Bo! Luke! Come here quick!”

Three chairs got knocked over at the sound of Daisy’s exclamation. The three men came around from the kitchen into the living room, and stopped dead in their tracks.

“Holy Smokes…” Luke stated in a whisper.

“Can you believe that?” Bo said beside him as he and his cousin turned to look at one another, then turned to look at their uncle.

“Uncle Jesse, did you…?”

Jesse stepped closer to the tree, the bottom of it loaded with boxes of every shape and size. He gazed at all the bright paper and ribbons that covered every gift and shook his head slowly.

“It wasn’t me boys, there’s no way I could have afforded all this.”

Daisy knelt down by the tree and began to pull out the gifts. “They’re all addressed to each one of us.”

“And look at that.” Bo pointed to the coffee table, the surface covered with cookies and fruitcake, a big covered ham also set on the table.

“Wow, Christmas dinner too.” Luke went over to the table and picked up a wrapped candy cane. “Someone sure went through a lot of trouble.”

“But who?”

Jesse shook his head as he sat on the arm of the sofa. “Guess there really is a Santa Claus.”

 

From the living room window, a pair of eyes peered in. There came a familiar giggle, and a shushing sound.

“Rosco…hush! That giggle of yours is going to give us away!”

“Sorry Boss.” Rosco watched the Dukes astonishment and grinned. “I got to hand it you Boss, the Dukes look shook up.”

“I know Rosco, that’s the idea.” Boss gazed in through the window at his old friend, his dark eyes holding a long affection.

“You ain’t the only one that can play Santa Jesse.” He whispered then straightened up; he held his white hat in his hands and planted it on the top of his head.

“Come on Rosco; let’s get out of here before they spot us.”

Rosco nodded as he leaned over a little, literally tip toeing as they passed the living room window.

“I just love this time of year Boss.”

“Hush!” Boss told him again as the pair crept past the back door and headed around the house to where Rosco’s patrol car had been parked. They were about to open the doors when the Duke porch light went off.

“Well…look who’s here!”

Whipping around, both Rosco and Boss saw the Dukes all coming out of the back door. Jesse grinned as he saw them and stepped down to the ground.

“You two are just in time, we were about to start some Christmas celebrating.”

Boss and Rosco gazed at one another, and Boss nodded.

“That’s right, just thought Rosco and I would come by and wish you all a Merry Christmas, right Rosco?” Boss narrowed his eyes a little and Rosco nodded empathically.

“Right, that’s right.”

Luke stood with his arms crossed over his chest; he gazed at his cousins a moment then nodded. “Well then come on in, we got plenty of food.”

Daisy had her arm around Bo’s waist; she went over to Boss and Rosco and gave them both a hug.

“More than enough for the two of you.”

Boss returned Daisy’s hug. “All right, if you Dukes insist, we’d be more than happy to join you.”

“Good then it’s all settled.” Jesse patted Boss on the back and motioned to the house.

“Let’s get to it.”

Bo held the screen door open, smiling as everyone went back inside. He went in behind Luke, an arm around his shoulders.

 

From inside the Duke farmhouse, the record player began to play accompanied by sounds of laughter and holiday cheer…

END.