003 Old Trapper and the Christmas Visitors

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled "Old Trapper and the Christmas Visitors" by Shawn Henninger.

About Tales of the Old Trapper:

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

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This Weeks Tale:

The Old Trapper sat in front of the fireplace with a fresh cup of homemade eggnog. The cold snowy tundra outside was an afterthought as the Fire kept him warm. Hanging above the fireplace was one of The Old Trappers Socks waiting for a visitor to come down the chimney and fill it with goodies.

The Old Trapper loved this time of year and Christmas was tomorrow which was his favorite day. As a Child The Old Trapper would wake up and race to the tree his father and he had cut down hoping for presents. Now as he was older Christmas was time he typically spent by himself. Each year he had cut down a new christmas tree and decorated it with Popcorn on strings and homemade ornaments. Always placing the Star his mother made at the top. This year however The Old Trapper had a feeling he should get a bigger tree and place three presents underneath it.

Now the Old Trapper knew that it had been years since he had a visitor on Christmas Eve but he thought he should be prepared. The Fire crackled as the Old Trapper placed another log on the fire and poured himself the last of the Eggnog. The Thought popped up in the Old Trapper’s mind that maybe he should make more, but for who?

Just then a knock came on the door and startled the Old Trapper. Who on earth could be coming at this time of night? The Old Trapper walked to the Door and peaked out the window. Standing there was an older woman he had never seen before. She was bundled up and as she spoke The Old Trapper could see her breath in the air. “Please if anyone is home could I stay by the Fire for a moment? It’s rather cold out and I just need to rest and then I’ll be on my way”

The Old Trapper opened the door and welcomed the old woman into his home. He sat her by the fire and wrapped her in one of his blankets. As she sat down he could see her smile return as the Fire warmed her and her soul. The Old Trapper made more of his Famous Eggnog and brought her a fresh cup. “This is the most wonderful eggnog I’ve ever tasted. I thank you for letting me sit by your fire for a moment.” The Old Trapper looked upon the woman and she wore shoes that looked tattered but noticed she had no socks.

Old Trapper reached under the tree and pulled one of the Three presents. He gave it to the Old Woman who smiled with glee. “It’s been ages since I’ve received a present On Christmas Eve” She explained. As she opened the Present there was a new pair of wool socks the Old Trapper had swon. The Old Woman hugged the Old Trapper and put the socks on. After spending some more time with The Old Trapper the Old Woman said her goodbyes and went on her way.

The Old Trapper Looked down at the remaining presents under his tree there was once Three now only two. The Old Trapper reached into his cupboard and pulled out some fresh rolls he had baked earlier that day. The Rolls were a family recipe passed down from generations that were a special treat during this time of year. As he walked back towards the fire he heard a horse stopping just outfront of his home. The Old Trapper walked outside and noticed a Horse Man looking down at his Horses hoof.

The Old Trapper Bundled up with his warmest Deer Skin Jacket and met the man out in the Cold Winter air. The Man greeted the Old Trapper “I apologize for bothering you on this Christmas Eve, but My horse shoe fell off and she’s in need of some rest. I’m so far from town but if I could just get a place for my horse to rest I’ll be on my way as soon as I can.”

The Old Trapper led the Horse to his stable where it stood next to his Mule and Chickens that had roosted there for the evening. As the Horse Man and The Old Trapper went into the Cabin the Old Trapper offered him some of his HomeM...