IN the days before Christmas, the skies above Yellow

Springs were tormented with dark-edged clouds and swirling winds. The hawks atop Slippery Slopes ski area circled airborne for hours without having to flap. The disquieting weather seemed to spawn unusual behavior in those for whom the holiday season had been too frenzied. Over at the Supply Storehouse, Christmas traffic had been heavy. Judging by the brisk sale of power devices and supplies to homeowners, the Conestoga County contractors had little to look forward to. Promoting the sale of gift certificates, Storehouse manager Tim OToole posted a sign that bragged of Gift Cards In All Denominations! Ten year-old Oscar Oxthorn marched to the customer service counter and declared in all earnestness, Id like five Methodist gift cards and two Catholic ones, please.

Bill Kennedy

Oscars father told the story to Godfrey Swench, and despite being almost completely humorless, the Methodist pastor nearly fell off his chair. Oh, that's a good one, he thought. He wondered how he could work that into a Christmas Eve sermon. It's hard for a veteran pastor to come up with something new to say about Christmas every year. Godfrey grew up in Yellow Springs listening to his uncle preach from the same pulpit he has occupied for most of his own career, and the well of Christmas inspiration is running more than a little bit dry. Sometimes he envies his old seminary friend, I. Tenor Rent, who got moved every few years. "He's only got five years' worth of Advent messages.

! 2004 W. D. Kennedy 41 Birch Road Malvern PA 19355 610-695-9419 kennedyw@whiteandwilliams.com

When they're used up, he gets moved and then he starts all over again," Godfrey whined to Trudy last weekend. "Stop your complaining and hold onto that pie," snapped his wife as they drove along the County's undulating back roads to her brother's for dinner last week. Her warning was just hair late. As she bounded over the next hump in the road, and the nine-inch Dutch Apple pie with the lattice crust flew up from Godfrey's lap. He tried to snatch it from mid-air, but he only caught the right side edge of the aluminum pan, causing it to topple upside down onto Trudys lap, the surprise of which made her zig and zag the car all over the road until she brought it to a stop along the muddy shoulder. In the back seat, Jacob roared with laughter. To repeat their subsequent conversation and conduct would be uncharitable, but suffice it to say that it included a return home, a change of clothes, and trip to Sheppard's Pies, the bakery across from the train station in the village. ****** Sheila Sheppard rang up the pie transaction. "We'll see you at the services on Christmas Eve, I'm sure. Oh, and are you going to join us for the treasure hunt at Fallow Farm on Christmas Day?" The Swenches had forgotten that Sheila and Sheldon Sheppard were organizing a group to go to Yellow Springs' only retirement community to share Christmas cheer with those who hadn't any family to be with. "I'm sorry -- we have to split the day between Godfrey's folks and my parents." Sheila nodded with good nature. A lot of people had similar obligations. She and Sheldon hadn't been able to have children of their own, and their failed attempt at adoption cost them too much in finance and emotion to try again. Still, they tried to believe that when doors close, windows open, so they invested in sharing their hearts with those at Fallow Farm who had no family nearby. "That's alright," Sheila said, -2-

"I know my sister and her family are coming, so we'll at least have seven of us." Sheila Sheppard's sister, Wendy Weiss, hadn't forgotten about the outing, but as Christmas approached, despite a few preparatory reminders, her boys could think of little else but presents. Wendy and Waldo had tried hard to teach their six, seven, and eight year-old sons that Christmas was about God's coming to Earth, and while the boys were vaguely conscious of the nativities their parents displayed in the living room, they were far more focused on the gifts they expected Santa Claus to bring. On Christmas morning, eight year-old Haydle was the first to race downstairs. "WWWWhoooa!" he cried in the predawn twinkling of tree lights and window candles. He hollered up to his slumbering brothers, "Ronny, Eric -- wake up! Santa came!!" Having spent a long night of Christmas Eve services followed by wee-hours preparations at home, Waldo and Wendy ached as the fumbled for their bathrobes and slippers. By the time they got to the family room, the boys had already sorted and counted the presents under the tree. Waldo got the coffee going as the children ripped through their stocking stuffers. They paused long enough for a quick Pop-tart before attacking the boxes and bows of the larger presents. The boys played excitedly with the action heroes Santa brought them. As lunchtime approached, however, Wendy noticed a certain post-present depression had enveloped the home. She watched as the boys looked under the sofa and behind the curtains. "Lose something?" "Uhhh. No, Mom. We're alright," answered Haydle. Waldo saw a sad pout on little Eric's face. Whats the matter, lil buddy? he asked gently. Are you sad that the presents are all opened up?

Eric shook his head but remained silent, unable to find the words. Its not that, Dad, spoke up the middle boy, Ronny, Its just well. Well what? Haydle explained, Its just that we all kinda hoped we'd get a big present. Like last year. Last year? Wendy wondered. Yeah, Eric suddenly found his voice. Last year we got that 'justable baska-ball backstop. Ronny remembered excitedly, And the year before we got the motorized jeep we could all drive around the driveway! Haydle reached back the furthest, And before that was the year we got the wooden playground with the swing set and sliding board. Wendy reminded them, You boys know that Santa Claus cant bring you everything that you had on your Christmas list. And you all got some wonderful presents this year, too! Waldo gained momentum. Look a new football, a Matchbox racetrack, robotic dinosaurs And how about these handsome sweaters and dress shirts from your Gramma and Grampa, Wendy added, thereby immediately losing the argument. Haydle tried to make amends, Its not that were not thankful its just that were kinda used to getting, like one, big gigantic present that we all share, and since we didnt, were a little disappointed, thats all. Eric frowned, "I asked Santa for a air hockey game." "Me, too," Ronny commiserated. -3-

"We all did," confessed Haydle. "We thought that if we all asked for the same thing, Santa would be more likely to bring it to us." The boys were trying their best, but Waldo didn't like the 'gimme' attitude. Well, we dont have long to mope about what we didnt get for Christmas. I want you boys to go upstairs and get cleaned up. Its almost time to get over to Fallow Farm." "Where?" Ronny asked. His mother reminded him, Were joining Aunt Sheila and Uncle Sheldon for a little Christmas Day celebration over at the Fallow Farm." Eric was bewildered. "We're gonna have Chwismas with fahm animals?" "No, boys. Don't you remember? We're going over to that place where older people live." Ronny remembered having visited with his Aunt and Uncle once before. "You mean that place where everyone's in wheelchairs? " "Not everyone," Waldo corrected. "In fact, most people live in nice apartments and cottages. " Ronny nodded earnestly, "Yeah, just like in real life." Wendy added, "But we will meet some people who have to be in a wheelchair, boys." Waldo made a fist and jokingly threatened, "Yes, and you'll be nice to them all or else I'll put you into a wheelchair, too!" The boys all laughed and began wrestling with their father. "Enough -- enough," Wendy interrupted. "There'll be time for that later. Lets get going. Aunt Sheila and Uncle Sheldon are counting on us." *******

Thirty years ago, Fallow Farm was a thriving cropland for alfalfa, horse corn, and pumpkins. When the market turned south, Emmanuelle Derly bought the farm, converted the massive stone barn into a commons building, and grew comfortable, senior residential cottages and apartments from the uncultivated grounds. As the Weisses arrived, they found the halls and walls were well decked with holly and ivy. Green, red, silver, white, and blue were everywhere. The boys were surprised and impressed. "They must really like the holidays," Haydle remarked as they walked through the lobby. "Merry Christmas, Aunt Sheila and Uncle Sheldon," called Ronny to his mother's sister and brother-in-law. After a group exchange of hugs, Sheila apologized, "I'm afraid we're the only ones to show up this year." Ronny peered around, looking past the few residents milling in the commons near the mailboxes. "You mean no one else from church came to visit the geezers with us?" Waldo thwocked him on the arm. "Watch it," he commanded sternly. Uncle Sheldon said, "Well if there's no one else here with us, that's their loss. The treasure hunt goes on! He reintroduced the boys to the Fallow Farm activity director, Angelica Nownsman, who had taught in their Vacation Bible School the previous summer. Angelica explained that there was a series of clues that the boys had to decipher in order to find a Christmas treasure. Eric didn't quite understand. "I thought we were gonna visit old people." Angelica laughed, "You will, dear. You see, the solution to each of the clues will take you to a resident wearing one of these decorative candy canes pinned onto their shirt, she pointed to the one she wore. These are people who have no -4-

family to visit with this Christmas. Theyre stationed throughout the Community Center. You need to ask them about a favorite Christmas memory they have to share with you. When the time is right, they'll give you the next clue to follow." "We'll go with you," said Aunt Sheila, "but you boys have to take the lead." "Here's your first clue," Angelica handed them a card that read,

The first clue on this hunt for treasure Is in a room where we cut and measure.
"Cut and measure?" Ronny repeated the clue. "Where would you do that in an old-timer's home?" "Shhhh," Eric warned him. "Don't let Daddy hear you!" "Daddy measures when he cuts wood in the basement," Haydle offered. And Mom measures and cuts when she makes clothes, Ronny considered, but they don't have stuff like that here. "You sure about that?" Angelica gently interrupted. "You have a wuhkshop?" Eric asked doubtfully. "Why don't you look around the activity rooms here in the barn and see for yourselves?" Angelica smiled. The boys took off down the hall, weaving past a few residents, pausing long enough only to call out a short, "Merry Christmas!" as they ran past the board game room, the music factory, and the computer lab. "Look! Ronny slammed on his brakes, A sewing room! The boys looked through the holiday decorations on the hallway window and saw a friendly, elderly woman with a

candy cane pin. This is the place, Haydle called, leading the charge. The woman welcomed them to come in among the various Singers, bolts of fabrics, and piles of scraps. Hello, boys. Ive been expecting you. Im Mrs. Itreio. Excitedly, little Eric asked, Do you got the next clue? Not so fast, Angelica explained as she caught up with them. Remember, you need to ask each clue-giver about one of their favorite Christmas memories. Mrs. Itreio invited them to sit. Of all my wonderful Christmas reminiscences, I think the one I hold dearest was when I was just twenty years old. You wouldnt know it to look at me now, but back then I was a show girl! Whats a show girl? Eric wondered. Thats like when youre a singer or a dancer or a movie star, right? Haydle supposed. Something like that, she agreed. I brought an old publicity photo so you could see me when I was young. She handed the boys a yellow-edged, black-and-white photo of a petite, light haired girl with a broad smile, a swirling dress, and the caption, Madge Milton of the Milton Sisters. Here heres another picture with me and my sisters. We were a song-and-dance act. We toured with the USO during World War II, going around the world with other entertainers to bring a little back home to the soldiers and sailors and marines. In December 1944, we were on a troop transport ship crossing the Pacific Ocean on our way towards the Philippine Islands, where the Allies were engaged in a series of terrible battles. We were all very excited about doing our show for Gen. MacArthur. It took forever to cross the ocean by ship, and there were just a handful of women among hundreds and -5-

hundreds of young sailors! Most of the boys went out of their way to be nice to us, to flirt a little bit. Yeeeccch! Haydle reacted. Madge Itreio laughed, but then she continued, All the way out, my sisters and I shared tiny quarters way below deck. We were next to the Sick Bay. I got to know many of the doctors and the boys, but there was one fellow -- a sweet, skinny, dark-haired medic who I saw all the time -- who never seemed to give me and my sisters the time of day. He was never rude, mind you, but he always had his nose in a book. I think I was drawn to him because he was just about the only man on board who didnt make a fuss about us women. His name was Augustus Gus, we called him. One day I asked what he was reading, and he showed me a medical textbook. He told me he wanted to go to medical school after the war. In the days before Christmas, we got as close to the Philippines as we could. Most of the men left the ship to join the fierce fighting around the island of Luzon. But the Navy wouldnt let the USO entertainers leave the ship and go out to any of the bases because the battles were raging. We felt helpless, but then on Christmas Eve day, my sisters and I heard Gus and some of the medics next door to us packing up their gear. They were flying to one of the outer islands where they were setting up a military hospital. Our USO manager talked the Commanding Officer into letting us go to the hospital to try to cheer up the wounded. We couldnt do a show, but we could at least hold some boys hands and talk with them. Mrs. Itreio told the boys of their harrowing trip. She remembered that halfway through their two-hour flight, they came under enemy fire. She recalled how the pilot dove and rolled the plane as it was battered by enemy shells. The Weiss boys sat spellbound, and even their parents, the Sheppards, and Angelica were transported by her story.

We started barreling down toward the ocean, and we realized that our pilot and co-pilot had been hit. Gus and another medic rushed to the cockpit and somehow managed to pull us up just as we were about to careen into the ocean. We skimmed along the water and crashed into the beachhead of a barrier island. Incredibly, no one died, but several of us were very badly injured. The crew had been shot, the two doctors were unconscious, and all of us were badly bleeding and injured, but Gus, this young medic I was telling you about, he took command. He got us out of the plane and made us climb up into the mountainous island instead of staying on the beach. Why did you have to do that? Ronny wondered. Gus realized that the enemy wouldnt be content to just shoot our plane down, but that they would send men to capture us. Gus was hurt himself, but he found shelter for us. We could hear the enemy approaching even as Gus went back to the plane to get medical supplies. He bandaged the wounds and cuts and administered the pain medication. I thought someone would die that night in the Philippine forest, but God had Gus get us through it. We spent most of Christmas Day hiding on the island before we were rescued. My sisters and I eventually got to do a show for Gen. MacArthur in Manila, but for me, the journey to get there was a greater memory. Thats incredible, Ronny admitted in amazement. What happened to that Gus guy? Madge gave an octogenarian giggle. Why, dont you know? I was so impressed by that boy that I plain up and married him! Dr. Itreio and I had fifty-eight wonderful years together. Now, come on, I'll give you the next clue. She handed the boys a card that read:

It's waiting for you near the water.

Eric stuck his index finger in the air. "I got it! At the water fountain!" The boys searched in vain for clues near several drinking fountains before Ronny noticed there was an indoor swimming pool. They ran over to the pool where Lily Lapp was waiting. She told them about her favorite Christmas memory. "When I was a little girl," she began, "I was very fortunate. I didn't have any sisters or brothers like you have, but my father and mother had a lot of money -- at least compared to other people here in Yellow Springs. And when Christmas came one year -- I was about six years old, I believe -- I asked for all kinds of pretty dresses and dolls and toys." "Did you get them?" Ronny asked. "Well, on Christmas morning, I came into the living room, and just as I hoped, there were presents and boxes and wrappings everywhere! Oh, my, there were gifts under the tree, on the mantle piece, on the hearth, on the piano everywhere! I wanted to dive right in and open everything all at once! But then I noticed four packages over on the dining room table, all by themselves. Now my parents had been telling me that Santa might deliver some presents to our house that were really intended for other families, so I assumed thats what those four presents off to the side were. Then I read the labels on some of the wrappings under the tree and lo, and behold, wouldnt you know, none of them had my name on them! It turns out that Santa left me four presents, and all the rest were for families that my parents knew couldnt afford to buy very much for their own children that year. Werent you disappointed? Haydle wondered, knowing he would be. -6-

Clue number two won't make you hotter

Of course! My father made me help him deliver all of the toys, and I really resented the children in my class who got toys which had been under my tree! But eventually I learned that Santa Claus had been right all along, and Father was right to have me deliver the presents to other people. Now, heres your next clue.

newspaper to her and tell her about our grandchildren and old friends. I I really dont know if she can understand anymore, and I know that some day, he sighed, maybe someday soon, Im going to go over there and find that shes gone. But today wasnt that day. So for me, its the best Christmas of all. Instinctively, Eric reached out to Mr. Atara and patted his knee. Ronny and Haydle leaned in to hug him. Regaining his composure, Mr. Atara said, Sorry to get all sentimental with you boys. You got a treasure to find! He gave the boys their next clue, which took them to Bart Bergman, who reminded them that the infant whose birth Christmas celebrates was a poor Jewish baby. Your Christmas, he taught the kids, and our Hanukkah both celebrate the miraculous intervention of our Creator. The next rhyme led the boys to the single bedroom apartment of Crispin Stern. Out of the blue, Ronny asked, How come you dont have any family to go to at Christmas? Miss Stern glared over her glasses at him. When she decided his question was duly innocent, she answered, I never married, and Ive outlived everyone in my family. So while most people celebrate Christmas with presents from Santa and parents and brothers and sisters, I celebrate quietly with my Bible. That alright with you? she challenged the boys. Thats the best idea of all! Eric agreed. Miss Stern gave the boys a final card:

These clues are for the winter set Look where youd find the internet!
That room with all the computers! Ronny cried. Lets go! The boys sped down another bedecked hallway. Stationed at the computer lab was Albert Atara. My favorite Christmas memory is from just this morning. Weally? Why? What did you get? Eric wondered. I got another day with my wife. You see, Mrs. Atara isnt well anymore. And shell never be well again, not on this mortal plane, at least. She lives over in another part of Fallow Farm, the nursing home part. Mrs. Atara has Parkinsons, a disease that affects her brain. Its taken over so much in her that shes not really herself anymore. Her brain is so ill now that she cant do much of anything. She cant walk or read or speak. I like to think that she does, but I know that when I visit, when I hold her hand and speak to her, she doesnt even remember who I am. Albert paused and dabbed his eyes. The boys felt uncomfortable, but they didnt know what to say. Eventually, Albert resumed, Shes lived here for two years now. The nurses are wonderful, and the doctors are doing all they can to help her, but the medicines dont do much good anymore. I have a one bedroom apartment over here with all the other people who are strong and healthy, but every day, I go over to her room and have my breakfast with her. I read the -7-

Your hunt for yuletide treasures is winding to an end, So come, all ye faithful, to the place we call The Den.

To the DEN! cried Haydle as he led the charge. Weaving around bemused pedestrian residents, the boys skidded to halt in the informal living room.

The boys reflected more on each of the seniors with whom they had visited. The more they talked, the less they thought about what gift might await them. When they finished, Angelica asked them, Sounds like you boys learned a lot just from being on the journey today. I wonder if you know why we chose to have a treasure hunt for you here at Fallow Farm on Christmas Day? The boys had no idea. Angelica explained, I remember Pastor Swench once preaching about how for the shepherds and the wise men, they didnt get very specific clues, so looking for the baby Jesus was kind of like . A treasure hunt! Ronnys eyes widened. Baby Jesus was the treasure that everyone was looking for! Not everyone, Angelica reminded them. Most people in Bethlehem missed the clues they were too tied up with their own business to notice the treasure of God around them. But the poor, Jewish shepherds and the Persian magi, theyre the ones who found the real treasure. Haydle sounded disappointed, Does this mean our treasure is going to be a baby? Lord, no! their mother laughed in protest. Then what is our Christmas treasure? Ronny asked. Angelica probed, What would you say if I told you that you already had found a Christmas treasure? What do you mean? wondered Haydle cautiously. Well, it just seems to me that as you followed the clues and met some of our residents, and as you listened to them and heard the stories that meant the most to them, perhaps, she paused, perhaps that was treasure in and of itself. Ronny looked betrayed. I dont get it. At all.

Were here for our treasure, proclaimed Ronny on arrival to his waiting Aunt and Uncle. Yeah, Haydle grinned expectantly, we got all the clues. Wheres our treasure? Not so fast, their mother laughed as she and Waldo caught up with their sons. First tell me about your journey. Mo-om, Haydle bleated with a discomfortingly teenagerlike disbelief, you and Dad followed us most of the way so did you, Aunt Sheila and Uncle Sheldon. You know where we went and who we met. Yes, Waldo nodded, but I dont know what you learned. Tell me about that. The boys were far more interested in what they were about to get than in what they had just gone through, but they saw no way to whatever their final Christmas present was without humoring their father. The brothers took turns explaining who they had met and what was each persons Christmas memory. We met a lot of really o-o-o-ld people, Haydle began, but each of them had something important to say about Christmas. Or Hanukkah, Eric reminded him. Yeah, Ronny, added, like that lady who spent Christmas with a bunch of injured people on an island in the war. Or that man whose wife is so sick, Haydle added. -8-

Waldo bent onto one knee and explained, You see, boys, a treasure isnt just a present or a toy or even money. Sometimes, the treasure is the journey itself. Think about all you have learned from the Fallow Farm people. Ronny asked, So your saying that the hunt for treasure was the treasure? His mother answered, Im saying that the journey itself, and not just the destination, is what we should treasure. I think thats why when God decided to come to earth, he came as a baby. If he had just wanted to get to the destination, he could have magically appeared as a grown-up at the right time. But by coming as a little, tiny infant, God spent a human lifetime with us. Hes on the journey with us. Thats the treasure. Angelica smirked. Yes, and the first ones to recognize it were the Sheppards and the three Weiss men. Haydle tried to be mature, We really liked meeting all the old people, Mom, and we liked their stories, but I just want to make sure -- theres no present? No pwesent? echoed Erics trembling lips. Angelica announced, I agree completely with your mother I hope youve learned that the journey can be a treasure of its own. But I also heard that Santa accidentally left one final present here, one with your names on it! Mr. Bergman, Mr. Atara, she called over towards the doorway, can you roll it in? Grinning broadly, the two residents pushed a flatbed cart with a four by three foot rectangular box wrapped in brilliant green paper and bow as big as a birthday cake. They were followed by Madge Itreio, Mrs. Lapp, and Mrs. Stern singing, Here Comes Santa Claus. Eric, Ronny, and Haydle Weiss attacked the ribbons and paper with unbounded glee. The package was still mostly enshrouded when all three boys -9-

realized at once what Santa had brought. They screamed with delight, and Haydle cried, Allllright! Its our very own air hockey table!