Paddington and Scout Explain Christmas Eve Traditions to Emmett

EMMETT: *Scratches head.* "But I don't understand why we are taking delicious food out of Daddy's kitchen, and leaving it here."

 

SCOUT: "It's tradition of course, Emmett!" *Giggles.*

 

ROSIE: "That's right, Emmett!" *Giggles too.*

 

PADDY: "Scout!" *Looks askance at Scout.* "Rosie!" *Looks askance at Rosie.*

 

SCOUT and ROSIE: "What?!?"

 

DAISY-MAUD: *Kindly.* "Scout, this is Emmett's first Christmas."

 

SCOUT: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "Sorry Emmett. I forgot!"

 

JAGO: "So Emmett doesn't know about the traditions we have for Christmas, Rosie."

 

ROSIE: "I'm sorry Emmett." *Remorseful.*

 

EMMETT: "That's alright, Scout and Rosie." *Smiles.* "Really!"

 

BOGART: "Didn't they have Christmas where you came from, Emmett?"

 

EMMETT: "Oh yes, Bogart. At Christmas all the bears at the orphanage gathered together and waited."

 

ROSIE: "Waited?"

 

SCOUT: "Waited for what, Emmett?"

 

EMMETT: "For our new Mummies and Daddies! They would visit in the lead up to Christmas, and the lucky ones were picked. But I wasn't lucky and didn't get picked last Christmas, and that was my first Christmas ever, and then after Christmas I was blown by the wind from the bear orphanage in Shropshire to Bearingham Palace, and... well, of course you know the rest."

 

PADDY: "Well, you have a Daddy now, so you don't need to worry about waiting for one any more." *Pats Emmett comfortingly on the shoulder.*

 

EMMETT: "And that's what I don't understand, Paddy. If daddy is here already, why are we putting out food for him."

 

PADDY: "This food isn't for Daddy. Do you remember us all talking about Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear?"

 

EMMETT: "Yes! You encouraged me to write my wish down on my list to be sent to Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear, and perhaps if I am good, I will get my wish."

 

ROSIE: "Well, the food is for them, Emmett!"

 

DAISY-MAUD: "Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear work very hard delivering presents and granting wishes for good boys and girls..."

 

SCOUT: "And bears, Daisy-Maud! Don't forget the good bears... like me!"

 

ROSIE: "And me!"

 

DAISY-MAUD: "And bears." *Chuckles.* "They travel across the world in one night. I should know. They rescued me, Danny Boy, Orson and Algie from the ocean liner we were on and made sure we made it in time for Christmas Day a few years ago. Isn't that so Jago?"

 

JAGO: "Indeed it is, Daisy-Maud! And so, we leave food for Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear to enjoy as a thank you for bringing us beautiful presents and fulfilling our wishes. We know that Father Christmas likes mince pies, and the Christmas Bear is very partial to shortbread biscuits."

 

EMMETT: "Oh, good! So I can eat the carrot then!" *Lifts carrot to mouth.* "I do have a bit of a grumbly tummy! Grumbly tummy Jago! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*

 

SCOUT: "No Emmett! Don't eat the carrot!" *Shakes head vehmently.* "The carrot is for Rudolph!"

 

EMMETT: "Rudolph? Who is Rudolph?"

 

DAISY-MAUD: "Rudolph is the red nosed Reindeer who leads the sleigh for Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear and he makes sure that if they ride through a fog, he can lead them with his red glowing nose."

 

EMMETT: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.*

 

PADDY: "The carrot is for him to enjoy, and to keep yup his strength."

 

EMMETT: "Oh!" *Puts down carrot.*

 

PADDY: "Well! Good job everybear in bringing all the nice treats for Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear!"

 

BOGART: "And Rudolph!"

 

PADDY: "And Rudolph!" *Nods.*

 

SCOUT: "Many helping paws make it easier, Paddy."

 

JAGO "They certainly do, Scout."

 

PADDY: "Now, let's go and play until bedtime. Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear come tonight, but they won't come until we are asleep, because the Magic of Christmas only happens in the wee small hours of Christmas Day when good little bears are dreaming of sugar plums..."

 

SCOUT: "And mince pies."

 

ROSIE: "And marzipan."

 

EMMETT: "And chocolates."

 

BOGART: "And rocky road, and..."

 

PADDY: "Yes, yes, and all those things and many more besides. Soon it will be Christmas Day, and then, dear Emmett, you shall see what the Magic of Christmas brings!"

 

EMMETT: "Oh!" *Puts both paws to mouth.*

 

Paddy, Scout, Bogart, Jago, Daisy-Maud, Rosie, Emmett and I would like to wish all our Flickr friends and followers the very best for the festive season. Thank you for all the interest you have shown in our photographs and adventures this year, and all the support and encouragement you have shown. We really do appreciate it.

 

May you have a wonderful Christmas; safe, and filled with happiness and love whomever you spend it with and whatever you may do.

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

 

Rosie is Scout's cousin, because like Scout, she is a free trade knitted bear from Africa. She was made in Kenya by one of the Kenana Knitters, Martha Wanjira. She is made from home spun and dyed wool. She was a gift to me from two very dear friends, including the one who gave Scout to Paddy.

 

Bogart has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. He has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.

 

Jago was a gift from a dear friend in England. He is made of English mohair with suede paw pads and glass eyes. He is a gentle bear, kind and patient who carries an air of calm about him. He is already fitting in with everyone else very nicely.

 

Daisy-Maud is Jago's little sister and was made by the same friend in England who made him. She is made of German mohair with floral fabric cotton paw pads that match her pretty sunhat, and glass eyes. A sweet and loving little girl bear, she is happy to be reunited with her big brother, Jago, and enjoys being spoiled by her new Daddy.

 

Made by Merrythought in England, Emmett is a charming little bear, sweet and smiling, crafted from multi-tonal marl grey mohair and featuring golden velvet paws. He is accessorised with a classic tartan woollen scarf. He is number 23 or a limited worldwide edition of 200.

Done