Paddington and Scout Explain Christmas Eve Traditions to Little Ladybird

LITTLE LADYBIRD: *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, Little Ladybird!"

 

ROSIE: "That's right, Little Ladybird!"

 

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

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "I don't think so, Bogart. Bumble and I did eat carrots, but only when Bumble found them and then we would share them. It was nice."

 

PADDY: "Well, at Christmas we put treats out, Little Ladybird."

 

EMMETT: "Yes, but why are we putting out food out, Paddy? Is it for Daddy?"

 

PADDY: "No, Little Ladybird, his food isn't for Daddy. Do you remember us all talking about Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear?"

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "Oh yes, Paddy! You said that Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear, bring presents to Mummies and Daddies and bears who are good."

 

ROSIE: "Well, the food is for them, Little Ladybird!"

 

PADDY: "Father Christmas and the Christmas Bear work very hard delivering presents and granting wishes for good Mummies and Daddies..."

 

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

 

ROSIE: "And me!"

 

PADDY: "And bears." *Chuckles.* "They travel across the world in one night, Little Ladybird, 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."

 

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

 

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

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "Rudolph? Who is Rudolph? Have I met him?"

 

ROSIE: "Rudolph isn't a bear, Little Ladybird. 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."

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.*

 

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

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "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."

 

LITTLE BEE: "And honey."

 

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 Little Ladybird, you shall see what the Magic of Christmas brings!"

 

LITTLE LADYBIRD: "Oh!" *Puts both paws to mouth.*

 

Paddy, Scout (and Dolly), Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Jago, Daisy-Maud, Orson, Danny Boy, Algie, Rosie, Garnet, Nanuk, Emmett, Edgar, Benjamin, Little Ladybird, Little Bee, Bumble, Cornelia, Freddy Flock, Sapphire, Pearl, Duckie, Prince Maurice and I 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Lovingly handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Little Bee's creation has been inspired by the English country garden. Crafted from the finest yellow and black short mohair plush, Little Bee, a bee bear, features a striking Bumble Bee striped body and pure wool felt wings, with an endearing pair of 'antennae' to finish him off. Little Bee is number 3 of a limited edition of 300 issued worldwide.

 

Lovingly handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, Little Ladybird’s creation has been inspired by the English country garden. Crafted from the finest black and white short mohair and featuring a pure wool felt ladybird ‘shell’ adorned with embroidered spots, she a pair of ‘antennae’ to finish her off. Little Ladybird is number 3 of a limited edition of 300 issued worldwide.

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