Considering I have no known universe, this story takes place at some point in the twisted timeline of the books, but with a modern setting.

A Tradition Shared

by Mark

"Are you serious? You’ve never seen them?" Trixie stared at her friend in disbelief.

"Actually, it’s not that hard to believe, Trixie," Dan replied. "My mom and I were poor. After she died, I was living on the streets. And you think Mr. Maypenny has a TV?"

The Bob-Whites laughed at the image of Mr. Maypenny wasting any time watching television. They were enjoying their lunchtime together on a Friday. Trixie had mentioned in passing that she was looking forward to the annual showing of A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas that night when, Dan countered that he’d never seen them.

"I guess that makes sense. I’m just used to my family’s traditions, I guess." Trixie took a bite of her sandwich.

Mart took a break from eating to say, "I think it’s something we need to change, however. Why don’t you come over tonight and watch with us?"

Trixie bobbed her head so much her curls shook all over the place. "That’s perfectly perfect! You should all come over. Bobby is anxious to watch them this year, and with all of you there, too, it’ll be the most fun possible."

Dan grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me." The others agreed as Trixie went off to call her mother and warn her that they were going to be invaded that night.

* * * * * * * * * * *

With the shows starting at eight, the gang began arriving 15 minutes early. Honey and Jim were the first to arrive, driving the Bob-White station wagon down so they could take the others home later. "I can’t wait to see these again myself," Jim admitted. "It’s been years."

"We should have tried to watch them last year," Honey agreed.

The first two guests had just settled onto the couch when Dan came barreling in the back door. "I’m not late, am I?" His boyish enthusiasm made everyone laugh.

Bobby went running up to him. "You’re not late. It’ll start in a few minutes," he said as he tugged his friend into the living room.

Dan had hardly hung up his coat when Di entered. Waving to the limo pulling out of the driveway, she surveyed the group already gathered around the TV. "I thought I was too old for these shows. Didn’t even watch them with the twins last year. But I’ve got to say I’m excited to see them again."

The next several minutes brought lots of bustling and good-natured teasing as seating arrangements were made. Then Mrs. Belden had to offer everyone hot chocolate or home-made apple cider. Two bowls of popcorn were being passed around as she snuggled next to Mr. Belden, and A Charlie Brown Christmas started.

Immediately, every voice but one was singing, "Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year." Over the laughter of the group, Charlie Brown’s opening line almost got lost.

A half hour later, the group stirred as the first show ended.

"That was good," Dan said. "I can see why you all enjoy it so much."

"It’s certainly better than the recent Charlie Brown shows they’ve done. Once they tried to just make specials out of comic strips, the specials fell apart," Trixie stated.

"And I’m going to shock you by saying I agree," Mart teased. There was a collective gasp from the room.

There was just time for a few quick drink refills before the next special. "So what’s next?" Dan asked Jim since they were the first ones back.

"You ever read the Dr. Seuss book or see that movie a few years back with Jim Carrey?"

"I saw the movie. Thought it was bad."

Brian entered the room. "It was. They took a thirty minute special and made it into an hour and a half. The best part was the thirty minutes from this."

"I liked the costumes," Di countered as she reclaimed her seat.

Brian nodded. "The movie looked great; they just crammed too little movie into too long a time."

The others quickly came back as Mr. Belden changed the channel. Once again, the chorus started singing, "Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Christmas. Come this way."

The room got mostly quiet again, but they couldn’t resist every chorus of "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." The special ended with much cheering as he, he himself, the grinch, carved the roast beast.

Brian turned to Dan. "So, what did you think?"

"You were right. The special was much better."

While the teens stayed in the living room, Bobby Peter, and Helen headed up to bed. The Bob-Whites stayed in the living room talking for quite a while.

After a while, Dan stood, but instead of saying it was time to go, he headed toward the tree. He stopped and bent down to see what was underneath it. There, on the ground, was a recreation of the Peanuts gang decorating Snoopy’s doghouse.

"What’s this?" he asked.

"That was my Christmas present from my brothers a couple years ago," Trixie answered. "I’ve always loved A Charlie Brown Christmas more than any of the other specials. So when Hallmark released that set, they went out and got it for me. I didn’t even know they’d made it, but I absolutely love it."

That led to a discussion of the other Christmas decorations in the room. They laughed at the ornaments each had made in kindergarten, including Bobby. "I try to lose mine each year," Brian confessed. "But somehow Moms finds it and puts it on the tree. It’s almost a game now."

It was late by the time the group finally split up. Dan paused at the door. "Thanks for letting us crash the party. It really meant a lot to me."

Mart smiled at his friend. "I don’t think I’ve enjoyed watching those shows so much in years. Our pleasure."

Dan grinned. "Same time next year?"

Mart nodded. "You bet!"

Author’s Notes: Characters are not mine but borrowed without permission. Lyrics to the songs are not mine, either, so basically, I’m a thief. J

Now you know my feelings on recent Peanuts specials and the live action Grinch movie.

Thanks to Susansuth for her speedy edit and to Jennie for being willing to edit, even if I picked the worst possible time to need an editor. J