CBS Lum and Abner 1938-12-23 - Lum and Abners Christmas Story

Summary

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CBS Lum and Abner 1938-12-23 — Lum and Abner's Christmas Story

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date Aired: December 5, 2025 (Original Airdate: Dec 23, 1938)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Lum and Abner offers a heartfelt Christmas story set in the fictional town of Pine Ridge. Embracing the spirit of generosity and community, Lum, Abner, and Grandpappy Spears set out on a snowy night to bring comfort to a couple forced to shelter in a barn, awaiting the birth of their child. The episode is a rural reimagining of the Nativity, blending warmth, humor, and reflections on the true meaning of Christmas.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Setting the Scene: A Pine Ridge Christmas

• [03:09] The narrative opens with Pine Ridge bustling in anticipation of Christmas. Lum, Abner, and Grandpappy Spears prepare a nighttime journey through the snow, equipped with blankets, groceries, and an oil heater.
• The trio's mission is spurred by the plight of a couple unable to find any room at the local hotel. Instead, they've taken refuge in an old barn, awaiting the arrival of their baby.

2. The Spirit of Giving

• [06:06] Lum and Abner embrace the opportunity to support their neighbors, with dialogue centering on the importance of selfless giving:
  • “Just proud to have a chance to help.” — Abner
  • “This makes it seem more like Christmas to me doing for somebody else.” — Grandpappy Spears
• They reflect on holiday traditions and the tendency to forget the true spirit of Christmas amidst personal concerns.

3. The Nativity Parallel

• [07:10] The men discover the barn by following the "East Star," a clear nod to the biblical nativity.
• The stranded couple’s circumstances—seeking shelter in a barn, expecting a child—mirror those of Mary and Joseph, reinforcing the episode’s Christmas theme.

4. Community Kindness and Humility

• [08:28] The trio praises Doc Miller, the country doctor who never refuses to help, regardless of compensation:
  • “I’ve knowed him to get up in the dead of night in the worst kind of weather to go call on the sick when he knowed before he went he never would get no pay for it.” — Lum
  • “If there ever was a man that’s got a preserved seat in a better world, it’s old Doc Miller.” — Grandpappy Spears

5. A Simple Act of Generosity

• [10:05] The group delivers their offerings to Doc Miller for the family—groceries, blankets, and a heater.
• They learn the husband is a carpenter out of work, prompting ideas for employing him in the new year.

6. Reflections on Time and Life

• [12:04] The men muse on their own advancing age as they wait for news of the birth:
  • “Here we are, three old codgers getting along in years... waiting for a little baby to be born. It’s sort of like as if we was waiting for somebody to take our place.” — Lum
• They compare the passing year (1938) to their own lives—soon to be replaced, but making way for the future (1939).

7. The Joyous News

• [13:41] The climactic moment arrives when Doc emerges:
  • “Well, men, it’s a fine baby boy.” — Doc Miller
• A tender, quiet end follows, lingering on the peaceful joy of new life and the togetherness of the season.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Giving:
  • “This makes it seem more like Christmas to me doing for somebody else.” — Grandpappy Spears [06:11]
  • “You just can’t do things to make other folks happy without making yourself happy at the same time.” — Grandpappy Spears [06:18]
• On Doc Miller:
  • “Doc never practiced medicine for what money he got out of it as much as he does for the good he can be to his fellow man.” — Abner [08:46]
• On Age and Renewal:
  • “Here we are, three old codgers getting along in years... waiting for a little baby to be born. It’s sort of like as if we was waiting for somebody to take our place.” — Lum [12:04]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:09] – Mission: Setting out for the barn
• [06:04–06:38] – Reflection on Christmas spirit and selfless giving
• [07:10] – Finding the barn, nativity symbolism (East Star)
• [08:28–09:04] – Doc Miller’s kindness and dedication
• [10:05] – Delivering aid, learning of the carpenter’s plight
• [11:08] – Offering the newcomer work and a place to stay
• [12:04–12:41] – Philosophical reflection on aging and renewal
• [13:41] – Birth of the baby boy, Christmas miracle

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Tone and Style

The tone is warm, sincere, and gently humorous, filled with the rural camaraderie and plainspoken wisdom characteristic of Lum and Abner. The acting maintains a heartfelt earnestness, evoking nostalgia and deep appreciation for community and simple acts of kindness.

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a moving reminder of the enduring values of generosity and compassion. Rooted in the traditions of old-time radio, it delivers a Christmas message that is both timeless and timely, brought to life through the charm and wit of Lum, Abner, and the residents of Pine Ridge.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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And now let's see what's going on down in Pine Ridge.

Well, it's Christmas time in Pine Ridge and all business and other activities have been cast aside in preparation for celebrating the holiday. A heavy snow has fallen and it is now after dark. Three old fellows, Lum Abner and Grandpappy Spears are trudging through the snow on a real Christmas mission. Listen.

[C]

You'Re sure we're headed right now, are you Grandpap?

[D]

Oh yeah, yeah, I know. This the way all right. Doc Miller rode his horse over here. You can see his tracks there in the snow.

[C]

Oh yeah, them hidden.

[D]

Well, it must be the old Gadda's place then.

[C]

Yeah, that's just about where it's at. But there ain't nothing but the barn left there. Now that house burnt down two or three years ago.

[D]

Well, Doc says it's due east from that road where we turned off there.

[E]

Due east?

[C]

Which way is east? I ain't paying no attention to the directions.

[D]

Here, wait a minute. Where Bass is? The east R. There it is right ahead of us. Yeah, we're going right, man. Don't worry about that. Yeah, we can just follow the East Star.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, that ought to lead us to it. Yeah.

[D]

How did you find out about these folks, Grandpap? Well, Doc Miller and his woman had supper over at our place and we were sitting there visiting after we got uneaten and directly their telephone rung and told Doc to get right on over here.

[C]

Well, who done the calling?

[D]

Oh, some fellow named Joe something.

[E]

Another.

[D]

I forget what he did call his name. He went over to some neighbor's house to call. Said they'd been into the county seat to pay their taxes and there weren't no room at the hotel. So they come on out here to this old barn to spend the night.

[C]

Well, this ain't fitting weather to have to stay out in the barn, I'll say that.

[D]

And they said they were sort of expecting the baby to be born tonight, huh? Yeah, that's the reason they called out Miller here. What's the matter, Abner? Hi, doggies.

[C]

My arm's getting tired. Here, feller.

[D]

Well, here, here, let me carry them blankets a while. And you carry this oil heater.

[C]

He's plumb wore out.

[D]

Is that box of groceries getting heavy, Grandpap? No, I'm all right along. You ought to be there directly anyhow.

[C]

Yeah, this snow tires a body out walking through It.

[D]

You know it. Yeah, well, maybe we're walking a little.

[E]

Fast for you, Abner.

[D]

Yeah, slow down a little here, fellas. Here, you take the lantern.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let me get hold of the thing. Yeah.

[D]

Mighty authority you fellas to come over here at night. I sort of hate to call you to get out a night like this, but after the doc left, me and a woman got to talking about how pitiful it was that that couple was having to stay out here in this barn. Nothing to eat.

[F]

No.

[D]

Why, sure, sure.

[C]

I'm just glad you called me Grandpap. Just proud to have a chance to help.

[D]

Yeah. This makes it seem more like Christmas to me doing for somebody else.

[C]

Why, sure, sure.

[D]

You know, you just can't do things to make other folks happy without making yourself happy at the same time.

[E]

I've always said that trouble with a.

[D]

Lot of us, we sort of lose the Christmas idea altogether. Think too much about ourselves. The real Christmas spirit is the happiness we get out of making other folks happy.

[C]

Well, yes, it is. Now, there we was, sitting there at home, busy ropping through what we was, enjoying ourselves. These folks out here spending the night in the old barn this way.

There just wouldn't have been no Christmas to it if you hadn't of called.

[D]

Us up, Grandpapa Shore. Well, I. I know Dr. Could deep in on you, feller. Now, man, if it's the old Gadda's place, we ought to be able to see it from the top of this hill here.

[E]

Wait a minute.

[D]

Believe that's the barn yonder, ain't it?

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right where they're at, short as they were. Well, now, that's due east from where we was at, all right. For there's the East Star right over.

[D]

The top of the barn yonder. Yeah, there's Doc's horse tied to the fence there, too.

See the light shining through the cracks in the walls?

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, sure. Now, that's a shame at them folks never let some of us know they needed a place to stay. Why, we've got plenty of room over there at our place. Just been glad to have them.

[E]

Glad to have?

[D]

Well, this fella that cold. Doc said they looking for a place to stay and seen this barn weren't being used, so they just put up.

[E]

There for the night.

[C]

Whereabouts do they live, Grandpapa? Did he say why?

[D]

Yeah, they're from over about Pleasant Valley summers.

[C]

Avner.

[E]

Pleasant Valley?

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

He told Doc he never had no cash money. Taking every nickel he had to pay his taxes, but said he'd make the call for him? Why, he'd work it out quick as he could. Well, old Doc never refused a call.

[E]

In his life, I don't reckon.

[D]

No, no.

[C]

I've knowed him to get up in the dead of night in the worst kind of weather to go call on the sick when he knowed before he went he never would get no pay for it.

[E]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

I don't know what we would do.

[E]

Without old Doc here in this community.

[C]

Oh, he's a feller, he is.

[D]

Well, I see some that says his methods is a little old fashioned. But Granny's. I'll take my chances with him every time. Well, he's pulled me through the shadows time and again.

[C]

I've always said that Doc never practiced medicine for what money he got out of it as much as he does for the good he can be to his fellow man. I've always said it.

[D]

I'll say, if there ever was a man that's got a preserved seat in a better world, it's.

[E]

It's old Doc Miller.

[C]

Yes, he has.

[D]

He better not be talking too loud, fellers.

[E]

We don't want to disturb them.

[C]

Oh, no, no, let's be as quiet as we can. Come in.

[E]

You gotta let Doc know we're here some way or other.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

Hey, green water.

[D]

Don't know whether I'm out of breath. I got too much war to a fr.

[E]

I reckon it won't hurt nothing to.

[D]

Tap on the door.

[E]

Sort of a gentle will it.

[C]

No, no, go ahead. Mommy. Might be needing this oil stove in there.

[E]

I don't hear a sound in there.

[C]

Well, I don't believe you knock quite loud enough. Maybe they never hear.

[E]

Wait, wait, wait a minute. Here comes somebody at the door.

Hey, howdy, Doc.

[F]

Oh, hello there. Well, what are you three old codgers doing out here this time of the night?

[D]

Well, we. We just got to thinking after you left, doctor, these folks might be needing something.

[C]

Yeah, Doc, we brought a oil stove and some bed covers.

[E]

And here's a box of groceries too.

[F]

Well, now they can certainly use them. Having any heat of any kind in there. Using what little hay was left in there for a bed. Piled it all up in the manger and made a pretty good bed. But now these covers will come in very handy.

[B]

Good.

[E]

How is the lady?

[B]

Dol.

[F]

Oh, getting along as well as could be expected. Lum, start here. Now, I'll take these things on in and have her husband like this heater and warm the place up a little. You men better stand. Stay out here for a little while.

[E]

Oh, yeah, sure. You go ahead, Doc. We. We wait out here.

[D]

There's anything we can do, Doc, I be sorry.

[F]

All right.

[E]

Thank you, Grandpa. Doc, just a minute. What kind of work does this fell do?

[F]

Oh, I. He said a while ago that he was a carpenter by trade.

[E]

Law carpenter.

[F]

Yes. They said he'd been out of work for quite a while, though. Well, here, now. I better get back in.

[E]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

Said he was a carpenter, huh?

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

I was just thinking, Emma. We've been talking about having a loading platform built there for the back door down to store. I think it'd be a pretty good idea to just hire this feller to do a little fixing up around the store there for us.

[C]

Well, yeah, we was talking about putting some shelving across the back there, too. Might just let him do that while he's at it.

[D]

Well, he'll want to be nice wife.

[E]

And baby for a few days now.

[C]

Oh, sure, sure.

[D]

Quick as Doc things hit safe for him to be moved, I'm going to insist on him coming right on over there at our place and staying.

[C]

Well, now, that'd be the best place in the world for him. Grandpap Aunt Charity could take better care of than anybody I know. Oh, my, yes.

[D]

You get a shiny enjoyment out of.

[C]

Looking after that baby.

[E]

I know.

[D]

Just loves kids.

[C]

Yeah. That woman here's Grandpapa's mother. They were youngling in the community, I reckon.

[E]

Yes, sir. I was just thinking here, man.

Sort of funny. Here we are, three old codgers getting along in years.

Standing around out here waiting. Waiting for a little baby to be born.

[D]

It's sort of like as if we.

[E]

Was waiting for somebody to take our place.

[C]

Well, of course, we don't like to talk about such things, but now we've about starved our time. I reckon, ma', am.

[D]

Won't be long before we'll have to move on. There'll be somebody else to take her place.

[C]

Oh, yeah, Good old me. They'll soon forget about us.

[E]

It's sort of like the years here. 1938 almost gone. There's been a lot of things happen, but it'll all soon be forgot. There's been lots of joys and happiness. On the other hand, there's been lots of heartaches and lots of blasted hopes. But there's a new year coming. We all get to start all over again. Here come 1939, bringing new hope and new courage. And we're sort of like the years, us three old fellers. We're sort of like 1938 and we're waiting on 1939.

Little baby and young.

[C]

Well, just like I've always seen.

[D]

Wait a minute. I believe somebody's coming to the door.

[E]

Now.

[C]

Maybe stop.

[E]

Maybe stop.

Any. Any news yet, Doc?

[F]

Well, men, it's a fine baby boy.

So tender and.

[E]

Sleeping.

With me.

[B]

And now, in the spirit of the season, Lum and Abner and the makers of Postum sincerely wish all of our friends a happy and joyous Christmas. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[F]

Knx, Columbia.