Christmas Dramas xx-xx-xx Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Christmas Dramas xx-xx-xx Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Star: Charles Coburn as Colonel Jonathan Phillips (“Gramps”)

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Overview

This episode presents “Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas,” a heartwarming radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, starring Charles Coburn. Set against the backdrop of a Kentucky farm, the episode explores themes of family, loss, resilience, and the miracles of Christmas. The story centers on Billy, a determined young boy; his loyal horse, Jingle Bells; and the Phillips family, united by love and hardship during a memorable holiday season. The episode beautifully captures the spirit of classic radio storytelling, evoking nostalgia and timeless Christmas values.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Introduction & Setup (00:48–02:33)

• Charles Coburn introduces the episode, hinting at a surprising and touching Christmas tale centered on the horse, Jingle Bells.
• Sets the tone: Christmas miracles can grow from small, hopeful seeds.

Notable Quote:

“How in the world can a thing like Jingle Bells have one Christmas that would be happier than another?”
– Charles Coburn (01:15)

2. The Big Race at the Kentucky Fair (02:33–06:45)

• Billy, a young boy at Evergreen Farms, prepares for his first big race, hoping to win money for his mother, Martha’s operation.
• Jackson, the wise and supportive stable hand, offers advice and superstition ("rabbit's foot").
• The family watches anxiously as Billy races Jingle Bells, who falters due to an injury, leading to heartbreak and disappointment.

Memorable Moments:

• The close bond between Billy and Jingle Bells is highlighted.
• Gramps expresses his ongoing skepticism and frustration about the horse:

  "At least he's consistent. A jinx horse from start to finish." (06:57)

3. Aftermath of the Race & Hard Decisions (07:16–10:12)

• The veterinarian diagnoses Jingle Bells with a broken coffin bone—generally incurable at his age.
• Gramps debates putting Jingle Bells down, noting insurance money could pay for Martha’s operation.
• Billy pleads passionately for the horse’s life.

Quote:

“Please don't have him put away, Gramps.”
– Billy (08:39)

• Martha selflessly insists her condition shouldn’t determine Jingle Bells' fate, and negotiations lead to a reprieve for the horse—at least until after Christmas.

4. Approaching Christmas & The Storm (10:12–14:00)

• In the lead-up to Christmas, it becomes clear Jingle Bells is healing, but Gramps remains firm about the horse’s fate after the holiday.
• A fierce storm hits, and Billy’s concern for Jingle Bells drives him outside, resulting in tragedy when a tree falls on him.

Notable Moment:

Anxious family members scramble to Billy’s aid:
"Oh, it fall on him, Colonel. It fall on him." (13:27) – Jackson

5. Rescue and Redemption (15:28–20:16)

• With Billy trapped, Gramps and Jackson act heroically, managing to free him.
• With roads impassable, Gramps braves the raging storm on the convalescing Jingle Bells to fetch Dr. Michael, displaying the true Christmas miracle—courage and love overcoming adversity.

Key Quote:

“It's better than walking. I haven't ridden in 10 years, but this is a good time to start in again.”
– Colonel Phillips (16:52)

6. Christmas Day in the Stable (21:15–25:39)

• The doctor delivers the good news: Billy is only bruised; there are no serious injuries (21:15).
• The family, their house damaged, holds Christmas in the stable, surrounded by horses and warmth.

Notable Exchange:

• The children open gifts, and Billy receives a special present: legal ownership of Jingle Bells.

• Gramps makes it official:

  “The best Christmas present I can think of for you is to give you to Billy. And it’s signed, Gramps.” (23:47)

• The greatest surprise comes when Gramps, moved by the spirit of the season, asks Martha if he can adopt not only Billy, but her as a daughter, cementing their bond as a family.

  “Instead, I’m going to ask to adopt you.” (24:52)

• The family, overwhelmed with joy, sings carols together.

Quote:

“This calls for joyful singing... Jingle Bells thinks our Christmas turned out well.”
– Colonel Phillips (25:39)

7. Reflection and Closing (26:07–26:32)

• The story closes with grateful prayers for blessings received, delivered in Jackson's authentic voice:

  “Thank you, Lord, for all our blessings this day... And Lord, a Merry Christmas to you.” (26:18)

• Charles Coburn thanks the audience and extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and happy new year.

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Timestamps of Key Events

| Timestamp | Event | |-----------|-------| | 01:15 | Charles Coburn introduces the story’s surprise | | 03:12 | Billy’s determination to win for his mother | | 06:45 | Jingle Bells injured during the race | | 08:39 | Billy pleads for Jingle Bells’ life | | 10:12 | Temporary Christmas reprieve for Jingle Bells | | 13:27 | The storm: Billy trapped by fallen tree | | 16:52 | Gramps rides Jingle Bells in the storm | | 21:15 | The doctor reports Billy is safe | | 23:47 | Gramps gifts Jingle Bells to Billy | | 24:52 | Gramps proposes adopting Martha and Billy | | 25:39 | Family sings together; Christmas spirit fulfilled | | 26:18 | Jackson’s heartfelt prayer of thanks | | 26:59 | Charles Coburn’s closing wishes |

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Notable Quotes

• "How in the world can a thing like Jingle Bells have one Christmas that would be happier than another?"
  — Charles Coburn (01:15)

• “Please don't have him put away, Gramps.”
  — Billy (08:39)

• “It’s better than walking. I haven’t ridden in 10 years, but this is a good time to start in again.”
  — Colonel Phillips (16:52)

• “The best Christmas present I can think of for you is to give you to Billy. And it’s signed, Gramps.”
  — Billy (reading Gramps' letter) (23:47)

• “Instead, I’m going to ask to adopt you.”
  — Colonel Phillips to Martha (24:52)

• “Thank you, Lord, for all our blessings this day... And Lord, a Merry Christmas to you.”
  — Jackson (26:18)

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Tone and Language

The episode is warm, earnest, and tender—capturing the spirit of a classic American family at Christmas. The dialogue and narration are peppered with period-appropriate colloquialisms, familial affection, and a touch of rural humor, as seen in Jackson's wisdom and Gramps’s gruff exterior. The performances evoke nostalgia for the “golden age” of radio-family storytelling.

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Conclusion

“Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas” is a tale of hope, perseverance, and the true spirit of giving. Through trials and storms, the Phillips family—and their beloved horse—discover that love, loyalty, and faith can turn even the hardest winter into a season of joy. The episode exemplifies the wholesome, heartfelt narratives of radio's golden era and delivers a timely Christmas message of unity and gratitude.

Transcript

[Martha]

Did you know you can opt out of winter with VRBO? Save up to $1,500 for booking a month long stay. When thousands of sunny homes are waiting for you, why subject yourself to the cold? Put the snow shovel down, put the parka back in the closet and don't you dare scrape another windshield.

[Jackson]

Slip into some flip flops, consider a.

[Martha]

Sunless tan and use the monthly stays filter to save up to $1,500.

[Jackson]

Book your warm getaway at vrbo.com.

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

To everybody everywhere. It's the Christmas season again. The season of holly and mistletoe and Santa Claus. And Jingle Bells. Yes, especially Jingle Bells. Because our story is called Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas. And here to tell you about it is the beloved star of stage, screen and radio, Charles Coburn.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

This is Charles Coburn. I particularly like the story of Jingle Bell's Happiest Christmas. It brings the Christmas message in a slightly different manner. When I first saw the title, I said to myself, how in the world can a thing like Jingle Bells have one Christmas that would be happier than another? But as I read the story, I found out it's all about. But wait. I'm not going to tell you because I want you to be as surprised and as enchanted as I was with Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas.

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

And now we present Jingle Bells Happiest Christmas, starring Charles Coburn. Christmas is the time of giving, the time of the miracle of goodness. And the seeds of this miracle can be planted as early as September at, say, a state fair in the bluegrass country of Kentucky.

[Jackson]

Souvenir souvenirs.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Get your souvenirs of the fair. Souvenirs of the fair. Get your souvenirs here, folks.

[Jackson]

Get em while they last. Easy, easy now, you Jingle Bells. Old Jackson just gonna tighten this girth strap.

[Billy]

Can't you hurry a little, Jackson?

[Jackson]

Billy, if the Lord meant folks to hurry, he'd put wheels on em. Hold still, horse. This ain't the track. This the paddock.

[Billy]

I bet Jingle Bells knows he's gonna race.

[Jackson]

Yeah, he know all right. He's decogitatingest gelding I ever see in all my 68 years. Yes, sir. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Now if only he could run the way he can. Cogitate.

[Billy]

He's gotta run, Jackson. He's gotta win. Grant's promised me the purse if I ride Jingle Bells to win.

[Jackson]

For a fact, your mammy could use that thousand dollars there, that girth strapped just right. Now, up you go, Billy. Then you'll need a little loosening.

[Billy]

I'm gonna run him in. Explosion Race Jackson fast break and hold the lead for the six furlongs. He can do it.

[Jackson]

You tell Colonel Phillip that, Jackson.

[Billy]

Gramps isn't a colonel and you know it.

[Jackson]

Been calling him Colonel ever since I worked for him that 40 years. He like it. You tell him, boy.

[Billy]

No, he doesn't think Jingle can win. He doesn't even like Jingle.

[Jackson]

Well, reason is he spent a sight of money on him. Never got none of it back. The feed bill keep piling up.

[Billy]

Just the same, you think that explosion's.

[Jackson]

A good idea, you better let that horse run his own race. He had more experience than you. You only 14. This your first time up?

[Billy]

First and last in Graham's colors.

[Jackson]

I guess he getting old, same as me. Too much trouble keeping up a stable of hosses, so he sell em. Now go loosen Jingle Bells, boy. And keep telling him he got to win this so your mammoth can have that hip fixed. I'll be holdin my rabbit's foot for you, Master Billy.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

You'll need the rabbit Swift, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Thought you'd be coming down soon, Colonel. What you think? I'm not betting a penny, Junior Bell's pretty old now. Most nine years old, I reckon.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I never could understand that gelding. He's deep through the heart, his hind legs are straight, his eyes are big, and yet he always loses.

[Jackson]

But you enter him in the race, Colonel?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, only because Billy tried and teased so hard.

[Jackson]

Anybody think that child your own grandson?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, after all, he's lived all of his life on Evergreen Farms. I still have hopes his mother will let me adopt him.

[Jackson]

Man feel good to have his own folks around him. Even if some of them adopt it.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I also think I owe it to the memory of Billy's father that Jim.

[Jackson]

Jordan trained a powerful lot of horses for you.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

He was the best.

[Jackson]

They going to the post now?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

You got an extra rabbit foot, Jackson?

[Jackson]

I'll buy one mighty quick, Colonel.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I want to take it into the stands. Two might work better than one.

[Barbie]

Gramps. Where's Billy? I can't see him.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Look there, Bobby. See that big bay with a blaze?

[Barbie]

Oh, yes, that's Jingle Bell. Now I see Billy.

[Martha]

He looks so nice in your blue and gold silks, Mr. Phillips.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Does look rather nice at that. Are you comfortable, Martha?

[Martha]

Just fine.

[Barbie]

They're getting ready to race.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, they're in the starting gate. Watch that barrier, Bobby, when it goes up there.

[Barbie]

Oh, look, look.

[Martha]

Billy's out front.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

He's riding well.

[Barbie]

Billy's going to win, Grim. I know he is.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I hope you're right, honey. Look at that horse run.

[Martha]

Oh, you told me Jim Bells was no good.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Billy may make me take that back, Martha. By God's, look at him go. Two links ahead.

[Barbie]

Come on, Billy. Come on.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

If they can keep that up. Watch now. Watch. They're coming into the stretch, running like a champion. Come on, boy. Come on.

[Martha]

He's crowding the rail now.

[Barbie]

Oh, no. No, Billy. Go. What's the matter, Gramps? Those other horses are passing him all.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

A confounded luck.

[Martha]

Jingle Belt is limping in, Mr. Phillips. He's hurt.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, he hurt that leg when he stumbled.

[Martha]

Oh, that's a shame. Poor Billy had his heart set on.

[Barbie]

Winning that race the other day. I heard him tell Jackson he wanted the money for you, Aunt Martha.

[Martha]

It doesn't matter, dear.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

But it does matter, Martha. As for Jingle Bells, at least he's consistent. A jinx horse from start to finish.

[Jackson]

What the verdict, Mr. Veterinary? I hopes you can tell me before young Billy gets here if the verdict not gonna be good.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Easy, boy. Easy. Easy. There. Feel around here. I see you. Yep.

[Jackson]

Yeah, this is it, all right.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

It's a broken coffin bone in this hoof, Jackson.

[Jackson]

I sure don't like the sound of.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

That doctor in a horse Jingle Bell's age is practically incurable.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir. And what to tell the colonel?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, I just told you. If this was my horse, I'd have him put away.

[Jackson]

I go tell the colonel that. But I ain't telling that boy Billy. No, sir. Somebody else better tell him that news.

[Barbie]

Where are you going, Billy?

[Billy]

I gotta go see Jackson and Gramps.

[Barbie]

What do you gotta see them for, Billy?

[Billy]

I guess I don't have to tell you everything. My golly, Grant.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I'm in the study, Billy.

[Billy]

What'd the veterinary say?

[Jackson]

Spec? You better tell him, Colonel.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Billy, we have to be practical about some things. Especially in this day of rising prices. Jingle Bells has broken a coffin bone in his hoof. And the veterinary suggests that we put him away.

[Billy]

But, Gramps. Look, I can cure that bone. Please don't have him put away, Gramps.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

But the insurance on him would pay for your mother's operation. That's the most important reason of all.

[Jackson]

Heal up the misery, Master Billy. That count the most?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes. But that hip has pained her ever since she broke it three years ago. It never did heal right. She won't let me pay for the operation. But I think we could persuade her to take the insurance money.

[Billy]

Hi.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

All right, then.

[Billy]

But don't tell me when you have him put away.

[Jackson]

Worse than pulling teeth to say some things, Colonel.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, Jackson. Some Things are pretty hard to do.

[Barbie]

Billy. Billy.

[Jackson]

Miss Martha must hear what you say.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Billy, wait. Martha. What do you want Billy for?

[Martha]

Couldn't help hearing what you said to him, Mr. Phillips. He's just brokenhearted.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, facts are facts, Martha.

[Martha]

Oh, I understand. I was brought up with horses and horsemen. But Billy doesn't understand. All he knows is that he loves that horse. Even so, you don't need to think of that money for me. My hip's much better. There's almost no pain at all now. And won't you please let Billy keep Jingle Bells?

[Jackson]

I never forget that Christmas nine years ago when little Billy take his first look at the brand new little coat and he say, hello, Jingle Bells.

[Martha]

Well, couldn't you at least let Billy keep him till after Christmas, Mr. Phillips?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well. Well, until after Christmas, then. But only until after Christmas.

[Martha]

You don't know what this means. I'll go tell Billy.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Jackson, you old rascal. Whose side are you on?

[Jackson]

I own both sides, Colonel. What you might call riding the fen. That's enough exercise for him today, boy.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Oh.

[Billy]

Oh, Jingle. Any using that fetlock, Jackson? Most.

[Jackson]

No heat at all. Inflammation most all gone. Put the blanket on him now.

[Billy]

Yeah, I will in a minute. That lymph smoke's gone too. You said anything to Gramps?

[Jackson]

Oh, he know the bone get better.

[Billy]

I mean, have you said anything about not putting Jingo away after Christmas? If grass knows Jingle's better, he might change his mind.

[Jackson]

I mentioned to him once or twice, but the colonel got his mind set. Kind of surprised me. Did he keep Jingle this long?

[Billy]

Only three more days to Christmas.

[Jackson]

You better do like I say. And dry off that horse now. And get his blanket on him. Cold and raw today. Feel like a storm coming up.

[Billy]

He's gotta let him live, Jackson. He's just got to. Listen to that old wind blow.

[Barbie]

I never saw it blow so hard.

[Billy]

Barbie, you don't see the wind blow.

[Barbie]

Well, I do.

[Martha]

It's raining a lot harder too. But let's get these decorations up.

[Billy]

What's the matter, Mom?

[Martha]

Nothing, dear. Just. Just a little twinge. It's gone now.

[Billy]

You better sit down.

[Martha]

I'm all right. Now, let's see about putting up this Christmas tree. Oh, Jackson, close the door, quick.

[Jackson]

Yes, ma'.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Am.

[Martha]

Good heavens, what a wind.

[Jackson]

Radio says winds of hurricane force. Ms. Martha. Man, oh, man, this is the worst I ever see. Big old pine tree down by the garage bending almost double.

[Billy]

I better go make sure Jingle's all right.

[Jackson]

Oh, he all right. I may sure for come up yet.

[Barbie]

Oh, there's Gramps. Gramps, come see our decorations.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, Real Christmas Eve. By George. What a storm. Woke me up from my nap.

[Martha]

Jackson, will you go upstairs and close the shutters on this side of the house? That wind might smash the windows.

[Jackson]

Yes, ma'.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Am. It just smashed that big window over there.

[Barbie]

Oh, I don't like this. The rain's pouring in.

[Martha]

Everything will be soaked. Run out in the kitchen, Barbie. The rain can't come in there.

[Barbie]

I don't like it one bit.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Hold those drapes over that window, Jackson. That'll keep out some rain.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir, Colonel. Never see the beat of this.

[Billy]

I'll be right back.

[Martha]

Billy. Billy, don't go out in this storm. Jackson said Jingle Bells was all right.

[Billy]

Storm's worse now, Ma.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Billy. Young idiot. Come back here.

[Martha]

Why did he have to do that?

[Jackson]

I'll go bring him back, Miss Martha.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

By George, that was close. Billy, come back in here. Look. Sure as blazes, that big pine tree is coming down. Billy.

[Barbie]

Billy, look down.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Lord, Lord.

[Jackson]

Don't let that tree hit him.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Run, boy. Run.

[Barbie]

Billy.

[Jackson]

Oh, it fall on him, Colonel. It fall on him.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Great heavens. Get an axe, Jackson. Get two of them.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir. I'm on my way.

[Martha]

And hurry, Jackson. Those branches will have to be cut away.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Martha. You'll get drenched. You. Oh, why couldn't that boy have stayed in the house?

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

In just a moment we'll return to Charles Coburn and our story Jingle Bell's Happiest Christmas.

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[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

Now we return to Charles Coburn, starring in our Christmas story, Jingle Bells. Happiest Christmas.

[Jackson]

Old branch. Stubborn Colonel. Don't want to let go.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I can get at it better from this side. Jackson.

[Jackson]

She let go then. Now we can move it and get that boy out from under.

[Martha]

Let me help you, Jackson.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Martha, you go back in the house.

[Jackson]

I can move the branch, Miss Martha, you go back in.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, hurry.

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

Get him out.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Go in and telephone Dr. Michael. That'll be the most help. But Billy, he'll need the doctor. Martha. In a hustle.

[Martha]

Yes, all right.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I'LL give me a hand, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir, Colonel. Old Jackson carried boy in.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Careful now. Careful. I don't know why this had to happen.

[Jackson]

The Lord don't tell us things ahead of time. Make it better that way.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

That confounded gelding. Not his fault, Colonel. Now, don't contradict me, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir. I mean, no, sir.

[Barbie]

Bring him in.

[Martha]

Study. It's the only dry room in the house.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Did you get the doctor, Martha?

[Martha]

No, the line's dead. Put him down on the couch, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Yes, ma'.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Am.

[Jackson]

That pine tree took down every wire on the place.

[Barbie]

Billy's coat is all muddy, Aunt Martha. He's soaking wet too.

[Martha]

Yes, Bobby, I know. Run and get me a blanket, dear, and a towel and fill a hot water bottle. The whole closet.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I'll get out the car and go for Dr. Michael.

[Jackson]

Old Tree right against the garage door, Colonel. Can't get the car out till we chop away. Take a long time and how in the name of.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Wait. The gelding in this.

[Jackson]

Yeah. Storm. That no good, Colonel.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

It's better than walking. I haven't ridden in 10 years, but this is a good time to start in again.

[Jackson]

Well, let me go, Colonel.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

No, no, no, no. I'll go saddle. Jingle Bells, Jackson. My God, what a storm. Haven't seen anything like this in years.

[Jackson]

Gone.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Trees down, roads washed out. This creek is flooding. Whoa.

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

Oh, boy.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Now what to do? Well, flood or no flood, we've got to get there. Are you afraid of it, boy? How do you think it can get through? Well, we'll try it. Go on. Go on. Get up. Get up. Mighty strong current. Keep going, Jingle. Keep going. That's the stuff. You nearly made it. Now. Now go. There's the doctor's place up this driveway. Jingle. He's just my confounded luck to find the doctor. Out. Whoa, ho, boy. Whoa, Billy. Doc. Falling tree hit him. He was still unconscious when I left. All right. You can back out my car while I'm getting my thing. You can't get a car through, Doc. Roads are all washed out, and then horsiers have to carry double generation. What about that surrey you used to have? Good. I've forgotten about that. It's at the back of the stable. Well, I'll hitch Jingle Bells into it. We'll have to take the back road to get around the flood, but we can make it. Go get your things documented.

[Martha]

Jackson.

[Jackson]

Yes, ma'.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Am.

[Martha]

Any sign of them yet?

[Jackson]

No, Miss Martha. None down that road but the rain, dear.

[Billy]

Mother, drink water.

[Martha]

Yes, dear. Now, don't try to move. You can Sip the water through this straw there.

[Billy]

Tastes good.

[Martha]

Does your back still hurt, Billy?

[Billy]

Not so much. Couldn't dodge that tree.

[Martha]

Barbie.

[Barbie]

Yes, Aunt Martha?

[Martha]

Will you bring another glass of water for Billy, please?

[Barbie]

Yes, I will. Shall I bring another blanket to put over him?

[Martha]

If you want to, dear. That's a good girl.

[Barbie]

What did that mean old tree have to fall on him for anyway?

[Jackson]

They're coming in now, Miss Martha. The Colonel and Doc Michael. Thank heaven they got that Jingle Bells.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Hitched to a surrey.

[Billy]

Jingle, it's too Surrey.

[Martha]

Lie still, dear.

[Billy]

But, Mom, Jingle's a racehorse. He's not Garage horse.

[Martha]

Shh. All right, Billy.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Some Storm Jackson.

[Jackson]

Sure is a humdinger.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Doctor. This way, Doc. Good afternoon, Martha.

[Martha]

Hello, Doctor.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, well. What have we here? A boy who tangled with a tree.

[Billy]

I guess so, Doctor. Gramps, you shouldn't hitch Jingo and the carriage.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, I'll be blessed. Just what his father would have said. Spoken like a true horseman. Now, Jonathan, if you'll wait outside, Martha and I'll have a look at this boy. Now, tell me if it hurts Billy, and where. Blast it all. I wonder what's taking that doctor so long.

[Jackson]

Any news yet, Colonel?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Not yet, no.

[Jackson]

Then I'll go back and finish rubbing down Jingle Bells. You let me know when there's any news.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, Jackson, I'm mighty anxious to know. He's been almost 20 minutes. What's the story, Martha?

[Martha]

Well, Billy was badly scratched and bruised, but the doctor couldn't find anything seriously wrong.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Good. No bones broken?

[Martha]

No. I think I'll sit down for a moment.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

That's great news. Those big branches must have kept the tree trunk off the ground just far enough to keep from crushing him.

[Martha]

Yes. Yes, that must be it.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Can I get you a cup of hot tea, Martha?

[Martha]

No, thank you, Mr. Phillips. I'm all right.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

That hip is paining you more and more all the time, isn't it?

[Martha]

That's not important.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I think it is, if you just listen to reason and let me adopt Billy.

[Martha]

No. My people always made their own way in the world without depending on anyone. I was brought up to feel the same way.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

But it isn't a matter of you and Billy depending on me. Quite the opposite, Martha. He's a mighty lucky boy, Jonathan. No concussion, apparently. No internal injuries. You did just right in coming after me, though. Could have been serious. Keep him quiet a couple of days, Martha, and let me know if any pains develop or any temperature.

[Martha]

All right, Doctor. And thank you ever so much. This is the best Christmas present I could possibly get.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Speaking of Christmas, Jonathan better all come to my house. You very kind, Doc, but we'll make out. But where? Inside of this house is a dripping shambles. Well, we'll find a place for the tree for the youngsters. If necessary, we'll have it down in the stable. By George, there's an idea, Doc. Christmas in the stable.

[Martha]

Oh, Gramps, I've ever had.

[Barbie]

Oh, Gramps, these jackpots are just lovely. Now I can really learn to ride. See, Jackson?

[Dutch Vet Advertisement Voice]

Nah.

[Jackson]

Ain't them some Miss Barbie.

[Martha]

Oh, look at Jingle Bells. I'd like to know what he's thinking.

[Billy]

I guess I'll go back up to the house.

[Barbie]

Aren't you having any fun, Billy? After all these presents?

[Martha]

I know how you feel, dear, but you better stay here.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes. Wait, Billy. Here's another present. The Jingle Bell.

[Martha]

I wonder what that can be. You open it, Billy.

[Billy]

No, let Gramps open it.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I wouldn't think of it here, youngster.

[Billy]

Well, all right.

[Jackson]

Old Jingle got his eye right on that present.

[Martha]

I'm dying to know what's in it.

[Billy]

Here's some apples and a bunch of.

[Barbie]

Carrots, all done up in red ribbons. How cute.

[Billy]

And here's an envelope.

[Jackson]

Well, read it out good and loud, boy.

[Billy]

It says, dear Jingle Bells, the best Christmas present I can think of for you is to give you to. To Billy. And it's signed, Gramps. You mean Jingo is really my horse now, Gramps?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, Billy.

[Billy]

And he doesn't have to be put away?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

No, no. He won his race and his reprieve in that stone.

[Billy]

Oh, gee, Gramps, I don't know how to thank you or what to say.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Don't say anything, Billy. Oh, yes, yes. Incidentally, the feed bills and the incidentals can continue to come to me.

[Martha]

That's a wonderful thing to do, Mr. Phillips.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Gramps is the name.

[Martha]

Yes, Gramps. Just wonderful.

[Jackson]

Ain't nothing made old Jackson no happier for a long, long time, Colonel.

[Barbie]

I guess that makes you feel better, Billy.

[Billy]

Golly. Yeah, I guess it does.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Oh, one more thing. For some time now, I have tried to get Billy's mother to let me adopt Billy.

[Martha]

That's not fair, Mr. Gramps. Not at this time.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Now, hold on, Arthur. I'm not going to say what you think. Instead, I'm going to ask to adopt you.

[Martha]

Adopt me?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes.

[Martha]

Oh, my goodness gracious. You can't mean that.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

But I do mean it. And in that way, I not only acquire you as a daughter, but I get Billy as a grandson.

[Jackson]

I knew the Colonel would figure this out somehow.

[Barbie]

That would make you kind of my brother, wouldn't it, Billy?

[Billy]

I guess so. Something like that.

[Barbie]

How would you like being my brother?

[Billy]

Well, you're a pretty good kid, Barbie. I could teach you about horses and how to ride Jingle Bells.

[Barbie]

Oh, golly. He likes me better than I thought. Oh, please say yes, Auntie Martha.

[Billy]

It's all right with me, Mom.

[Martha]

Well, since Billy approves, I. Oh, Gramps, you're just the sweetest man in the whole world. Billy and I are so lucky that you want us.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

I am the lucky one, my dear.

[Jackson]

This calls for joyful singing. Jackson, think we ought to sing?

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Well, come on, then. We'll all join you.

[Jackson]

D the ho with bows of holly.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

La la la la la la la la here's the season to be jolly. Jingle Bells thinks our Christmas turned out well.

[Martha]

It's a wonderful Christmas, Gramps. Almost too wonderful.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Yes, and for all these blessings we should give our humble thanks. I think a prayer would be in order, Jackson.

[Jackson]

Yes, sir. Thank you, Lord, for all our blessings this day. And don't never let us forget them. And Lord, a Mary Christmas to you.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Amen.

[Narrator / Charles Coburn]

Our star, Charles Coburn will return in just a moment.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Sam. This is Charles Coburn speaking for our entire cast to thank you for being with us for Jingle Bell's happiest Christmas. And now, my personal wishes to all of you, my friends everywhere, for a very merry Christmas and my hopes that the coming year will be the happiest you've ever known.

[Barbie]

Sam.

[Colonel Jonathan Phillips (Gramps)]

Foreign.

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