Ozzie and Harriet 53-12-25 (377) The Lost Christmas Gift

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Ozzie and Harriet 53-12-25 (377) The Lost Christmas Gift
Air Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Featured Show: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - "The Lost Christmas Gift"

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Episode Overview

This heartwarming Christmas episode of Ozzie and Harriet brings listeners into the Nelson family's holiday evening, just as the festivities begin to wind down. After a joyful morning of gifts and food, Ricky's missing catcher's mitt becomes the catalyst for a touching lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. What starts as a search for a lost present leads the family to rediscover generosity and neighborly kindness, ultimately giving more meaning to their holiday.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Post-Christmas Reflections in the Nelson Home

Time: 00:32–04:43

• The family relaxes after a big meal, basking in the afterglow of gift giving.
• Light banter about gifts: Ricky's slippers given “from Santa, also known as Old St. Rick.”
  • Quote (02:07): “He didn’t read the small print… also known as Old St. Rick.” – Ozzie
• The kids feel a letdown now that the presents are open and festivities are winding down, expressing that the celebration feels over.
• Ozzie and Harriet privately note that the boys may be missing the deeper meaning of Christmas.
  • Quote (04:27): “For a couple of boys. I suppose so, but I don't think they realize what Christmas really stands for.” – Ozzie

2. Lighthearted Neighborly Chats

Time: 04:43–08:21

• Ozzie chats outside with their neighbor, Thorny, comparing Christmas experiences.
• Humorous exchange about neckties and "re-gifting."
  • Quote (05:19): “Of course I know you got one tie. How do you like the pink and orange one I gave you?” – Thorny
  • “It’s beautiful, Thorny. What else can I say? I gave it to you last year.” – Ozzie
• Reminiscing about dollar-limit toy exchanges at a recent party.
  • “Whoever heard of a toy tie class?” – Ozzie (07:27)

3. Discovery of the Missing Gift

Time: 08:21–14:39

• The boys play with new presents; Ricky realizes he never got the catcher's mitt he wished for.
  • Quote (09:00): “What catcher’s mitt? For goodness sake, don’t tell me you got so many presents you can’t remember them all.” – Harriet
• A family search follows, but the mitt is nowhere to be found.
• They recall a past mix-up with another family, the “other” Mrs. Nelson across town.
• Ozzie and Ricky decide to visit her, hoping the package was misdelivered again.

4. A Visit to the Other Mrs. Nelson

Time: 14:39–17:10

• Ozzie and Ricky visit the modest home of Mrs. Oscar Nelson, a widow with two young children.
• She welcomes them warmly but confirms no package arrived for them.
• Ozzie and Ricky are touched by the family’s humble Christmas.
  • Quote (15:30): “Yes, those things are kind of hard to understand sometimes. But the children and I have had a nice Christmas together. We’re thankful that we’re all healthy.” – Mrs. Oscar Nelson
• She offers Ricky cookies, expressing holiday kindness despite having little herself.
  • Quote (16:07): “Christmas is a wonderful day… Sometimes I think it's a shame we all have to grow up.” – Mrs. Oscar Nelson

5. The Nelsons’ Response – Giving Back

Time: 17:10–20:09

• Ozzie and Harriet reflect on the other family's situation, feeling fortunate and wanting to give back.
  • Quote (18:04): “You know, I wish there was something we could do for her.” – Ozzie
• They decide to gather holiday food and unused toys from home and from their neighbors (the result of a recent toy exchange game) to bring joy to the widow’s children.
  • Quote (19:03): “Man, what a crazy looking reindeer. I’ve got all the food packed, dear. How did you do?” – Harriet (joking with the boys as they prepare to deliver gifts)

6. The Lost Gift Turns Up

Time: 20:09–21:40

• As they pack up donations, Harriet finds Ricky’s missing catcher's mitt—right under the tree all along.
  • Quote (20:27): “This package is Ricky’s mitt. Look at us think! It must have been right under the tree all the time.” – Harriet
• The family marvels at how the oversight led to a generous act.
  • Quote (20:44): “There’s one thing I do know. I know that because we didn’t see it sooner, two small youngsters and a mother are going to be a lot happier this Christmas.” – Harriet

7. Delivery and Lasting Lessons

Time: 21:40–23:38

• The Nelsons load the car with food and gifts for Mrs. Oscar Nelson’s family.
• Ricky, deeply touched, decides to give his own catcher's mitt to the little boy, Jimmy.
  • Quote (22:35): “Well, Mrs. Nelson's son Jimmy is only five, but if it's okay, I'd like to give him my catcher's mitt.” – Ricky
• Ozzie praises the boys’ generosity, observing their growth and understanding of Christmas.
  • Quote (23:11): “You know what, dear? I have a suspicion that our boys are going into young men, very nice young men.” – Harriet
  • “I know four people right here and a lot of swell neighbors who will never have a nicer Christmas.” – Ozzie (23:20)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the post-holiday comedown:
  • “Boy, I just wish it wasn’t over.” – Ricky (02:30)
• On the meaning of gifts:
  • “You spent all morning opening presents.” – Ozzie (02:34)
  • “No more presents for 364 days.” – Harriet (02:50)
• On Christmas spirit & generosity:
  • “She was very brave about it, but I really don’t think they had much of a Christmas over there.” – Ozzie (18:04)
  • “There’s one thing I do know… two small youngsters and a mother are going to be a lot happier this Christmas.” – Harriet (20:44)
  • “I have a suspicion that our boys are going into young men, very nice young men.” – Harriet (23:11)

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Key Segment Timestamps

| Segment | MM:SS | | --------------------------------------- | ---------- | | Cozy Christmas evening begins | 00:32–01:46| | Reflections on Christmas/dinner | 01:46–04:43| | Ozzie & Thorny chat | 04:43–08:21| | Search for Ricky’s mitt begins | 08:21–11:49| | Deciding to visit other Mrs. Nelson | 13:05–14:39| | Visit to Mrs. Oscar Nelson | 14:39–17:10| | Family decision to give gifts | 17:10–19:10| | Lost mitt found under the tree | 20:22–20:44| | Ricky offers gift to young Jimmy | 22:32–22:56| | Final reflections on real Christmas joy | 23:11–23:20|

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Recap & Takeaways

• Lesson: Sometimes, missing out on something we dearly want is what gives us the chance to discover what truly matters—kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
• Family Growth: The episode gently demonstrates the Nelson boys’ growth from thinking about themselves to understanding the true “spirit of Christmas” by giving.
• Community Heart: The family’s efforts inspire their neighbors, leading to a Christmas that brings joy well beyond their home.

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This episode gently mixes humor, warmth, and a timeless moral for the holidays, perfectly embodying the charm of radio’s golden age and reminding listeners what makes Christmas truly special.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on holiday essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week. Get USDA Choice Beef Bone in Roast for $6.97 per pound with digital coupon and minimum purchase of $50 or more in a single transaction, excluding the price of the roast while supplies last. Limit one plus. Get broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or Brussels sprouts for 97 cents per pound with digital coupon. Limit six pounds and russet, red or yellow potatoes, yellow onions, yams or Sweet potatoes are 99 cents per pound. Member price. Visit safewayalbertsons.com for more deals.

[Ozzy Nelson]

We present the amusingly transcribed Adventures of Ozzy and Harriet, starring America's favorite young couple, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard. Say, things are pretty quiet in the Nelson's living room for a Christmas night. There are Ozzy and Harriet relaxing in those two easy chairs, and the boys seem to have commandeered the sofa. Well, anyway, by the looks of those open gifts piled around the center of the tree, I'd say their Christmas has been pretty successful. And by the looks of those three unhitched belts stretched around the centers of the Nelson males, I'd say Harriet's Christmas dinner has been pretty successful, too. Oh, it sure was a swell dinner, Harriet. Yeah, it sure was, Mom.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, thank you. Why am I full? I couldn't have had another drumstick if you'd paid me.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Darn right worth it. Later. Well, I'd say we all had our share. Oh, boy, I just want to sit here and relax.

[Harriet Nelson]

Shall I get your new slippers for you, Pop?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, yeah. Thanks, Rick.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, they sure are swell slippers.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, very nice.

[Harriet Nelson]

They cost $5.95.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Ricky Pot knows who gave them to him. Well, wait a minute. I'm not so sure, Dave. You see, the card says, to Pop from Santa Claus.

[Harriet Nelson]

He didn't read the small print.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, let's see. Also known as Old St. Rick.

[Harriet Nelson]

Just to set the record straight, that perfume Santa gave me was very nice, Ricky. Oh, thanks, Mom. Well, David.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Don't look at me, little man. I'm sending my thanks to the North Pole. Well, it certainly has been a nice Christmas for all of us, I'd say.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll say it has. Yeah. Boy, I just wish it wasn't over.

[Ozzy Nelson]

What are you complaining about? You spent all morning opening presents.

[Harriet Nelson]

Heck, I'm willing to work straight through the night. As they say, all good things must come to an end.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Christmas is only half over as far as I'm concerned. We still got another whole week of Christmas vacation. Boy, no more school for Seven days?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah. No more presents for 364 days. I think you're a little ahead of yourself. We're still celebrating this Christmas. Heck, with the presents open and the big meal over and the celebration is kind of dead.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, any way you look at it, fellas, we've had a very full and rewarding day. Why don't we all just sit back and enjoy a little peace and quiet?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, that's enough of that. Come on, David, show me how to throw a curve with my new baseball.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Why do you want to know how to throw curves? You always play right field.

[Harriet Nelson]

Not when it's my baseball.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Okay, you win.

[Harriet Nelson]

Come on, Dave. I left the ball in the den. Has been a nice Christmas, hasn't it?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, it certainly has. Well, it's like my mother used to say about Sunday dinners. They take so long to prepare, they're over before you know it.

[Harriet Nelson]

I suppose so.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, Ricky had a point when he said the celebration was kind of dead.

[Harriet Nelson]

Now, well, the anticipation is so great, I guess a normal letdown has to be expected.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Even the Christmas tree looks a little forlorn. Yeah, the branches are drooping, the tree's getting old.

[Harriet Nelson]

We put it up pretty early this year.

[Ozzy Nelson]

If Ricky had his way, it would have been up the day after Thanksgiving. Harry, don't you think Rick's making a little too much out of his gifts this year?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, doesn't he always?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, yes, but it seems to me he's losing a little of the real spirit of Christmas.

[Harriet Nelson]

I guess he is missing the point a bit, but that's to be expected now.

[Ozzy Nelson]

David, too. All Christmas seems to mean to him is two weeks without school.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I say they're acting pretty normal.

[Ozzy Nelson]

For a couple of boys. I suppose so, but I don't think they realize what Christmas really stands for.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, they're still young. Takes time to get the real Christmas feeling.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

[Harriet Nelson]

Anyways, nothing to worry about.

[Ozzy Nelson]

You know, that big dinner of yours certainly helped to give me the old Christmas feeling. Well, I'm glad I'm not sure I am. I think I'll take a little walk around outside before I fall asleep. Merry Christmas, Oz. Oh, hi, Thorny. Merry Christmas. You mind if I drag up one of your porch chairs? No, not at all. Be my guest. You know, this is the only way Catherine's plum pudding and I can meet on equal terms. Apparently, we both had a full Christmas. In more ways than one. Well, mine was wonderful. Best ever. He must have had a good time. I'll say I didn't receive a single necktie, you know. Got six high clasps. Ah, you never know. That's the way it goes. Of course I know you got one tie. How do you like the pink and orange one I gave you? No, it's beautiful, Thorny. What else can I say? I gave it to you last year.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

That's right.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I've been wondering which one of us bought that originally. I don't know. That isn't the only tie I receive. In fact, I'll trade you three ties for three tie class. Well, let's face it, Oz. The best part of a man's Christmas isn't waiting for him under the tree. Well, it is in one way, Sonny. It was worth a lot just to watch the boys open their presents. Yeah, you should have seen my boy Will's face when he unwrapped that set of golf clubs. Isn't he a little young for golf clubs? Well, he won't be by the time I break him in for him. You know, I think you deserve those tie classes. Oh, Will did all right. I just didn't want to put from Thorny to thorny on the club, that's all. Wasn't that a lot of fun we had at Joe Randolph's party the other night?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah.

[Ozzy Nelson]

How long have you had that moth eaten Santa Claus suit you came in? No, quite a while. I got it when David was about 2 years old. I used to pretend I was Santa Claus. And David used to pretend he believed was a big success the other night. You certainly added an heir to the party. Well, the suit has been in mothballs for years. That was a pretty cute idea Joe had all of us adults exchanging dollar limit toys. Yeah, only Ricky still doesn't understand why Harriet came home with a toy iron. Or how I happened to show up with a big rubber duck that honked. What did you get? Well, I'd rather not say. Besides, whoever heard of a toy tie class? It was a lot of fun though. Or maybe it was a little silly toys.

[Harriet Nelson]

I don't know.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I liked it. You know, it brought back a few memories of the swell Christmases I had when I was a kid. You know, Harry and I were just talking about Christmas. After about 5 o' clock it's all over and you don't know what to do with yourself. That's true. Things a little incomplete. I think I'll go have that other piece of pie. No, that's a fine solution. Just seems to me we could do something more in the spirit of the occasion. Okay, let's take a Little snooze and I'll snore you a chorus of Jingle Bells. No, that's hardly what I mean. I feel like living it up a little. Hey, I've got it. Why? I think I'll go in the house and honk my new rubber duck.

[Harriet Nelson]

Okay, David. Boy, oh, boy. Burn one right down the middle. Hey, you two. The pet room isn't the place to be throwing a baseball around.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Don't pay any attention to Rick, Mom. He talks pretty big, but we're just tossing it back and forth.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, okay, but don't hit the furniture. Yeah, it might scratch the ball. I know it's new, but aren't you being a little over cautious of that ball?

[Ozzy Nelson]

I'll say he is. He wanted me to wash my hands first.

[Harriet Nelson]

Come on, David, burn it in.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Okay, here it comes.

[Harriet Nelson]

Put it right here, boy. Right in the old groove.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh.

[Harriet Nelson]

Stop crawling it so hard.

[Ozzy Nelson]

That's what you said to do.

[Harriet Nelson]

What do you listen to me for?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Just a little underhanded toss.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, if I may make a suggestion, Ricky, why don't you use your new catcher's mitt? What catcher's mitt? For goodness sake, don't tell me you got so many presents you can't remember them all. I don't remember getting a catcher's mitt, but I sure wish I did.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I don't think I saw him open it, Mom.

[Harriet Nelson]

Come to think of it, I don't either. Did you really get me one? Well, of course we did. I distinctly recall putting it under the tree. Oh, boy. Hey, I don't see it. Where is it? Well, it must be there. All right, don't anybody move.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on holiday essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week. Get USDA Choice Beef Bone in Roast for 6 per pound with digital coupon and minimum purchase of $50 or more in a single transaction, excluding the price of the roast while supplies last. Limit one plus. Get broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or Brussels sprouts for 97 cents per pound with digital coupon. Limit six pounds and russet red or yellow potatoes. Yellow onions, yams or Sweet potatoes are 99 cents per pound. Member price. Visit safewayalbertsons.com for more deals.

[Harriet Nelson]

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[Ozzy Nelson]

What'S all this?

[Harriet Nelson]

Hey Pop, have you seen my new catcher? Smith?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well don't tell me you've lost it already.

[Harriet Nelson]

I haven't even found it yet. Apparently Ricky tore through his gift so fast this morning he missed his catcher's mitt.

[Ozzy Nelson]

No kidding.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I didn't miss it. It just isn't here. Oh, it must be. I swear I put it right here by the base of the tree.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, I'll help you. Well, it doesn't seem to be around here anywhere. It's not behind the tree. Are you sure you remember wrapping it, Harriet?

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, I didn't wrap it. It was one of those last minute presents I had. Gift wrapped at the store. They sent it out yesterday with some other things. At least I'm pretty sure they did. Maybe it's still in the closet where you hid my baseball. No, it couldn't be there. Besides, young man, you shouldn't be snooping around the house before Christmas. I wasn't snooping. I was just taking precautionary measures in case a house caught on fire.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Must be around here someplace. Maybe slip down behind the couch. No, I don't think it's there, David.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll look. No. Hey, I guess I'm not the only one who has a gift missing. Why, what did you find? Those green sleeves Grandma Hilliard knitted for Pop. Ricky, those are socks.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Oh.

[Ozzy Nelson]

For goodness sake. They must have accidentally slipped behind there while I was opening up my gifts.

[Harriet Nelson]

You opened your gifts in front of the fireplace?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh. Oh, well, I guess they accidentally slipped in the wrong direction. I didn't think of the fireplace.

[Harriet Nelson]

That's a fine way to talk. Why don't you change the subject away from my catchers mitt.

[Ozzy Nelson]

So we're still looking.

[Harriet Nelson]

Rick, this is the silliest thing. Say, it's probably just a wild fox. The odds are against us. What is it? I'll gamble on anything. Well, do you remember that dress I had sent out from that same store about a month ago?

[Ozzy Nelson]

You mean the one that was delivered to the wrong place?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, it was sent by mistake to another Nelson that lives on the other side of town. Mrs. Oscar Nelson?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh yeah, the lady who phoned us. I went over there and picked up the dress.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, that's right. Maybe the same thing happened again.

[Ozzy Nelson]

She probably got Ricky's mitt.

[Harriet Nelson]

That's what I was thinking. Let's hurry over there. She might wear it out.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, I don't think it's likely the same thing would happen twice. See, it is possible Though we could phone her. Well, she doesn't have a phone. Remember how she went to all the trouble going down the corner drugstore to look us up in the phone book?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, that's right.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I'll run over in the morning. They can wait till end. Of course, on the other hand, it's still early.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, boy, Pop. I'll get my coat, Ricky.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Give him an inch and he takes me clear across town.

[Harriet Nelson]

You think my catcher's mitt is here, Pop?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, let's hope so. Little longer drive over here than I thought it was.

[Harriet Nelson]

That's a pretty old house, huh, Pop?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, this isn't the newest part of town, son. Looks very nice, though.

[Harriet Nelson]

How's this work?

[Ozzy Nelson]

You spin the little handle.

[Harriet Nelson]

Hey, that's pretty neat. You don't even need electricity. I wonder what they'll think of next. Yes?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Mrs. Nelson?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, I'm Mr. Nelson. That is. I mean, I'm Mr. Ozzy Nelson.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, certainly. You're the gentleman that came to pick up a package about a month ago.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yes, that's right.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, my goodness. Here I keep you standing out in the cold. Won't you come in?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, yeah. Thank you. This is my son, Ricky.

[Harriet Nelson]

Hello, Ricky. Hello, Mrs. Nelson.

[Ozzy Nelson]

This is probably sort of a shot in the dark, but Ricky was supposed to get a new catcher's mitt for Christmas, but the package seems to have been lost someplace. And naturally he's a little concerned about it. We thought maybe I made another mistake and delivered it to you.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, I see. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ricky, but nothing like that's been delivered here. We thought maybe it arrived here and you didn't know what it was or something. No, I'm afraid not.

[Ozzy Nelson]

It's just a shot in the dark. We really shouldn't have bothered you on Christmas night. But you know how kids are about their gifts.

[Harriet Nelson]

Indeed I do. I have two of my own. Kathy's just two and Jimmy's five.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, well, that's a pretty interesting age. I'll bet you and your husband are awfully proud of them.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, my husband passed away just about a year ago.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. That's a shame.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes, those things are kind of hard to understand sometimes. But the children and I have had a nice Christmas together.

[Ozzy Nelson]

That's good.

[Harriet Nelson]

We're thankful that we're all healthy. Jimmy got a beautiful sweater and I got Kathy the cutest little coat and dress. Did they get some toys, too? Oh, yes. Kathy's got her big teddy bear in bed with her now, you should see her. She's hugging it as tight as she can and sound asleep.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I can remember when Ricky's teddy bear was the joy of his life. The day he got it, he had to stand on tiptoe to look it in the eye.

[Harriet Nelson]

Christmas is a wonderful day. Youngsters seem to get so much fun out of it. Sometimes I think it's a shame we all have to grow up.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, sure is. Well, I guess we'd better be going. I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, I'm glad you stopped in. Won't you let me get you a glass of apple cider, sir?

[Ozzy Nelson]

No, no, thanks. I don't think so. I'm doing the Dr.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I'm sure Ricky would like a couple of cookies. Oh, gee, thanks. They look good. Oh, now, that's not enough for a growing boy. Come on, take a couple more. Gee, thanks a lot.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, come on, son. Well, good night.

[Harriet Nelson]

It's a little late for greetings, but merry Christmas to you both.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, thank you. Merry Christmas to you and a happy New Year.

[Harriet Nelson]

This cookie sure is good. I don't think I ever tasted this time before.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, that's a special kind, Ricky. Got a lot more in it than most cookies.

[Harriet Nelson]

What else, Bob?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, you might call it Christmas cheer.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, you two were certainly gone long enough. Did you have any luck?

[Ozzy Nelson]

No, we didn't. She didn't have the catcher's mitt.

[Harriet Nelson]

You didn't have all the in things. What do you mean? Only they had a real little Christmas tree. There were hardly any presents under it.

[Ozzy Nelson]

She's a widow. Harriet. She has a little girl, 2 and a boy, 5.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, I'll bet she has her hands full. It's a shame you had to bother us.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah. She didn't seem to mind, though. You have to give her credit. She wasn't complaining about anything. She very cordial, too. Gave Ricky some cookies.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, they were real good, too.

[Ozzy Nelson]

She probably took one look at him and decided he needed fattening up. No, I don't think that was it, Dave. She seemed like the kind of person who understands small boys.

[Harriet Nelson]

She sounds very nice. Somebody like that. Makes you appreciate how lucky you are.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, I thought of that when I was over there.

[Harriet Nelson]

We sure are lucky, all the things we got for Christmas.

[Ozzy Nelson]

You know, I wish there was something we could do for her. She was very brave about it. But I really don't think they had much of a Christmas over there. Maybe we can do something.

[Harriet Nelson]

I wish we could.

[Ozzy Nelson]

The stores are all closed. Do you have any suggestions?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, There's a nice big ham in the freezer. I guess that wouldn't help the two youngsters. Hey, I got it. The stuntpaw got a Mr. Randolph party. Why don't we give this to the kids?

[Ozzy Nelson]

My God, that's a good idea.

[Harriet Nelson]

I can throw in that toy iron. I got a lot of people got.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Little toys at that party. Maybe we could round up theirs, too. Well, I'm sure we can. I'll get on the phone and start lining him up.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll go out in the kitchen and see what I can find to go with a ham.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I can drive around and pick the toys up.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll go with you, David, and help collect the toys.

[Ozzy Nelson]

You sure you guys don't mind doing this? Heck, no. It'll be a lot of fun.

[Harriet Nelson]

Sure will. Heck, I feel like Santa Claus.

[Ozzy Nelson]

You look more like one of Santa's dwarfs.

[Harriet Nelson]

Okay, wise guy, come on, let's go.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, you might as well get started now. You fellas know who's at the party, don't you? And I'm sure they'll all come first through. I'll be phoning while you're on your way. Okay, Pa. Come on, Rick.

[Harriet Nelson]

Wait till I hook up my sleigh. Man, what a crazy looking reindeer. I've got all the food packed, dear. How did you do?

[Ozzy Nelson]

All fine. Everybody came through. They're all going to rewrap the toys so we won't have to do it.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, good. David and Ricky should be back for very long, shouldn't they?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, sure. They've already been in a couple of houses. I called.

[Harriet Nelson]

Did everyone seem willing to give their toys?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, very much so. You know, Harrod, I think everybody I talked to sort of brightened up when I told them what we wanted to do.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, maybe they had the same feeling about Christmas that we did earlier this evening.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Oh, it did seem like something was missing, didn't it? Now there's hardly enough Christmas left to get it all in.

[Harriet Nelson]

I don't mind admitting that. I'll go to bed feeling a lot happier and warmer inside.

[Ozzy Nelson]

You know, what pleases me is the way the boys pitched in on this.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'm very proud of them. It's as if they'd suddenly grown up a little more. In fact, I guess we've all gained a little insight into Christmas.

[Ozzy Nelson]

We sure have. Say, while we're waiting for the boys, why don't I help you clean up some of the wrappings and stuff under the tree?

[Harriet Nelson]

Lead on, kind sir. I'm always willing to accept an offer like that.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Look at all this ribbon and stuff.

[Harriet Nelson]

Ozzie, look.

[Ozzy Nelson]

What's the matter?

[Harriet Nelson]

This package is Ricky's, Miss. Look at us think. It must have been right under the tree all the time.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, Harriet, we all looked under there.

[Harriet Nelson]

I know it. It doesn't seem possible. We all could have missed it. It was practically in plain sight.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, I'll be darned. I don't know why we didn't see it.

[Harriet Nelson]

There's one thing I do know. I know that because we didn't see it sooner, two small youngsters and a mother are going to be a lot happier this Christmas. Well, we've got the car loaded with all the stuff. I'll bet we got more than a dozen presents.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Mrs. Duncle sent along a big jar of cranberry sauce.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, and Mrs. Thornberry gave us a big mince pie. And Mrs. Thornberry threw in a real neat blanket.

[Ozzy Nelson]

He said it was just an old one they didn't need. But he wasn't fooling us.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes or no? There was still some tinsel left on him from under his tree.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, that's wonderful, fellas.

[Harriet Nelson]

We've got a little surprise for you too. Ricky. We found this while you were gone. Got your name on it. Yeah, I bet you it's my catcher's mess. Colling. Look at this, David. What a neat mix. You really like it. Do I? This is what I wanted most. Even I didn't get it this morning. I thought maybe you were mad at me for something.

[Ozzy Nelson]

No, nothing like that, Rick.

[Harriet Nelson]

Collie. Thanks a lot, Mom. Pa. Where'd you find it?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, believe it or not, it was right under the tree all the time.

[Harriet Nelson]

It couldn't have been. We agree. But it was growing.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Anyhow, you've got it.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, this is sure gonna come in handy. I hate to break this up, but don't you think we'd better take all the things we've collected over to Mrs. Nelson?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, we'd better get going. I bet this is one night she won't mind waking the kids up a pop. What is it, Dave? Oh, nothing, I guess.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, come on, Dave. What is it?

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, I was thinking while we were collecting the presents, would you think it was silly if I put on the Santa Claus suit and sort of played the part for the kids? Well, I think it'd be wonderful. I thought maybe Mrs. Nelson could tell the kids that Santa had an awful lot of stuff to deliver and was just a little late getting there. Why don't you hurry upstairs and put it on? It's in my closet. Oh, Good. I'll be right down.

[Harriet Nelson]

That was a nice idea.

[Ozzy Nelson]

It sure was. Well, come on, Rick. Let's get this stuff in the car.

[Harriet Nelson]

Pop. Yeah, it was funny the way my catches mitt just seemed to turn up.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, it's very peculiar.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, you can hardly believe it. Yeah, well, Mrs. Nelson's son Jimmy is only five, but if it's okay, I'd like to give him my catcher's mitt.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, that's very generous, Ricky, but he's pretty young.

[Harriet Nelson]

Yeah, but he'll grow fast, too. Besides, I had a slug Christmas even before I knew about the mitt. And the way it turned out. Yeah, I don't feel it really should belong to me.

[Ozzy Nelson]

I'll wrap it up for you.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, Mom, I'll take this hammer stuff out to the car. Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle. You know what, dear? I have a suspicion that our boys are going into young men, very nice young men.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Yeah, I have a suspicion you're right. Harriet, remember what you said about that lost gift? Being responsible for three people being much happier this Christmas?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Well, you were too conservative. I know four people right here and a lot of swell neighbors who will never have a nicer Christmas.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Harriet Nelson]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first.

[Ozzy Nelson]

Problem of the day is a clanking.

[Harriet Nelson]

Blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy, easy to use website.

[Ozzy Nelson]

And product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along.

[Harriet Nelson]

Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.