b'kinda like Jack. This was a favorite place because, whatever he could get and then, off he went, back to hisfrom this shy man they had known so briefly.besides the storekeeper, Billy could meet and visit withhouse in his valley up in the mountains.just about everybody at one time or another during his Well, I have to tell you, Christmas arrived right on time, visits to town. Three weeks passed all-too-quickly, in Decemberjust like it always does. It was a bright shiny new day that year and as it is all over the rest of the world, thewith fresh crisp air although there was not a breath of But his most favorite place was the blacksmith shop.kids (moms and dads too) were chomping at the bita breeze. It was the sort of day that just made you feel Billy and Smitty got along admirablythey were veryfor Christmas to arrive. It doesnt really matter if itsgood about everything. The townspeople all arrived as much alike those two. Moreover, Smitty pretty mucha warm desert scene or frosty cold scene with snowBilly had requested. They could hear the sound of the always had old horseshoes, nails, scraps of leathereverywhereChristmas is Christmas! brook bubbling down through the trees, all of which and such that were a pure treasure to Billy. The thingswere decorated with brightly sparkling candles. The Billys imagination allowed him to make from thoseWell, as it turns out, the hectic week before the big daylittle house was also decorated with a beautiful wreath throwaways were nothing short of amazing. That madearrived, Billy came to town and, contrary to what theof greasewood bows; it was also adorned with lighted Billy happy . . . and lots of other people, too, it turns out. townsfolk would have ever believed, he explained tocandles. The small window next to the door had a large everyone he wanted them to gather on Main Streethered warmly inviting candle. The scene was beyond Thanksgiving came and went. Billy had been invited byhad an announcement to make. What could it benoanything any of them had ever seen before or had ever his ole buddy Smitty to share a meal for the Thanksgivingone had a clue. even imagined for that matter.celebration. Nothing fancy mind you, but the blacksmith was a man who kept to himself much like Billy. HeThe appointed time chimed in the tower at the endThe people began jabbering cheerfully with each other worked away day after day doing things for other peopleof Main Street and the crowd gathered. Nothing likeabout what they could see and hear in the midst of this but he too enjoyed his privacy. Sure he was paid forthis had ever happened before and certainly, it was atruly joyful evening.some of his toilshe did have to make a living, afterfirst for the ever-so-shy Billy. As he approached the allbut the other little things he could do for folks thatgathering some of the people were pondering what heIt was not long before all the candles had burned they couldnt do for themselves were important to him.could possibly have to say to them. Even after all thisthemselves out and the deep darkness that the mountain It seemed to make him happy and, to Billy, sharing thattime they really didnt know much about this Williamcan bring encroached on the area quickly. By that time, Thanksgiving with him seemed like the right thing to do. Weihnachten Billy Glcklich from Lord only knowsovercome by all their enthusiasm and gayety over the where. Maybe they were about to find out. beautiful decorations and happy conversations, everyone The days were growing chillier as December approached.had completely forgotten about Billy himself. They Billy needed to bundle up to make his treks into town.Somebody fetched a crate for Billy to stand on so helooked around curiously, but Billy was nowhere to be The trip wasnt all that far, but the chill in the air madecould be seen as well as heard. Billy hopped up on itfound. Now it was time to leave. In silence, the people all it feel farther. Usually, his first stop was his friend at theand after waiting for a second or two for folks to quietbunched together and headed safely back to town. It had stable and then he was off to the mercantile store. down, he proclaimed that it was his wish that everyonebeen a Magical Mystery Mountain Christmas that Billy come up to his little stone house on Christmas Day,had shared with them.The storekeeper had noticed that Billy was bringing morein the evening, to visit. If they were unable to make and more of his trinkets to town to sell or give away asthe trip on their own he suggested that maybe one ofAs the story goes, this William Weihnachten Billy presents to anyone who asked. In turn, it also seemed totheir neighbors could help them to get there. It wasGlcklich, was never seen again. However, there are the storekeeper as though Billy was buying an inordinateimportant, he told them, because he had somethingpeople, to this very day, who will tell you they can hear number of candles with what little profit he made onhe wanted them to see and share. The crowd lookedhim off in the distance over the Superstition Mountains each trip. Candles? There were always white ones, butback and forth at each other in disbelief or confusioncheerfully saying, Merry Christmas to you all . . . and to if available, any other color was cherished. He tookwhatever it wasthat such an invite would be comingall of you, a good night. Susan Abare928-713-7472SAbare@AwardRealty.com CUSTOM HOMESSECOND HOMES PREMIUM HORSE PROPERTIES INVESTMENT & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES HOME LOTS AMAZING NIGHT SKY NATURE WALKS ACREAGE HORSING AROUNDCongressGROUP THERAPY OUTDOOR FUNis a lifestyle.ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2019 11'