
Transcriber’s Note:
In the opening of this lively turn‑of‑the‑century tale, the weary Governor Barker wrestles with a half‑scribbled list of children’s names, his conscience pulled between political duties and the simple joy of holiday giving. He encounters his old friend Lin McLean, a rough‑hewn cow‑puncher traveling with his colorful companions Shorty, Chalkeye and Dollar Bill, each fresh from a twelve‑week trail and already humming with the promise of Christmas cheer.
Their reunion quickly turns into a road‑bound mission, as Fate herself appears to nudge the governor toward a spontaneous “Christmasing” venture. The narrative balances witty dialogue with a sketch of frontier life, exposing how the characters negotiate expectations of generosity, reputation, and the yearning for genuine merriment. Listeners can expect a blend of satire and heartfelt nostalgia as the group sets off to deliver toys, confront small‑town customs, and discover what truly makes the season bright.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (63K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1904, pubdate 1905.
Credits
Richard Tonsing, Charlene Taylor, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2023-09-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1860–1938
Best known for writing The Virginian, he helped shape the Western into one of America's most enduring literary genres. His stories gave the cowboy a calm, honorable voice that influenced readers for generations.
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