Mr Edwards and the Christmas Crossing

This subplot follows Mr Edwards' dangerous Christmas swim across the flooded creek and his transformation into Santa Claus's messenger.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Rain and the Roaring Creek

Rain and the Roaring Creek Scene Cold rain falls day after day, and the creek swells until it roars past the claim. Laura and Mary count the days to Christmas, but no snow comes and the water looks impossible to cross. Meaning The flood threatens to cancel Christmas and cut the family off from the promised visit of Mr Edwards. The children's disappointment fills the cabin. Aftermath Ma hangs the stockings anyway, saying perhaps something will happen.

Mr Edwards Swims the Creek

Mr Edwards Swims the Creek Scene A shout wakes the house, and Pa opens the door to find Mr Edwards shaking with cold because he has swum across the creek with his clothes tied on his head. He carries presents from Independence for the girls. Meaning The swim is an act of pure neighborly devotion, done so that children can have Christmas. The frontier's harsh conditions are overcome by human warmth. Aftermath Mr Edwards sits by the fire, and the family hears the story of meeting Santa Claus.

The Santa Claus Story

The Santa Claus Story Scene Mr Edwards tells Laura and Mary that he met Santa Claus in Independence, and that Santa knew their names and asked him to carry the presents across the creek. The girls listen with absolute wonder. Meaning The story gives the hardscrabble settlement a moment of magic. Mr Edwards becomes the human bridge between the impossible and the real. Aftermath Ma tells the girls they may look now, and the stockings begin to reveal their treasures.

Tin Cups, Candy, and Pennies

Tin Cups, Candy, and Pennies Scene Laura finds a shiny tin cup in the top of her stocking, and Mary finds one just like it. Deeper down they discover candy sticks, heart-shaped cakes with white sugar, and a new penny in each toe. Meaning The presents are small, but they represent the first truly personal possessions Laura and Mary have ever owned. The tin cups especially become symbols of belonging. Aftermath The girls are speechless with happiness, and Ma gently reminds them to thank Mr Edwards.

Sweet Potatoes and a Shared Feast

Sweet Potatoes and a Shared Feast Scene Mr Edwards pulls sweet potatoes from his pockets, and Ma cooks the big turkey with bread and dried blackberries. The adults talk about Christmas in Wisconsin while the children play with their pennies. Meaning The shared meal deepens the friendship between Mr Edwards and the Ingalls family. It turns the cabin into a place of celebration rather than isolation. Aftermath The happy Christmas becomes a memory that Laura will carry long after the family leaves the prairie.

Christmas Eve, during the winter rains

Christmas morning, before sunrise

Christmas morning, while Ma fills the stockings

later Christmas morning, after the stockings are filled

Christmas dinner that afternoon