Christmas don’t mean so much out here on the streets – the nights are longer and maybe colder. You might get the occasional treat from some kind soul out shopping for loved ones and feeling moved by the spirit but that don’t happen often.
When I was a lot younger, I remember the season was so bright. We didn’t have much but my Mom and Pop always made it special. They’d scrimp and save through the year and on Christmas morning, there would be a new scarf or gloves or maybe even a sweater. There would be toy soldiers or marbles or pencils for me and my brother.
Thirty years ago or so, there were Christmases with friends and my own family. My littlest one would sit on my knee and listen, with big eyes, to stories of St Nicholas and magic. I try not to think of those times too often but sometimes I recall the scenes and shed a tear, although my heart is warmed by those same memories.
Now, there’s no family to share Christmas with but I got my friend, Charles, and we look out for each other when we can. No tree, no lights, no presents but, maybe, a hot meal, warm drink and even a blanket — if the supporters of the Mission are feeling generous.
This year Christmas feels a little brighter. One week a box of cans and bottles appeared in our alley — worth enough for each of us to have two days of coffee. Next week, two ponchos appeared outside Charles’ crib. We were glad of those — you feel the cold more as you get older.
Tonight, Christmas Eve, Charles and me went down to the Mission and saw some old friends helping serve hot meals. When all the food was gone, they came and wished us “Merry Christmas” and we told them the same. Later, Charles and me found some dollars in our pockets. Don’t know how they did it but we’re grateful.
The spirit of St Nicholas is alive and well here in Bay City but it don’t ride in on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Instead, it screeches around the corner in a red and white Torino.
OMG, the feels…Starsky and Hutch are his guardian angels, watching over him living there rough.
Thanks for commenting Dawn. Guardian angels is exactly what I was going for. Glad you liked it!
‘Lijah sees them as guardian angels. They see ‘Lijah and others like him as human beings. Beautiful.
Thank you, Lapfordlass.
Thank you for your kind words Matsir. I’m glad my intentions came across 🙂
It’s beautiful. Hutch and Starsky care about the marginalized, and sweet Lijah’s generous heart would be insightful enough to see that. The past history you added here is interesting. His past sounds kind of sweet and also sad at the same time. And of course he would be thinking of Charles, and happy just to have his friend and some coffee for them both. It’s heart warming.
Shazta – I’m glad you found it heart warming and thank you for leaving a comment. It’s always lovely to get feedback.
Wow-didn’t expect that! When I reached the bottom a lump filled my throat.
Thank you-xxxxx
Hilly – thanks so much for letting me know it affected you. It’s always hard when I’m writing to know if I have pitched the emotion right. Thanks xx
They both were so good with those less fortunate, but you could always tell during the series that Hutch in particular had a real empathy and care for the street people…
Yes, you can particularly see it in the way Hutch looks at Lijah and, of course, they both always treated the less fortunate like human beings. Thanks for commenting.
Sweet story. Thank you for this gift. Happy Christmas to you too
Happy Christmas to you Maria. Glad you liked the story ☺️
What a lovely and perfect story, Lapfordlass!
I echo all the previous comments.
You have shown a light on the compassion the guys have for those less fortunate.
And a believable back story for Lijah.
Thank you for this wonderful gift which is a great reminder to show kindness and, if you can, give to those who are in need of generousity.
KUDOS
Thank you Nancy! Glad you liked my gift. Most of us are so lucky with what we have, I think it’s important to remember those who don’t and might need a helping hand.
What a lovely little backstory to give depth to an iconic minor character, lapfordlass. Extremely well done. And the last line? “Instead, it screeches around the corner in a red and white Torino.” Perfection! Thank you for this sweet gift.
Thanks Pat 😀 Glad you liked the last line 😘
beautiful!
Thank you!
Who’d a thought that a small scene from one of the early S&H eps would showcase a problem that has grown out of control–the homeless population. Your story not only gives Lijah a voice but also shows S&H treating him and his friend Charles like real people and not just some nuisance to be ignored. Kudos to you, Lapfordlass.
Thank you for your kind comments EdieCee. Glad you liked it.
I love back stories, but this one is special because it highlights the guardian angel aspect of our favorite cops (and most cops in real life). Thanks for a sweet gift.
Thanks Maria! Glad you liked the story. I’ve always loved the character Lijah and think he deserves a back story!
Right on, Lapfordlass! I dig what you wrote at the conclusion of your story: The spirit of St Nicholas is alive and well here in Bay City but it don’t ride in on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Instead, it screeches around the corner in a red and white Torino.
Every word was wonderful. That is how I envision the guys too. Way to take a moment from an episode and imbue it with new life and Holiday Spirit!
Hi Ursula! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and I’m so glad you enjoyed this little moment in Lijah’s life 😃
This was sooo lovely, thank you for writing it.
I’ve always loved Lijah and the scene in the Pilot when Hutch gives him the dollar, so much so that it inspired me to write my first S&H fic. Apparently, it was David’s idea for Hutch to give him the money.
One of the things I love about this show, and an aspect which I think is not mentioned enough, is how many times Starsky & Hutch go out of their way to show empathy to the marginalized and disenfranchised people they encounter every day.
Hi Lauren, I’ve included Lijah in a couple of my stories because, as you say, it’s clear how many times Starsky and Hutch go out of their way for people that others ignore or don’t even see. The pilot is a superb episode and that moment with Lijah just makes it extra special!
That was nicely done. You picked a little bit of canon and made it special. Thanks.
Hi Kat, so glad you liked what I did with that little moment. Lijah is a great character and using such a great actor (for what to others would seem a bit part) was a stroke of genius in my opinion. That moment between Lijah and Hutch sets the tone for the whole world that Starsky and Hutch live and work in and for their choice of how they treat people. Thanks for commenting!
One of my favorite aspects of S&H is the care they show for their community. I love that this story shows how much a little care can mean to someone struggling to get by. And it’s cool to get a bit of POV from one of the first residents of Bay City that we meet in the show. Very sweet story!
So glad you liked the story, Monica. Starsky and Hutch’s care for their community is definitely a defining element of the show. Thanks for commenting 😃
My first comment seems to have disappeared in cyber space…
I just wanted to say how wonderful it was to read about this POV from a minor character who has made a major impact on so many viewers.
It also shows the compassion of our boys, something that seems to disappear in our modern, self-centered world.
Thank you for your work on this!
Thank you so much y taking the time to comment again! Lijah certainly made a big impact on me and even more so when I watched the Pilot again this spring after a gap of more than twenty years. I totally agree that the compassion of Starsky and Hutch for the unfortunate souls around them is part of the charm of the show and something we desperately need today.
Love the closing sentiment. Thanks for a view through someone else’s eyes.
Glad you liked it, Elaine. Thanks for leaving a comment 😃
I love the outside POV of the guys.
Thanks. Glad you liked it 😃
I can see this. The boys looking after Lijah. Such a sweet story!!
Hi Carol, glad you enjoyed the story! Thanks for commenting 😃
Whoever wrote that scene into the episode knew our guys were soft hearted, especially Hutch. Your expansion of Lijah and Charles and the impact S&H had on them – random gifts here and there – is so sweet. The boys will guard and help anyone who needs it. Lovely story.
Thanks for commenting. So glad you liked it!
A beautiful fic that fits perfectly in the S&H ‘verse we know and love. Thanks for giving some time and care to Lijah, Lapfordlass 💖
Thanks. Lijah’s always been a favourite of mine and he just fitted what I wanted to say.