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"Merry Christmas
To one and all,
Snow's a'swirlin',
Jack Frost's on
The windowpanes,
Santa's on the way,
To make merry
The special day."
The Dixie Cups
"Merry Christmas!"
Starshine Records
1961 C.E.
December 24, 1961
Bing Crosby was crooning White Christmas on the hi-fi while food and drink was circulated by Snapper Carr, the JlA 'mascot'. The teenager was pushing Christmas cookies and eggnog.
In a corner of the room sat the Trinity, drinking Cokes and eating tuna rolls from the buffet. Wonder Woman tapped her Grecian-style boot to the cadence of the next song, Christmas Rockin' Eve, no doubt slipped onto the turntable by one of the Teen Titans.
A real tree was set in one corner, a silver tree in another. A plastic cut-out of Santa and his reindeers adorned one wall, including Rudolph of the Johnny Marks song. The black-and-white TV monitor mounted on one wall showed a blizzard on the East Coast. It was snowing heavily outside the New England JLA headquarters, snugly tucked away in the side of the mountain that had been carved out by Superman.
"Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves," said Wonder Woman.
"Everyone's got the spirit of Christmas," Superman said cheerfully.
Batman didn't object. He was fondly watching Robin doing the Twist with Wonder Girl.
"It's been quite a year," said Superman, finishing off his tuna roll.
"I'm glad you let Linda come," said Wonder Woman. "I know she's still under wraps, but the superhero community can keep a secret."
"Yes, Linda's been training in secret for three years. I think 1962 will be the year I introduce her to the world."
Supergirl was twisting with Speedy as Chubby Checker belted out his hit song on vinyl.
"I see a great future for America in the 1960s," said Wonder Woman.
"With an inspiring young President," said Superman. "Linda's eager to meet him."
Wonder Woman drank her Coke. Everybody was drinking out of the bottles. The party was very informal, a suggestion from Robin. "Spin some platters, load up on finger rolls and Coke, and put on your dancing shoes," he had said.
"Lots of snow this winter," Batman observed. "I think Robin and I will need a lift home, Superman."
"Glad to do it, Caped Crusader."
Batman shook his head. "The names you journalists come up with. The Dynamic Duo? The Man of Steel? The Amazing Amazon?"
"The Boy Wonder?" added Wonder Woman.
Superman grinned. "What can I say? We're a creative lot."
"Better than a cowardly and superstitious lot," said Batman.
"Much better," said Superman.
Wonder Woman laughed and went over to the buffet table, this time taking a chicken salad roll and a fresh bottle of Coke. She added a fat dill pickle and returned to the table. Her friends quickly unclasped their hands.
Silly men. Do they not think I have eyes?
Same-sex relationships were not strange to her. She had grown up on an island of exclusively women, after all. In fact, her romance with Steve was considered deviant back home.
Ah, well. She supposed the homophobia of Man's World made them careful. And perhaps some of their fellow heroes would not be as accepting as her, so she said nothing.
Rock Around The Clock sent the teenagers out onto the dance floor. Wonder Girl and Supergirl happily went from partner-to-partner. Most of the JLAers and Titans were male, but Wonder Woman was sure she could add more women. She and Donna would work on that.
The Twist played again, delighting Supergirl and the Teen Titans at the replay. Wonder Woman smiled mischievously and leaned forward, grabbing Superman's arm. "Let's Twist."
"Wha...?"
She tugged him to his feet. "Come on, it will be fun."
"I guess if Jackie Kennedy can do it..."
Superman allowed himself to be led out on the dance floor. The Titans clapped and whooped. "Go, Big Blue!" enthused Robin.
Superman managed to do a passable Twist. Batman shook his head. Where was his dignity?
Superman added a super-touch: he levitated Wonder Woman and himself to continue their gyrations. The Titans clapped as they danced, laughing and hooting.
The Flash got into the act and zipped up the wall and danced upside-down on the ceiling.
"Go, Flash!"
"Go, man, go!"
"Scarlet Speedster does The Twist!"
Batman ignored the revelry and watched the TV screen. The blizzard was causing havoc with travel plans this Christmas Eve, especially since many snowplow operators were refusing to work on this special night.
The special report ended as the Christmas episode of Car 54, Where Are You? was broadcast. The precinct put on a Christmas show with hilarious results. Robin loved this wacky comedy. He had to admit the comic actors were talented. Like the police drama Naked City, they filmed on the actual streets of New York City.
He watched the episode and then slipped out to the tunnel that led to the door that seamlessly disappeared into the rock, keeping the JLA headquarters secret. Batman pushed the button and the door slowly slid open. He stopped it after opening it a crack and looked outside as cold wind and snow swirled outside.
"Total white-out," he mumbled.
He hit the button again and closed the door. Brushing snow off his costume, he returned to the party.
He wondered if someone had spiked the punch. Everyone seemed pretty manic.
Snapper brought out bowls of potato chips, Fritos and Chex Mix. The Christmas cookies were almost gone. He freshened the punch (Hi-C) and added some lemon slices. He swirled the ice cubes with the ladle and made sure there was plenty of Coke and Sprite bottles in the cooler filled with ice. He opened a new jar of pickles and put them in the ceramic serving tray shaped like a pineapple.
Okay, odd combo, but cool, man.
He crunched on a Wise Owl potato chip and smirked as he put a new record on the turntable. Alvin and the Chipmunks belted out a Christmas song as the partygoers laughed.
"Alvin...Alvin...Alvin!"
"Okay, Dave."
Snapper grinned. Always fun to drive people crazy with Alvin and the Chipmunks.
The Flash quickly changed the record to Elvis's Blue Christmas. Snapper snickered.
It felt cozy in here. While it snowed outside, it was all warmth and light and laughter in this room. Plenty of good food and fellowship and music. He snitched another potato chip. Happy Harbor, Rhode Island was the place to be. His generation was happenin', man. New decade, new President, folk music ..it was going to be an interesting ride.
Superman returned to the corner table where Batman was sitting again. Wonder Woman was dancing with the Martian Manhunter. The Man of Steel sat down with a smile.
"Diana has plenty of energy."
"More than you?"
"When it comes to dancing, yes," Superman said ruefully. "But she told me that the Amazons dance all the time."
"Paradise Island must be a happenin' place, as Robin says," Batman said dryly.
"I guess so after centuries of practice." Superman got up. "You want anything from the buffet?"
"Some cookies and punch."
"Right."
Bonanza was airing right now. The story was set at Christmas time and about a blind girl wanting to connect with her reclusive grandfather.
Superman perused the buffet. He came back with Batman's cookies and punch and a plate for himself loaded with turkey and tuna rolls, Chex Mix, pickles and a Coke. Superman's appetite was nothing if not prodigious, Batman thought fondly.
"Here you go." Superman put down the plates and drinks. He had looked like a waiter with his arms loaded up.
"Thanks." As Superman sat down and ate a turkey roll Batman looked at the TV. "Maybe Robin and I should stay here tonight."
"Probably for the best. I can get you guys home tomorrow morning."
"If we all stay, we'll have to double up. I'll give my quarters to Robin and his buddies as long as I can share with you."
Superman blushed slightly, an endearing trait. "Sure."
"Great."
The Cartwrights celebrated Christmas on the TV screen. It was one of the most popular programs on TV. Even though it was a black-and-white TV, the show was filmed in color, pushing RCA's color sets. RCA was the parent company to NBC.
Wonder Woman came over to the table and dropped into her seat, fanning herself with her hand. "American dancing is fun."
"We were just discussing sleeping arrangements," said Batman, and Superman blushed again.
"Oh?" The Amazon's tone was amused.
"Yes, it would be wise to stay tonight."
"Oh, I will be leaving after the party. I will join Steve and his family."
"I'd advise you to stay, Princess."
She looked at her friend fondly. "I am sure I can make it through."
"Oh, probably, but why chance it? I know you can fly that invisible plane of yours with incredible skill, but I'd say you aren't that experienced in snowstorms."
Wonder Woman merely smiled.
A green light was flashing over the door, indicating an incoming communication. "I'll get it," Batman said. He left the room swiftly.
"So, Clark," said Wonder Woman, "what sleeping arrangements is our Bat referring to?"
Superman took a swig of Coke. "Oh, you know Batman is always planning."
"An admirable quality, except when it is annoying."
Superman began coughing as he drank and Wonder Woman pounded him on his back. "Thanks," he wheezed.
Wonder Woman stole some Chex Mix. "He can be quite paternalistic. I wonder how that works with Robin?"
"Robin knows how to handle Batman," Superman said with a smile. Robin was currently performing a somersault on the dance floor.
"Enjoy your sleeping arrangements," Wonder Woman said with exaggerated innocence.
Superman hastily took a bite of his tuna roll. "Mmm hmm "
Batman returned. "It's for you, Diana."
"Me?" Her eyes lit up. "Steve?"
Batman nodded. She hurried to the Communications Room.
"Steve checking on his Angel?"
"Something like that." Batman swung by the buffet and returned with a tuna roll and Fritos. Superman snitched a Frito from his friend's plate.
"Your appetite is like my sidekick's," said Batman.
Superman munched happily, ignoring the Bat's huffy, "No shame." He next ate his pickle with no shame at all!
Wonder Woman returned fifteen minutes later. Superman and Batman could not quite read her expression.
"Steve calling to wish you Merry Christmas?" asked Superman.
"No." She sat down, eyeing his Chex Mix. "He wishes me to stay here tonight."
Batman looked satisfied but Superman was curious. "Are you going to stay?"
"I will see after the party. He knows I can handle myself, but he wishes me to pursue caution."
"So he's leaving it up to you?"
"Most assuredly. I may indulge him this time." She grabbed some Chex Mix and crunched defiantly.
Wise man, not dictating to an Amazon. Superman took a sip of Coke.
The Bonanza theme song played over the end credits as the party continued at full steam.
"It's your North Pole neighbor's busiest night of the year," Batman said to Superman. "Think he can make it through the storm?"
Superman grinned. "His reindeer will get him through, especially with Rudolph leading the way."
Wonder Woman laughed. "Santa Claus possesses magic, to be sure."
In a world of Superman and Amazons, Santa Claus fit right in.
"It's been manic in Christmastown but will be quiet after tonight." Superman finished off his turkey roll. "It really ramps up after Thanksgiving."
"They should make a movie about Rudolph," said Batman. "What a success story!"
"I'm sure Hollywood will come a'callin'."
"A'callin'? How country."
Superman grinned. "I'm just a country boy at heart."
Wonder Woman laughed and ate more Chex Mix.
Gradually the party wound down. The Flash, Superman and Supergirl cleaned up at super-speed. Cries of "Merry Christmas!" echoed down the corridors as JLAers and Teen Titans headed to bed.
Out in the tunnel Wonder Woman had opened the door. She watched the swirling snow. Perhaps Steve was right to be worried.
"Pretty wild out there," said Superman as he came up to her, standing just behind her shoulder.
"Wild but beautiful." She crossed her arms. "Much like some people."
Superman considered that. They watched the blizzard for a few minutes, then Wonder Woman pushed the button to close the door.
"I invited Donna and Linda to share my quarters." Wonder Woman smiled at her friend. "Donna says it will be a slumber party."
Superman grinned. "You'll have to paint each other's nails , put your hair in curlers and talk about boys."
"Goodness, what a ritual. And what do boys do?"
"Have pillow fights, drink beer and talk about girls."
Wonder Woman shook her head. She put a hand on Superman's shoulder. "Come, Clark, let us to bed."
"Right."
She turned out the lights in the Recreation Room and went to their quarters, the Christmas trees glittering in the dark.
Merry Christmas! ☺️