Book excerpt: A poignant story of a rancher's reward to his hardworking hands, and how the excuse of a chance to dance melts the winter blues and the hearts of Texans of all ages! Do-si-do back to 1895 Anson, Texas just a the winter storms "come a-whistlin'" and take a gander at the lively Cowboys' Christmas Ball! A young cowpoke tags along to the Morning Star Hotel ("togged out gorgeous-with mistletoe and shawls") planning to sit in the shadows and watch the show. But Windy Billy spies the boy first (as does a cute young lass) and when the dancin' commences, they all ponder the powerful sight of a "frontier break-down" as the fiddle and the boot-stompers compete to celebrate the season. The book also includes: Larry Chittenden's original "Cowboys' Christmas Ball" poem! The story of the ongoing Cowboy's Christmas Ball - a 100+ year tradition! Background on the famous WPA mural of the ball, painted during the Great Depression! The tradition and folklore of cowboy dancing!