Merry Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas. No, not a white Christmas. My NY kids aren’t coming back to Ohio due to COVID. Events are questionable and many cancelled. The local kids and grandkids are going to test for COVID in a bit to see if they can come over. But that will use up all their tests. It reminds me of a Seinfeld episode…is whatever sniffle, cough, or headache testworthy? Sheesh. Bad news is heard on every front–many people are working through grief and struggles. But it’s Christmas nonetheless.

In case you missed it. His 30 seconds of cooperation for the promise of Santa goodies.

Since it may help to know that some things remain the same, Chester seems in fine spirits, chasing squirrels and keeping the hawk away. I was baking cookies when he was outside. He stays out for a long time, and we often can’t get him in even by shaking the Milkbones. So I decided to go about my business. Wrong choice, dog mom. I heard him bark and this is the face I saw at the door.

The marks that look like icicles on him are not…they are snoot marks on the door. You’d think I was killing him.

Of course he has gifts coming…a special box purchased by my husband without my knowledge. He’s a softie. The kitties do too, just what they wanted I’m sure, a new comb, a toy, and some treats. This is what we do for Christmas, spoil the pets.

The Milk Bone box and can of cat food are empty. He took them off the counter and is hoarding them.

Spoiling pets is the one thing we can do no matter what the outside world throws at us. It’s all about paring down the rest of it. Christmas celebrating doesn’t have to be on one particular day…in fact most religious scholars think Jesus’ birth was not on December 25th. Shoot, alot of people have been celebrating since Halloween. We will postpone our visits and gift exchanging. Not sure about the tree. I’d like to leave it up until they come but in a week or two it may a little ragged.

As for the actual Christmas? I feel a little weird wishing you a Merry Christmas if the Merry means partying and visits and celebrating. So maybe this year I’ll wish you a gentle Christmas. A peaceful, quiet, Christmas with at least a moment where you are touched by something special. It may only be a moment this year. But that’s OK, we’ll take it! That’s all we need.

Chester hopes his doggie friends have this kind of Christmas and dream of good things like bunnies and squirrels and treats!