Hi Kids, Merry Christmas! 

TT and I are full of Christmas cheer, but we’d rather be full of Christmas candy or cookies. This is the time of year we check out the neighborhood schools and churches. They always have Christmas parties with delicious food.

TT my Talking Tummy and I try a Baptist Church. We sneak inside. Kids are putting on a Christmas play and I smell Christmas cookies. TT screams, Get Movin! I’m hungry. He pinches me. “Ouch! TT! Quit bossing and yelling. It’s almost Christmas.”

The kids are ready to present their play. The church is packed and I end up on stage hiding behind a bale of hay.

TT yells Where’s the cookies? Forget about watching the play! Get movin. 

I’ve always been fascinated with the Christmas Story because of the wonderful animals around the manger. They watch over Baby Jesus.  It helps us remember that animals are loving and can be trusted. Every time I think of the Christmas Story and the animals I stand taller. When I do my squish plop walk I lift my paws higher and prance.

Suddenly, a tall red haired kid grabs me and pulls me out of my hiding place. I struggle to escape but he hangs on to me and drags me over to the director of the play.

“Please! We need a sheep. Mr. Chris, you said we needed a sheep. What about this dog? I’ve seen him around the neighborhood.”

TT is worried and yelling. “You’re a professional EATER not an ACTOR. This is CRAZY.

“TT relax! Food isn’t everything. Where’s your Christmas Spirit?”

Mr. Chris bends down and looks into my face. I smile at him. I like the idea of being a sheep. After all it’s Christmas Eve.  I’ll keep my tail down. I’m about the right color. He pushes me into a sheep costume and turns to the red headed boy  “Okay Gavin, this fellow can join our play, and the Christmas party after the show.”

The Christmas play starts.My heart pounds. I move closer to the manger and the  girl playing Mary. One of the angels waves at the audience. A boy wearing a donkey mask makes a soft braying sound. I stare at the Baby Jesus doll. I’m very quiet. A tear comes to my eye. I’m a sheep guarding the Baby Jesus. It’s wonderful being part of the Christmas Story.

The kids do a great job and at the end of the show I creep up to the manger and lay my head on Mary’s lap. I loved being a sheep and I’ll never forget this night.  I stretch my lips and puff air through my nose. POP!! I smile my delightful dog smile at the audience. It’s one of my best tricks.Everyone cheers and claps.

Later we join the party and TT has a change of heart. Sorry Stubb, that I yelled at you. This food is yunmy. He said this after we’d had a piece of ham, several cookies, and a plate of mashed potatoes. 

I loved the treats but when the kids hugged me I felt sooooooo happy. Yes, this was a very special Christmas for TT and me. We’ll visit this church again. The people are nice and they have lots of food.

My friends, I hope that you have a very special Christmas, too. Celebrate with your family. The best presents you can give are smiles and hugs.

See you in the New Year.

Stubb and TT