Buddy – “I’m going to tell you guys a story… it’s been around a long time, but I’m adding some words of my own!”

“It’s always good for us to paws
And think awhile of Santa Claws.
That jolly symbol we revere
When we approach the changing year.
Behind his beard so long and white,
In which us kitties take delight,
There beats a heart from color free
Which bids all children ‘come to me.”

It was the day before Christmas, and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (because Miss Junior kills them outside or they are toys to play with that we all pounce on and fake like we killed them).

The stockings were hung by the TV with care (because we don’t have a fireplace),

With hope that St. Kittenness soon would be here.

We cats were nestled all snug in our beds;

While visions of catnip danced in our heads;

Mom wore her cat pants, and Dad wore his jeans ,

While they talked about what Christmas really means…

“It’s not only about presents and who gets the most –

It’s about family and friends and a warm Christmas toast.

Christmas Eve is about Mary & Joseph needing a warm place to stay,

As Baby Jesus would soon be on his way.”

Just like the momma cats needing a warm bed

So their babies can be born and also be fed.

Out on the lawn, Buddy heard such a clatter,
That he sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, he flew like a flash,
To open the shutters and throw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to his wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Kitt.

More rapid than eagles his reindeer they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Angel! now, Jolly! now Mittens and Joy!
On, Chestnut! on, Tinsel! on, Eggnog and Toy!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
So up to the housetop, the reindeer they flew
With the sleigh full of toys and St. Kitteness too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Through the front door came St. Kittenness with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with cat litter and soot;
A bundle of cat toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And his whiskers were long and as white as the snow;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old kitty,
And I smiled when I saw him, he just looked so pretty;
He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his paw on the side of his nose,
He gave me a nod, up the chimney he rose;
Sandy Claws sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight—
“Meowy Christmas Buddy, and to all a good night!”

As we reflect on this Christmas season of joy, join us in wishing for peace, love, and happiness for all.

Love… and believe,

Crosby, Buddy, Miss Junior, Nicky, Bootsy, Ted and Rosie Mietzel