While I was still enjoying the turkey, it seems the whole world went shopping. So I was chewing and thinking, about my Christmas list this year.
It is a hectic time for sure – even an organized cowdog like me has a hard time keeping it all together and on schedule. Here we’ve already had some cold and snow. The wind blows like a hurricane, when it stops the temperature drops like a hundred-pound snowball. But this week it is sunny and warm – sort of.
Now we’re in the magical month of December, a season of lights and beautiful decorations.
It is a time to light the advent candles weekly, and the little boys find a treat in their calendar daily. They are big enough now to help put up lights and to bring out the Christmas train that will chug around the tree. 
The oldest of the little boys remembers going up the mountain, every December of his life, to cut a fresh wild tree. This year his little brother helped.
Sprout calls these “bank trees”, because mom always gets a tree that is leaning over the rocky banks, half the roots exposed, one that will not last too many winds or too many spring thaws. He, like his grandma, believes the tree should end it’s life as a Christmas tree, not just fall ignominiously down the bank some stormy night. And so they save them with twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments, then set them out with all kinds of treats, for the birds to feast upon the rest of the winter.
So a wild, sometimes sparse bank tree will be decked out in lights and beauty here soon; I just hope the cats have sense enough to not climb it as they’re running laps around the house! Tomorrow we start making cookies too. Those kids are good at mixing and they let me help a lot.
Mom makes a lot of neat gifts like soap. That is not my favorite gift, but the lavender and pine scents are nice. It kind of smells like a Christmas tree, and that makes for sweet dreams for a cowdog!
I am reminded of the things I was taught when I came here, and holiday traditions are at the top.
So now, I bring you Ladysmith’s Christmas List.
- It is getting harder for so many to get by. Number one on my list is for all animals to be loved and cared for, to find a family of their own who loves them for life, and for the people whom they rescue – they need each other.
2. Food – I hope everyone has enough, and some special treats, too. I am glad to see the haystack, and the bags of grain, too. By now, the turkey and deer come around, looking for a bite. I worry about the animals in burned, drought, and storm areas, and especially for the lost and alone dogs and cats on the streets. Lets help others eat.
3. Toys – this cowdog has a lot to do and is usually too busy to play much, but it is fun to get a new toy. I like the tough ones at https://www.mydogtoy.com/ but my favorite has always been a good big sheepskin bone! I like those fresh big bones I get too.
4. I have a comfy place to sleep – I wish this for all dogs, especially those who, like me, have old bones the ache in the cold. Actually, I have several good places to sleep, but sometimes those infernal cats think my bed is best, too!
5. Christmas cookies for all! And a few candy canes to crunch up too!
I know, I know – I don’t get chocolate and a few other things, but there are still good treats!
I guess my list is not of things I want or need – I have all I need. If we remember that the reason for this season is that God gave us the best gift of all – His Son – then we just need to copy that and give with love.
I do that with Heeler smiles, kisses, barks, wiggles, laughs, stares. I used to sit on dad’s feet, but now I stick close to mom, so she isn’t lonely.
I follow her to the bathroom so she knows I’m on the job. I lay strategically so I can keep on eye on mom, the cats, and the little visitors, too.
What is my Christmas List? It is just to give my gift of love and kindness to everyone I can.
That may include helping make cookies that we give to some. And of course tolerating cat hair up my nose when I eat treats with their help. What kind of list can you make this season?
Relax – enjoy the season. Live it with the true reason for it in your heart.
