The nativity scene took center stage on the mantle above the glowing fireplace. Following our yearly tradition, the freshly cut Fraser Fir stood magnificently, illuminated by a myriad of lights. Our gold and silver ornaments were dispersed evenly throughout the tree, glimmering like precious metals. I had always wondered why, however, I was never allowed to help put those shiny trinkets up.
As I surveyed the room, I saw the big socks hanging neatly in a row. When I looked at them, I noticed something was off. Then I realized what it was: for the first time in history, I had my own sock! All right!
Joyfully, I went over to Mama and asked for a dill pickle, to which she obliged. After all, it's never too early to get started on our holiday celebration. Relishing the salty aftertaste, I headed outside to play with my ball. It bounced all over the yard like a bunny, which was exactly why I liked it. You could chase a ball all day and never get bored, unlike a book. I've never been much of a reader anyway.
Suddenly, I heard a rustle in the bushes. Out emerged a squirrel scurrying for acorns. I dropped my ball and bolted after it as fast as my legs would move. Dang it Dan, I almost had it! My feline neighbor, Tubby Timothy the Tabby, seemed to mock me for my defeat. I've always been perplexed as to why people like cats so much. I personally prefer the canine type.
“Dinner!” Mama called. Everybody took their place at the table, and Daddy said grace. My mouth watered as a plethora of smells permeated my nostrils – smells of gravy flowing down mountains of mashed potatoes, golden piles of steaming corn pudding, Mama's renowned green bean casserole, and my favorite of all, the succulent Christmas ham.
I patiently waited for my turn to eat, which seemed like an eternity. When it finally arrived, they piled my bowl high with delectable donations from every side of the table. As usual, they omitted the fried onions from my bowl and forgot to give me my slice of bourbon sticky date pudding. Instead of eggnog, I always get water, but I'm not complaining.
After dinner, Daddy handed me the big sock with my name on it. When I looked inside it, I beheld a wondrous sight that made me almost giddy with excitement. It was the biggest cinnamon shortbread biscuit I had ever laid my eyes upon! Daddy rubbed my head and said with a smile,
“Merry Christmas, Cookie. You're such a good girl, you're the best dog ever.”
Written and edited by Cookie Dough Bender, the “Best Dog Ever.”