Festive time is family time, and that means even the four-legged members of the household can share in the cheer. Just don’t let them loose on the Christmas tree without proper supervision …
Looking around my timelines and newsfeeds, it seems everyone is eager to get into the festive spirit. The trees are up, the gift list ticked off and…I am still living in October, please forgive me.
I am born from a family who are Christmas-crazy. My parents did everything in their power to make our childhood Christmas celebrations magical, and yes, Santa himself delivered our presents every year. He’d wind his day down our road, at 6am, every Christmas morning.
This charade was so convincing that I am the only person around who believed Saint Nick was real until the age of…11. I am not ashamed to admit this, because it’s a testament to my parents’ commitment towards making Christmas great. As a result, Christmas is big for me. I love the little things, and the big moments. I love the decorating, and the tiny details that get poured into every moment.
Last year, however, I was not prepared for just how ‘different’ things would be…with dogs.
Now that we’re going into our second Christmas of being Dog People, I feel more mentally prepared for what’s about to happen. This year, I will let go of my expectations and, just as they wish, I will let Christmas go to the dogs.
Last year, as we wandered home from a glorious day in the sun, we entered our house to find a single white feather sitting on the stairs. The dogs seemed to be exhausted, and I was curious as all heck. What on earth had they got up to while we were out for the day?
Rounding the stairs and looking into our passage, I discovered that they’d had a wonderful celebration, ushering the new year in by ripping open our pillows. Millions of feathers blanketed our floors and I spent a humid New Year’s Eve with a vacuum in one hand and a pair of tweezers in the other, picking feathers out of the carpet.
This year, we’re wiser. We know they’ll want to celebrate in their own unique and thrilling ways. Instead of wondering how they’ll next pursue their nascent career in interior design, I’ll just hand them their favourite thing: a pack of 2-ply toilet paper. Run wild, canines! Let your magical dreams of interior decorating set you free, for cleaning up toilet paper is far easier than feathers. Let it snow, dear dog darlings. Let it snow!
Four years ago, my now-husband looked over my tiny Christmas tree, and declared it “too small” and “too normal.” Off we went to the bulk-buy storand purchased a Very Tall and Very Purple Christmas tree. It took pride of place that year, and about four hours to decorate.
Since we became Dog People, we’ve learnt to elevate the tree, for puppy dog eyes are quickly enraptured by tinsel, decorations, and the possibilities of destruction. This year, we’ll do the same, but perhaps now that they’re a little older, they’ll be less interested in pulling the whole thing over?
Who am I even kidding? Jake cannot wait to dig his snout into the tree, and sniff the glorious tinsel, tearing it into tiny sections. I’m sure they’d love to add this to their interior design to-do learning list, but maybe we should skip that part of their syllabus.
The festive season may as well be known as the feastive season, to be blunt. We’ve got plans for outdoor dining, summer lunches and, for the dogs, well, they do love a good roast. We’ll probably end up having salads, while they chew through a roast of their choice.
Of course, this is the time for giving, and our two fierce furry members do love a good gift. This year, I’ll make sure Santa leaves them each a toy and a treat under the tree. Last year, I was short-sighted and chose to get them both smart winter jerseys. Clearly, I’d forgotten that we live in Durban, and there’s only approximately one day in our year where a smart jersey is required daywear.
Jake saw to it that his had the buttons removed as soon as possible, and Zoey let us know how she felt about hers by rolling around in mud while wearing it. And they say dogs can’t communicate.
This Christmas, don’t dust off the delicate ornaments. Forget about the frosty windows, the funny singing Santa, and the 6-foot tree. Ditch the idea of a nice, smart feast, and make it easier on yourself. Let your Christmas go to the dogs, and you’ll see. It’ll be the best Christmas you’ll ever have.
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