Holiday Happiness

Whether you choose to participate or not, the excitement of the Holidays surrounds us. The commercial offerings, seasonal parties, and visible Christmas trappings are inescapable. I believe most of us are only too happy to be swept up in the storm of glad tidings and great expectations.

However, as an accomplished athlete and successful business Lab, I have been trained to observe, analyze, and cogitate - not just accept life as it presents itself unquestionably. I must always take the time to look beneath the surface and examine the meaning behind the movement. This is especially important at this stage of my life, for I am both young and young at heart. Unfortunately, this means I can become easily distracted by meaningless occurrences and lose my focus...

Like a few months ago when my Dad introduced me to the flexible doorstop mounted by our back door. This wondrous device is comprised, as near as I can figure, of tightly coiled spring wire topped with a rubber tip. Dad showed me that I could flick the tip with my paw and cause the crazy contraption to vibrate frenetically back and forth with a most pleasing twanging sound. Well, I don’t need to tell you that productivity suffered that day, and a few days more! But I digress...

So it is important that I search my own thoughts and feelings to discover why it is that I am so excited by the Christmas season. After enduring what seemed like countless seconds of soul searching and solemn meditation, I discovered my answer. The FOOD. The Mandarin Oranges. The Cheese Logs. The Shortbread Cookies. The Mixed Nut Platters. The Vegetable and Dip Trays. The Gingerbread Cookies. The Popcorn. The Prime Rib Roast Beef. The Organic Free Range Turkey. And, perhaps last on this list but by no means least, THE GRAVY.

The overwhelming importance of this culinary component was crystallized for me last night when I attended an intimate soiree hosted in my honor. After a most relaxing country drive in the late afternoon we arrived at the home of our friends and were immediately greeted with both a mixed vegetable and dip tray AND a mixed meat and cheese tray. While, for reasons I don’t understand (or did understand at the time but have since forgotten), I wasn’t allowed any of the meats, I was provided with a pleasing selection of cheese bits, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, dip, and pickles.

Dinner consisted of a scrumptious scallop and spinach appetizer, followed by the most tempting spiral ham (bone in), meatballs, asparagus, and salad; crowned by the presentation of a flan-like dessert cake covered with fruit. Again, I wasn’t allowed to have the ham, but the rest was delectable.

And while this party is foremost in my memory, it has not been the only food centric celebration of the season. They all are! And I am grateful. So, here are my suggestions for maximizing your enjoyment of this incredible season:

Open your paws and your jaws and accept the treats that are offered;

Stop fretting about self-image and stop worrying about the party poopers (and you know who you are, Dr. Tracie, though you know I love you);

Always show your enthusiasm (judicious slobbering);

Always show your gratitude - Don’t be afraid to kiss!

That’s the secret, friends. My best wishes for a tummy swelling Christmas to you all!