This story is pulled from the archives as a celebration for the season edition.
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Presented by benandsteve.com By: Benjamin Groff II©
Christmas was a sleek, white cat with a bright red collar and a tiny bell. He sported one green eye. One eye blue. Christmas twinkles the kids called them. He got his name because he was born on Christmas Eve. Since then, his life revolved around the festive season. He loved the glittering lights and the scent of pine. He enjoyed the rustling of wrapping paper. He cherished the joy he saw in his family’s faces.
But one year, something went wrong.
Christmas morning, the children had excitedly unwrapped their gifts. Afterward, the family went off to visit relatives. Christmas the Cat had wandered into the pantry. Curious, he batted at a loose box of crackers, which tipped over with a crash. Startled, he darted behind a stack of canned goods. In the commotion, someone closed the pantry door, locking him inside.
Hours passed.
At first, Christmas thought this was just an oversight. Someone would open the door soon and scoop him up for a cuddle. But the minutes stretched into hours, and the house grew silent. Panic set in.
Had he missed Christmas?
~ The thought was unbearable. Christmas was more than his name—it was his favorite time of year! ~
He imagined the family around the table, sharing laughter, turkey, and pie. He pictured the children playing with their new toys. The warmth of the fireplace filled the room. Soft carols were in the air. And here he was, trapped in the dark, with only a box of crackers for company.
Christmas, becoming convinced it was too late until the family returned that evening. His heart sank as he heard the keys jingle and the front door creak. He sat dejectedly on the pantry floor, his tail curled around him.
“Christmas! Where are you, buddy?”
Called the youngest child, Emily.
The pantry door swung open, and a flood of light spilled in. Christmas blinked and looked up. Emily scooped him into her arms, covering him in kisses.
“We were so worried!”
She exclaimed.
“We couldn’t find you anywhere.”
The rest of the family gathered around, showering him with attention. Despite their love, Christmas couldn’t shake his gloom. He meowed mournfully, his usual purr absent.
“What’s wrong, Christmas?”
Emily asked, stroking his fur.
“You’re safe now.”
Her father, overhearing, knelt beside her.
“I think Christmas thinks he missed Christmas Day.”
He said with a chuckle.
Emily’s eyes widened.
“Oh no! That isn’t very good. We need to tell him it’s okay.”
She cradled Christmas close and said softly,
“You didn’t miss Christmas, silly kitty. Even if the day is over, Christmas isn’t just one day. It’s about love, kindness, and being together. We can celebrate Christmas every single day.”
Her words warmed Christmas’s heart.
He looked up at her, his green eyes shining. The bell on his collar jingled as he rubbed his head against her cheek.
That night, Emily insisted they set up a special celebration for him. They lit the tree again. They brought out leftover turkey for a feast. They even gave him a shiny bow to play with. As Christmas sat in Emily’s lap, batting at the bow, he realized she was right. Christmas wasn’t just about one day. It was about the joy and love that filled the house every day of the year.
Christmas the Cat didn’t fret about the calendar from that moment on. Whether it was July or December, he purred as loudly when the family was together. After all, every day is Christmas as long as there was love.
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