Winston’s Howl-I-Day Shenanigans

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle jingle, something something, uhhhhhh, the way? Ahh, sorry, dear reader, I don’t remember how the song goes. You see, Christmas is coming FAST, but as it’s only my second one ever, and I was too busy being a growing young pup the first go around, I still need to nail down all the songs.

And you can’t have Christmas without the songs, dear reader. It would be scandalous. It would be preposterous. IT WOULD PUT MARIAH CAREY OUT OF A JOB. So, yeah, I got to get this figured out quickly. I can’t let big man Santa Claus down – not if I’m asking him for the world’s largest dog bone for Christmas (it’s 8 feet long!!!).

In my defense, though, it’s not my fault that a lot of Christmas songs sound exactly the same. I mean, just try and tell me “Jingle Bells” doesn’t have the same melody as “Deck the Halls”. And how many Christmas songs are there about kissing people?! It’s a conspiracy, I tell you! But alas, until I figure out how to read sheet music and learn these songs properly, my Christmas caroling skills might be lacking.

But hey, at least I’ve got one thing knocked out of the park. THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

That’s right, dear reader. I have fully embraced my role as my household’s official Christmas tree decorator. And let me tell you, it’s not an easy job. First, there’s the whole “not knocking over the tree with my tail” thing. But don’t worry, I’ve got that under control – mostly.

Then there’s the actual decorating part. Lights, ornaments, ribbons, garlands – it’s a lot to handle for a small pup like myself. You know those jokes you hear about when you let your toddler decorate the tree, and all your ornaments end up on the bottom three branches? Yeah? Well, guess what – I’m not laughing. But in spite of my small stature, I am determined to make this tree look like a winter wonderland fit for Santa himself. Plus, every time I place an ornament on the tree without breaking it (which is not always successful), I feel like a legit doggy interior designer. Move over Joanna Gaines, there’s a new creative canine in town.

But as much as I love being the Christmas tree mastermind, my favorite part of the holiday season is definitely the COOKIES. Oh man, oh man. The smell of gingerbread, sugar cookies, and all kinds of other delicious treats fills the house, and I can’t help but drool at every turn. Let me tell you, being a dog during the Christmas season has its advantages—especially when it comes to cookies. I get to be the ultimate taste tester, sampling every treat left on the counter, dropped on the floor, or even held in someone’s hand just a little too long. And I don’t want to hear anything about how I won’t get any presents if I’m not a good boy! Santa might catch me in the cookie-snatching act this year, but hey, at least he’ll know I’m dedicated to getting those treats.

So there you have it, dear reader. My Christmas may not be flawless, and my singing skills might leave much to be desired (okay, a lot to be desired), but honestly, whose holiday is perfect? As long as there are cookies to enjoy and a beautifully decorated tree to admire, I’m a happy pup, ready to spread festive cheer. So, if you’re feeling stressed about getting everything just right, take a deep breath—things have a way of falling into place. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some Christmas carols to practice—or, more accurately, to howl along with. Fa la la la la, la woof woof woof! (Please don’t judge me.)

-Winston