A Generous Christmas from the Pod

“Jingle! Jingle! Jingle”

*snooork* “Wha? What’s happening?”

“Wake up Ziva, it’s almost Christmas!”

“You woke me up for that?”

“Yeah, aren’t you excited?”

“We still have two days and a sleep to go before Christmas.”

“I know, I can barely wait!”

“Wait for what?”

“For Santa to bring me…I mean us…toys.”

“Like all the toys you hide under the bed and dresser and couch?”

“Some are irretrievable. I…we…need new ones.”

“Mom just rescued a bunch with her long arms and a broom.”

“That was uncalled for. Now Santa will leave fewer toys under the tree.”

Gibbs!

“Yes, mom? Why are you yelling my name?”

I heard what you were saying. Quit being selfish and greedy.

“Yeah, Gibbs, what mom said.”

“Why are you both against toys?”

It’s not the toys themselves, it’s that you want more. And more. And more. There are kitties out there who don’t have a home, a nice bed to sleep in or toys. Plus, they have to hunt for their food while you get it served up in a bowl. Then you act like you are the forlorn abused feline of a wicked human woman.

“Wellll…”

“Gibbs, don’t even go there. You know mom is really good to us. She puts up with all of our your shenanigans, cleans up after us and gives us a good life. You take all of that for granted.”

*hmpfff*

I should call up Santa and tell him to give all of your toys to the less fortunate babies at the rescue shelter.

“Moooommmm…”

Better still, why don’t I read to you what my cousin wrote in his annual Christmas letter. Perhaps that will help.

“I suppose. Go ahead.”

Ziva girl, are you listening too?

“Yes, mom.”

Okay, cousin Jack wrote, “As Christmas and a new year approach, take time to make sure all people (and fur babies) in need have the basics. Be generous! Why? Because we have a duty to care for one another. In the face of our ever-changing world, be a bearer of hope and light that will diminish some of the darkness. Daily be grateful.”

Does that hit a nerve or a whisker, Gibbs?

*silence*

Gibbs?

“I think he’s contemplating a change of heart.”

“Yes, mom. I guess I am being a little greedy and would be okay with fewer toys.”

That’s good to hear. And I have an idea. Why don’t you go through all of your toys and donate a few to a kitty in need, one who doesn’t have a lot of toys at the moment. It would be like the human version of adopt-a-family.

“That’s a good idea, mom. I’ll donate all of the sparkly and bouncy balls I don’t play with.”

“And I’ll donate a few of my catnip mice since I have about 30 of them.”

That sounds like a good plan, kids. It’s what Christmas and generosity is about…sharing with others and giving from the heart.

“I already feel kind of good about this. Instead of being excited about Santa, I’m excited to find out how our adopted kitty friend likes the toys.”

That’s a good boy, I knew you’d come around.

“He’s a handful, mom, but he means well.”

I know, Ziva, I know. Santa will still be good to both of you, just don’t expect the kitchen sink this year.

“Why would we want a kitchen sink? We can’t even go out to the kitchen…remember?”

Never mind, Gibbs. All is well.

“Merry Christmas, mom!”

“Yeah, Merry Christmas and I hope Santa brings you something awesome.”

He already did, baby girl…nine and a half years go. I’m good.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the furry kids and I. We wish you peace, love and the gift of generosity in 2020.

(In other words, don’t be a grinch!)