It's a Tico Christmas!

A Tico Christmas Book 5

It was nearly Christmas and the air had taken on a cold, crispy, pepperrminty feeling.

Glittering lights hung all around the town, wreaths on archways and doors, and candles lit up the cozy windows of people’s homes at night.

Christmas songs filled the air with the jolly jingles. And cinnamon and gingerbread smells floated out of bakeries.

Tico just loved Christmas!

Sally and Josh took him to pick out their tree and they got a great big fluffy one which Josh tied to the roof of their car.

Christmas music played on the vintage stereo while Sally, Josh and Tico decorated the tree and Samba supervised.

Afterwards, Samba took her usual place beneath the tree and promptly fell asleep while Sally, Tico and Josh cuddled up on the sofa to watch the first Christmas movie of the season.

The season moved along and each day they would turn another date over on their advent calendar.

Each night was another fun event, as they watched their favorite holiday movies and baked cookies. Tico loved movie nights… and bones.

Josh and Sally even took Tico to meet Santa Clause and have his picture made with him!

Now, Tico didn’t mind wearing the elf hat, but it should have been understood that he would get a treat immediately following. He had to wait all day while they finished running errands and returned home to get his bone (which Tico thought was a little ridiculous) but being the good sport that he was, he didn’t object too much.

Christmas Eve finally came and this was the most special night of the whole year. Sally and Josh saved their favorite movie for Christmas Eve.

“Small One” was a tale about a boy who loved his pet donkey very much but was forced to sell him because the donkey was too old to do the heavy work any longer and the family could not afford to keep him.

The little boy went to town, trying to find a good home and just when it seemed hopeless… then, he ran into a very special Saint. Joseph was looking for a kind and gentle donkey just like Small One to carry the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, to Bethlehem.

Joseph promised they would give Small One a really good home and the boy said goodbye to his friend and pet, knowing he had given him up to a greater purpose.

Tico looked over at Sally and Josh and they both had big tears streaming down their faces. I hope I never have to leave Sally and Josh, thought Tico.

Seeming to read his thoughts, Sally said, “Don’t worry, Tico, we will never give you up no matter how old and lazy you get!”

Tico, feeling relieved, pushed himself against them in gratitude.  

Just then, Samba came out from underneath the tree and jumped into Josh’s lap, ready for her playtime.

Samba and Josh had invented this game called “Grass Box” where Josh would carry her around on her grass box toy, parading her high into the air.

Tico didn’t understand the purpose, but he still followed behind, barking and wagging his tail.

Samba just has a mind of her own, Tico thought. She does get happy over some silly things.

After they played “grass box” for a while, Sally said, “It’s time for bed and to get ready for Santa.

Sally tucked Samba away into bed and followed Tico upstairs.

Once they were all out of site, Josh brought in all the surprises he’d been storing up for the animals and Sally and filled their stockings and put the presents under the tree.

Sally listened to see if she could hear anything while Tico did the same.

Who knows what he’s up to down there,” Sally said, straining to hear. “He is the king of surprises.”

Soon enough Josh hollered up for Sally to come down. “You ready to go, Sally?”

“Be right there!” Sally said. “Now, Tico, we’re going to midnight Mass now but if Santa comes while we are gone, you be a good boy and be quiet and NO peeking!”

Tico didn’t really understand why they had to go out so late but they always returned with the most beautiful, glowing energy all around them so it must be a good place wherever they were going.

Oh well, Tico was sleepy anyway so he just rolled over and drifted off into a deep sleep, dreaming of all the bones and toys he’d have waiting for him in the morning and barking softly and kicking his little feet.