A Xmas Tale

It was Xmas morning...

It was Christmas morning, and a soft blanket of snow covered the world outside, painting everything in a pristine white. In a quaint Victorian home, the air was filled with the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and the sound of crackling fire in the hearth. The young girl, Lily, had been eagerly awaiting this day all year, and she couldn't wait to see what surprises lay beneath the decorated tree. Lily had been up early, as her excitement had left her sleepless. With her long, blonde hair cascading around her shoulders, she sat up in her bed. On a small tray in front of her lay a sumptuous Christmas breakfast, carefully prepared by her loving parents. Beside her, her loyal terrier, Toby, and her curious kitty, Cookie, sat with rapt attention. Their eyes were fixed on the tantalising spread of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a stack of warm, buttered toast. Lily's heart swelled with gratitude for her loving parents, who had made this day so special. As she looked at the delicious meal before her, her thoughts turned to the true meaning of Christmas. She knew that this day wasn't just about gifts and food but also the love and togetherness they shared.

The prayer

With a soft, earnest smile, she bowed her head and gently clasped her small hands together. "Dear Lord," Lily began, her voice sweet and sincere, "on this gorgeous Christmas morning I come to You in heartfelt gratitude. First and foremost for the love of my family that I am so blessed to have in my life. But also for these two little furry bundles of joy who adopted me - Cookie and Toby. Thank you for bringing them into my life. Although they may look like presents under the tree this morning, I know that their presence is a lifelong commitment. I promise to take care of them, love them and be there for them just as much as they are for me. I am grateful for the immense love they give me day after day and I will show my endless affection in return throughout our time together. In this same spirit, I humbly ask for You to watch over all the less fortunate pets around the world who don't have homes during this special holiday season. Amen."

The true spirit of Xmas

With her prayer said Lily dug into her breakfast with glee. The girl fed Cookie and Toby special titbits, and scratched behind their ears with affection. "I don't know what I'd do without you both. You're the best Christmas gifts ever," she said with a smile. And it was the truth - her furry friends were there to make every day feel like Christmas, and for that reason, they deserved to be loved all their lives. The room seemed to glow with a soft, ethereal light, and the love that bound her to Toby and Cookie was stronger than ever. To Lily, they were more than pets; they were cherished friends who shared in her joys and sorrows, her laughter and tears. As the morning sun filtered through the frosted windows and the world outside sparkled under its snowy blanket, Lily felt the true spirit of Christmas. It was a day of love, gratitude, and togetherness, a day that she would cherish for years to come. With Toby and Cookie by her side, the warmth of her family's love, and the delicious breakfast in front of her, it was a day that she knew would always hold a special place in her heart.

Info about C.B. Barber

"Suspense" by Charles Burton Barber, 1894

Victorian Edwardian painter Charles Burton Barber (1845 – 1894) specialized in oil paintings of children and their pets. He was a favourite of Queen Victoria, and he painted her family, grandchildren and pets. Barber became a very popular sporting and animal painter, specialising particularly in sentimental portraits of dogs, often with children. By maintaining the natural appearance of the animals, he instilled in them all of the expressions, personalities, and emotions we still can see in our own pets. Although some have regarded his work as overly sentimental, his work remains popular, largely because of his competent painting.