The Dogs And Cats Help Their Humans

Things were hopping at Marleewood! Both kitchens were busy. Children were baking and cooking getting ready for the Christmas party. They were expecting a lot of people because Santa was going to come. The photographer was going to come again this year so everyone could have their pictures taken with him. They just couldn't wait.

 Both Marlees were baking. One Marlee was making Rice Krispie unicorns and one was making Christmas cutout cookies and cake pops.

Arieanna and her daddy were making a beautiful cake. Arieanna was making sure she looked at the instructions on the box. Such fun everyone was having. They knew that Christmas soon would be here. Not only Santa would bring gifts, but there would be school programs and church programs. There would be singing of Christmas songs and Christmas movies to watch.

It seemed like such a wonderful time of year for most folks and even animals. But not everyone was happy; Silas. He knew the secret. Santa was going to retire. He just couldn't believe it. "I have no idea what is going to happen if Santa retires. I heard that he is going to quit just because he made one mistake. I even make mistakes. I wonder what got into that old man, anyway? Well, I'm just sick about it. I can't even muster up enough Christmas joy to put more than one Christmas ball on an old branch I found. What fun is Christmas going to be if he does retire? Will Grandma B even cook? What a terrible thought. I love to go there and play with the horses and her other dogs. Oh, I am so sad."

Not far down the road there lived a cat called Tiger. They had just moved to a big house out in the country. He had heard the same rumor about Santa retiring, but he was going to do something about it. "I hate having to do this, but if it helps to volunteer to be an elf, then I will do it. Silly hat! Why do humans do this stuff?My friend Nova is hurrying up her  girls too. Let's get these trees lit up, Avery and Finnley, Hurry!"
"Wow, I think we got it done! I sure hope it helps light the way for the R.T.O.G. I'm pretty little, but my mom and dad helped me. Santa just can't retire," said little Roland. "I think I had better call my cousin, Marlee. She should know about this. I don't think she has a clue. I heard mama say she was at Lollie's house making cake pops."

But actually Marlee had gone back to Grandma B's house to get some more stuff to bake with and one of her cats was determined to go along. "No cats allowed at Marleewood, Sorry, but Grandma Lu sneezes something fierce if there is a cat around. I wonder if Santa got my letter. My baby sister sure needs a new pair of boots. I'm sure he will bring her a pair."