It’s CiCi’s very first Christmas, and she’s beyond excited. She’s been counting the days with wagging tails, dreaming of Santa Paws, and practicing her best “good girl” behavior. She even put on her festive Santa hat and soft sweater, ready to charm everyone into holiday cheer. But one thing—or rather, one dog—keeps getting in the way of her perfect Christmas: Chooch.
Chooch, her grumpy older brother, is absolutely not feeling the holiday spirit. While CiCi hums along to jingles and sniffs the twinkling tree lights, Chooch sulks in the corner, giving the ornaments suspicious side-eyes. “Chooch, you better not mess this up for me!” CiCi barked dramatically, eyes wide and paws stomping. “I’ve heard of Santa Paws, and I want my first Christmas to be special!”
But Chooch wasn’t having it. He knocked over a stack of wrapped gifts chasing a rogue candy cane. He barked at the inflatable reindeer on the front lawn. And worst of all, he ate the gingerbread cookies meant for Santa Paws.
CiCi was horrified. “You’re being a Grinch, Chooch! Do you want us both on the naughty list?”
Chooch grunted, but the tiniest glint of guilt showed in his eyes. Seeing CiCi’s disappointment tugged at his heart. Later that evening, while CiCi pouted in her cozy bed, Chooch quietly nudged a new treat toward her and even tried wearing a jingle bell collar—just for a few seconds.
CiCi gasped. “You’re trying!” she said, tail wagging fast. “You do care!”
Chooch gave her a reluctant boop on the nose, and the two curled up together near the fireplace. Maybe Chooch wasn’t the biggest fan of snowmen or sparkly decorations, but he did love his little sister—and maybe, just maybe, Christmas wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Even a grinch can find some holiday magic when love is involved. 🎄🐾
