My paws prance upon the hardwood floor. I look around the silent living room, and my nose directs me to a small table where the corpses of half-eaten gingerbread men lie alongside a glass of cold milk. I take nibbles of each spiced cookie so that their bodies don’t go to waste. But, I avoid the milk as it might tip over.

I look around the room and see the splendor. St. Nicolas’ work is done, as he’s left presents and full stockings for the household. The tree has colorful bulbs, figurines, and garlands adorning each bow. Holly berries glisten amongst white candles. Soldiers and sledders topple upon each other in a race to reach the golden star that crowns the king of trees. Nearby, a fireplace burns several logs.

Faint snores echo from bedrooms at the top of the stairs, giving me my cue to walk free yet silent. I wander towards the tree and find boxes of multiple colors. Crawling upon each one and making small nibbles at the wrapping for a peek at what is inside them. I find wheels, miniature horses, eyes that don’t blink, soft pillows with animal skins, and the model of the machine that runs fast and bellows at nighttime.

The warmth from the candles, fireplace, and the colors that hover above fill me with peace. Against my better judgment, I rest inside a red package beside a pillow with the skin of a bear. I leave the top off for a quick getaway, and my mind drifts off.

When I awoke, the large eyes of a small girl, unblinking like the smaller ones from last night, stared at me. I stare back at her, afraid to make sudden movements for fear of shrill screams accompanying my discovery by her kind.

Instead, however, her face creased into a small smile. She hands me a small piece of orange. I nibble the fruit while she watches. When I finish, she puts her hand out to me, and my nose sniffs it. She pets my ears and whispers, “Merry Christmas.”

With me in her arms, she cuddles me against her body, and I nuzzle her cheek as we watch the snow fall on the morning of Christmas.