Merry Chirstmas / Happy Holidays, One Year Ago

Cold air ushered in this holiday week with a daytime high of 5 degrees.  It will definitely be a white Christmas around our home.  This is very different from last year.  Many things are different this year.  It is our first Christmas without Rudy's energy and enthusiasm.  I miss watching him run around in his little winter coat.
One year ago, we gave Rudy T-shirts or mugs to our friends and family.  We had no idea at the time it would be our last Christmas with him.  We wonder if he knew.  It was his idea for the gifts.  He was always very generous, a great big brother and friend.
Mommy and Daddy put up all the musical decorations to make it look festive.  Mommy also sings carols to me and that makes me happy.  Our Christmas socks hang over my head.
We donated gifts to "Toys for Tots" to help brighten the day for some children.  We also made some donations to local charities to help provide some holiday cheer.  I plan on giving extra kisses on Christmas Day to add to the cause.
We have attended a couple of holiday parties and have a few more to go.....
We have kept ourselves busy with some baking and Christmas Cards.  It is always fun to hear about the lives of our friends and to catch up on their adventures.
As this year comes to a close, we reflect on all the changes that have occurred and realize time is precious and should not be wasted.  Cherish it and use it wisely - once it's gone, it's gone.