As Christmas is a time for the family, I thought you’d like to meet my sister Sabre (that’s her on the right) Now, we get along just fine, we play together for hours without a cross woof. But when it comes to food, things can get a little dog-eat-dog.  Take the other day for instance, the boss gave us both a chewy-stick and we took them outside. Truth be known, I’m not that fussed about chewy-sticks. They’re impregnated with some plaque-removing paste that gives them a funny taste.  But sister Sabes is a bit of a gannet, and no sooner had I stepped out of the door than she’d woofed hers down and was now making a move for mine. Well, as big brother and alpha-male, I felt obliged to put her in her place, (it’s a dog thing) and there were a few yelps and growls, and a bit of fur flying, but nothing too serious. Not long after all was forgotten and forgiven.  Sabes had been staying with us for a fortnight, and she has this unfortunate “in-your-face” manner when excited (and in my company who’d not be excited?).  The chewy-stick incident was simply the last of several irritating straws.

It’s just the same with you humans. There are more “domestics” over Christmas than at any other time of the year. That’s because families are all confined in a tight space for a prolonged period. You get irritable, short tempered and intolerant of one another and before long, at a time when you’re supposed to celebrating “Peace-on-Earth and Goodwill to all men” you’re at each other’s throats like cat and dog (or even dog and dog!).

So here’s a few tips to make this Christmas a true season of goodwill.

1)     give one another space. We all need time to ourselves occasionally.  Take the dog for a walk (if you haven’t got a dog, GET ONE!)

2)     give one another time.  It’s good to turn off the telly and talk to each other now and then (most of the programmes are repeats anyway and will be repeated again in the summer holidays)

3)     give one another choice.  Just because you like extra roast potatoes and stuffing doesn’t mean they do. Don’t impose your preferences on those you love. (You could always give it to the dog though)

4)     give one another the benefit of the doubt. So what if their boot did land on your hotel in Mayfair? It’s only a game. It’s supposed to be fun. If you don’t like the way that game’s going you can always roll around on the floor with the dog instead!

5)     give one another hugs.  This works especially well if you’ve had cross words. A simple show of love and affection (provided it’s genuine) can tell a thousand words. (and if they don’t want to return your love, hug the dog!)

6)      give one another love.  That’s why Jesus came to a cold, damp, smelly stable 2000 years ago. Not just to say, “I love you”, but to go the extra mile and show love beyond all other. According to the boss, He gave you a commandment to love one another. By making it so, He confirmed something we already know (dogs too), that sometimes love has to be a decision. With tinsel and mistletoe strewn all over the house and Noddy Holder singing “So here it is, merry Christmas” for the umpteen-millionth time, you may not feel like loving one another, but remember, this is what the babe in the manger came to say. It’s not just the reason for season; it’s why you are put on this earth. Freely have you received, freely GIVE!

Love and woofs   

Bruno xx