As many of you may have gathered, we are not really having Christmas here. My human wanted to put up the fake tree and the decorations, but she had so much work to do on the cat rescue anthology that is coming out at the end of January that she never found the time. And the humans here are having a pretty awful year financially for a bunch of different reasons, so they aren’t even giving each other gifts, much less anyone else. And I decided that instead of gifts for myself, I wanted to help other kitties who don’t have homes yet — and that became the Santa Kitty Toy Hop. So even there had been a tree, there would have been nothing to put under it this year.
But as you know, the spirit of Christmas, and the whole holiday season, isn’t really about getting gifts at all. Some say it’s about giving, but that’s not quite right either. The true spirit of Christmas, especially for secular households like the one I live in, is both simpler and deeper. Christmas is about caring.
Caring does not necessarily have anything to do with gift giving. It is about being thoughtful and looking out for your fellow creatures. My human says that when she brought the toys for the blog hop to the Kitten Rescue kitties, it wasn’t the toys that were important, but the time she took to play with the adult kitties, who don’t get enough interactive play in their life. Just giving a gift does not do that. Taking action to make someone’s life better, even if it is not costing you anything, is what is important.
So this Christmas, think about what you can do to make someone happy, or to help them if they are suffering. It does not have to be money or stuff. It can be words. It can even be sitting and just being there for them. I do a lot of that with my human. And actually, I think she needs that more than she needs a lot of the other things she thinks she does. And I have a sneaking suspicion that she knows it, too.
Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. Let the spirit of the season live within you. Now can I take off this Santa sweater? I outgrew it about three months ago!
2021 Somali Cat Wall Calendar, Starring Summer
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
Oh Summer you had the greatest idea ever! You and your Mom, to! Thanks for all you do!
Have a wonderful rest of the Christmas!
Hugs,
Samantha & Mom
We think your Christmas spirit feels just right! We think your Santa Hop was awesome too!
Summer you said it just right. We’re an atheist household as you know but everyone can be kind to others whatever they may believe. We hope your humans’ financial situation improves in the New Year & we look forward to hanging with you in 2015. Love you all!
Selina & MomKatt Laura
Whoa! Tight sweater. Wishing you a Merry New York Christmas! Here’s a Christmas song for your Human about Christmas spirit that I played last night. http://grooveshark.com/s/Smells+Like+The+Night+Before+Christmas+Teen+Spirit+Parody/5scB0?src=5
You are a very wise little lady, Summer. I hope you guys had a wonderful day just being together.
Very well said. It really shouldn’t be about the treats and wrappings….it should be about the important people in our lives. Merry Christmas
Excellent post, Summer. My brother and I no longer exchange gifts. Instead, we spend time together doing things. And you are so right about kindness and caring–which should not be limited to just one day a year–we should incorporate it into every day of our lives.
Beautifully said, we couldn’t agree more. We had a low-key celebration this year too, relaxed, played with the Pawesome Cats kitties, and enjoyed a nice meal – it was perfect.
Merry Christmas Summer and peeps….very lovely post…we wish everyone in the world could keep the “Christmas spirit’ in their hearts.
Hugs madi your bfff
Summer, the publicist says that some years really suck wind and other years are magical but what is always there is the love we give to her. I think she is right. We are very important to our humans. I hope your human will accept a virtual goat hug from me.
A very wise post Summer! And it sounds much like our Christmas this year. Let us hope that your human has a much better 2015 and the anthology is just the start of many wonderful things for the year!
You are very wise, Summer! We are in a similar situation. Presents aren’t the most important part of Christmas. I hope that yours is very merry even without the packages.
Amen, sister. My biggest wish this Christmas is for us to find a relocation spot for the feral kitties at work. I have a lead on a home for one and there is a lead on new relocation spot for the rest of the colony. This isn’t about money or gifts….it is about caring for those who cannot help themselves.
Also, I am praying for peace in our country.
Merry Christmas, Summer!
So true, Summer ! Meowy Chrissymouse ! Purrs
We think you are all wonderful for caring about others. We hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Summer (and your Human), that is WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL advice and we deeply appreciate it! We are also going through INTENSE financial hardship right now, so we completely understand. I am saddened that so many of us are experiencing this. We pray for increased prosperity for all (so that none of us have to worry), in 2015….yes, money isn’t important but it is a necessity. You are always caring and kind and we love you and thank you! xoxo Meowy Christmas!
Summer, you are one wise little kitty! We don’t have a tree this year and our mommy and daddy didn’t exchange gifts either but we know those things aren’t the true meaning of Christmas. You stated it beautifully Summer and we’re going to do our best to bringing the gift of the season to others!
One of your best posts of all, Summer — and one of the best I’ve ever read on the subject. Raised in a secular household where the holiday was all about family getting together (and, yes, gifts — and that got a bit out of hand, but that was then), it does not have the meaning it has for a lot of people here; but it is definitely all of the things you write about, most of all, and I thank you for sharing those wonderful thoughts with your readers. May everyone who is able reach out and help someone in greater need — and especially cats! Everyone can do that for no charge, anywhere on earth — just share some cats needing loving forever homes on your social networking accounts so they have a better chance of finding them! Or do as your wonderful human does. Or foster. Or best, ADOPT for a lifetime of unconditional loyalty, love, and beauty! Happy holidays to you and your wonderful family, Summer, and to all your readers.
Merry Christmas, Summer — beautiful post!
Merry Christmas to you, Binga, Boodie and your humans! I think Sparkle would be very proud of this Christmas message.
This post made my day… Merry Xmas.
We agree, Summer. Wonderful post!
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Beautifully said, Summer, you made me cry. I hope 2015 is much better for everyone reading this.
That really is the true Christmas spirit pretty Summer. Merry Christmas from all of us at Brian’s Home!
We don’t do much on the present front here either but I do love to put the decorations and tree up,any presents go to speedy only apart from something little for both me and his dad,and we don’t bother with any one else,Have a wonderful day,xx Rachel and Speedy
I am a Christian, so I believe the true meaning of Christmas is all about Jesus – and being like Him.
Caring is definitely one of the qualities Jesus modeled for us, and I think it is especially good to show that at this time of year. We should all strive to be caring to someone everyday by doing little random acts of kindness. Something as small as saying “hello” to a neighbor or holding the door for the person behind you or giving a hungry person a meal does wonders for others’ spirits.
Beautiful post….you really understand the meaning of Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!!
The Florida Furkids
Dear Summer.Oh,Sparkle would be so proud of you and your Christmas message!You have a wonderful human and I wish her all the best for 2015.BTW you look so cute in your jumper!Have a wonderful day however you may celebrate.All my love and hugs SheenaXXX
Oh Summer, you are so so right. Caring is much more important that gifts. We sure wish you all a really nice day. Take good care.
Happy, Merry to you and your family.
You are so right, Summer, it’s about caring! What matters most is not the gift but the heart wrapped around the gift. You look very pretty in the Santa sweater 🙂 Meowy Christmas xoxo
Merry Christmas!!!! It’s all about Love …..
Summer, Christmas doesn’t mean putting up a tree. You’re learning at a young age the true meaning of the holiday, and that is going to make you a wise kitty indeed. Much love to you, Boodie, Binga, and your humans for a happy Christmas day.
you are one smart feline!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and 2015 only brings great things your way
Wonderful post Summer. That is the true meaning of the season. Wishing you all love over this holiday.
Very true, Summer. Christmas is all about giving and making others happy and being with the ones you love…not the decorations and getting presents. Wait…did we just say that??? Nah, we really do mean that. 🙂
We wish all of you a very Meowy Christmas.
Merry Christmas precious little one, both to you and your family.
Well said Summer. And thank you for putting up with that outfit just one more time, cause you are just the most squee-licious little thing in it! Merry Christmas!
Summer, we think you and your family have discovered the true meaning of Christmas 🙂
Merry Christmas !
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Meowy Catmas to you and yours! Purrs from Deb and the Zee and Zoey Gang!
Hi Summer, a very thoughtful post. We almost thought it was Sparkle!
Lynettea gave most of her gifts to Bush Heritage this year, so they can provide homes for the native animals to live in their natural habitat. She tells her friends not to give her gifts, but give the money to a worthy cause. We have been doing that for years. But she did get me a gift this year and I had a happy time playing with it and with Lynettea.
We hope your humans financial situation improves. We don’t even have a car, but money isn’t everything.
Sasha
I think your house is very much having Christmas, Summer. As you say, it is not about the gifts, however much we may joke about watching for Santa.
One of the secrets of happiness in not accumulating things, it is helping others. You are very wise for your age Summer. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and I hope you find joy in the new year.
This is a lovely post, thank you Summer. You and your human are very wise. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful 2015!
Well spoken as always! Meowwy Chrissymouse to you and your family.
Merry Christmas.
So well said, Summer. Thank you for what you did with the Santa Kitty Hop, it really inspired us and so many others and I’m sure made so many kitties lives brighter. Wishing you all peace and joy and a Merry Catmas! (PS: The person who received the Christmas bear really did adore it.)
You have the most lovely human, Miss Summer. I hope she’s having a good Christmas.
We unnerstand what you mean. Though TBT has collected some boxes of cat stuff and didn’t find the right place to deliver them fer Chrissymouse day, we are sure they will be appreciated next week just as much, mebbe more.
Great post!! Merry Christmas, Summer!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday! <3 Love from the ZoePhee girls and our kitties, Pandora, Lilly and Hurley!