Ever heard of the movie Riley: the dog who stole the gizzard and brought chili to dinner all on a Christmas Day? Well, if not, that is good, because it isn’t a real movie. However, that was a short film from our Christmas Day. Have you ever had one of those get-togethers, especially Christmas, that will stick in your mind for a looooooong time? That is exactly what this year brought us.
How exciting it was to once again spend Christmas together with Steve’s family. It has been 7 years since we last were all together. We arrived at my sister-in-laws mid-morning and gathered to exchange gifts. We began the time by reading the Christmas story – enter Riley. Actually, Riley entered a bit earlier when he greeted Uncle Steve at the door and was so excited he peed on his shoes. For those that need a reminder, Riley is a dog. He is a special dog. He is our niece’s dog. So, now you know he has a weak bladder. I’m sure you can all think of a certain family member that sticks out at holiday gatherings…well as you will soon see that is what/who Riley is in our family. Now, back to the reading of the Christmas story. This should be a somber time, one of reflection and joy. That is exactly how it started and Riley was quietly sitting beside me as I rubbed his head. Then half-way through he decided he would lie down on his back with his legs splayed out wishing for a tummy rub. I was not very eager to oblige so he persisted to swat my hand in case I did not take the previous hint. Meanwhile this whole scene is visible to most everyone in the room and it became very awkward and hard to pay attention. Then the laughter that I was trying to keep under wraps came out after Christa decided to let a snicker out. This was followed by others joining in. Thankfully Darryl had just finished that last word. During the gift opening, Riley sniffed presents, indulged in some that were for him and slept – he didn’t quite seem himself after a little time went by. We proceeded to get our turkey dinner on the table and we were eager to dig in. We had all found our spots and were just about to give thanks for the meal when there was an enormous gag from under my table, right by my feet! I knew exactly what had happened and I was just hoping it was not on my slippers. Laura pulled Riley out and I looked under the tablecloth to discover the mess had missed my feet by about an inch. So to put it plainly, Riley threw up. (Apparently, the Christmas dinner of gizzard and other garbage that he hid under Laura’s bed didn’t sit to well in his tummy.) The smell was quite something and Laura thought she would help those out who couldn’t see and declared, “It looks like chili!” At this point Christa didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. I’m glad she chose to laugh. We went ahead and prayed. Then the parents went to work cleaning up the mess (which was found in another place too) and the rest of us went to work loading our plates up. Riley slept most of that afternoon and evening. You would think he learned his lesson, but…Christa and I caught him in the garbage again later that night. It is an event we are still chuckling about and I think we will find ourselves saying in years to come, “Remember that Christmas when…?”
What about you? Can you think back to a most memorable Christmas that still has you laughing?