“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care…”
I’ve never hung stockings by a chimney; I’ve never had one in my house. Not only that, but this year no Christmas stockings are hung because they are all in storage, back in the US. We decided to live without our Christmas decorations for a couple of years during our time in Italy. Maybe it was the picture chosen for today’s 9 Muses Musing prompt of STOCKING, but I couldn’t help think of those stockings in storage, and of the stocking that would be empty this year, for our sweet dog Tasha. She passed away this summer, at nearly 14 years old.
Since Brandon’s birth, we’ve always hung four stockings with care – one each for Patrick, Brandon and me, plus one “paw” stocking for Tasha. I dug in my archives to find a picture of it, this was the best I could do from Christmas 2006. You can see the paw stocking there, balancing out the odd three for the humans in the family to an even four.
We would always put a couple of Christmas morning treats in there for Tasha – maybe pig’s ears or a new toy. We had to be careful not to fill the stocking too early, or the smell of the treats hanging there would drive her crazy. Being the good dog she was though, she never tried to get at them. She would just sit there and stare at the stocking, like a kid stares at all of the presents under the tree. When Christmas morning arrived, Tasha would happily dig in to her treats as we opened our gifts. A Christmas tradition in our house.
So this year, the STOCKING prompt made me pause, remembering our sweet dog Tasha and Christmas stockings past. Give your furry family members a little extra hug for me, and maybe a treat on Christmas morning, in memory of Tasha.
Tomorrow’s 9 Muses Musing prompt is ORNAMENT. Tomorrow is my day to muse again, and I have a fabulous giveaway for you, from one of my favorite places in all of Italy. I know it’s Christmas Day tomorrow, but don’t forget to stop by Mortal Muses to enter.
And by the way, I’m feeling much, much better today – back to normal. Thanks for all of the well wishes yesterday. Enjoy your Christmas Eve!
What a beautiful photo and a beautiful dog, I promise I will give an extra cuddle and lap time to my cat this Christmas for you 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas in magical Italy.
What a soulful dog! She had a really cute stocking, too. You must miss her. I'd say I'll give Karma extra cuddle time over Christmas, but she's in charge of when that happens–hehe! Hummm…maybe if I turn the heat down…ROFL! 😉
Have a wonderful holiday!! 🙂
We lost a pet this year too (cat) but we still have our golden retriever. Your usual Christmas decorations are very impressive indeed – I love the train set surrounding the tree! Buono Natale to you.
Sometimes Christmas is tough, when we have lost a loved one. Even without your beloved Tasha and the stockings tucked safely away for your return. Merry Christmas, my friend!
I'm so sorry Kat! I'm giving my Irish Wolfhound, Misty, an extra big hug and cuddle and thinking of you and Tasha. Misty sends a big Christmas lick to you 🙂
I love her paw stocking.
Glad you are feeling better. Enjoy your Christmas Eve.
awwww … losing a pet is so hard. They're family members, for sure.
Merry Christmas to you, Kat.
Such sweet memories…we too have a stocking for our Gryffindor. I swear he knows when it is Christmas! He lays on the floor all night just at the base of the fireplace waiting for his stocking in the morning. 🙂
Wishing you a Joyous Christmas ~ Rebecca
We have stockings for our pups as well. They're a big part of our family and can't be left out. Your Tasha was lovely.
great post kat. sorry you are missing tasha. i went back and read your post from july and got all teared up 🙁 it looks like she was a lovely dog. have a great christmas.
I'm wishing you snuggling up with your family and sweet memories of Tasha this Christmas Eve.
love Sue x
Reading about Tasha brought tears to my eyes. She was a great dog and I know you are going to miss her tons when you get back to the States.