Dear Brielle buddies,

The ever-festive Brielle and I hope this missive finds you feeling merry and jingly and full of cozy cheer.

While small human types may be dreaming of sugarplums or PlayStations, the holiday season has Brielle dreaming of…well, I’m not sure, exactly. Perhaps you can help us figure it out.

Recently, to my great delight, Brielle has taken to snoozing in a soft, triangular kitty hut behind my desk. I love having her right beside me, especially since she regularly emerges from dreamland chirping for affection.

The other day, however, it was anything but chirps echoing from Brielle’s teepee. Quite suddenly, the little triangle began to shake as the following sounds erupted:

MEERRRRWWWWWW WWOOOO WOOO OOO RRRRRRRRRR! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Not exactly “O Holy Night.”

I whirled around worriedly and was perplexed to find Brielle sleeping through her own hollering. Her little legs were kicking, her whiskers were twitching, and those Very Angry Sounds were the soundtrack to what most have been the most epic dream ever.

As gently as possible, I woke her with some soft pets. Brielle’s eyes flew open and her “RRRRR!”s gave way to a cooey chirp. Oooop? She stretched her little legs, eased on out of the hut, and jumped up into my lap.

Whatever that was all about, it was over. Everything was cool. And, within moments, Brielle was sleeping in heavenly peace, head daintily resting on my knee.

We’ll call it a Christmas mystery.

Fortunately, Brielle’s dream-life dithering is just about her only worry these days. With your help, our little love’s waking life is merry and bright.

I firmly believe that animals in general, and cats in particular, have an immediate and natural connection to God. This Chanukah and Christmas, and year ’round, Brielle knows in her soul the meaning of Emmanuel, “God with us.”

God is with her. God is with each of us. And I can never fully express all my thanks to you for being among God’s greatest blessings in the life of one little tuxedo cat. Thank you for showing her — and all of us at Tabby’s Place — just what His love looks like.

Have a beautiful holiday season, dear ones.