December 19, 2025: The Christmas Countdown (Day 7)

Christmas 2017.

Go ahead, ask the kids. They still talk about the gift.

That morning moved fast as wrapping paper flew everywhere. After a couple of hours, everyone leaned back, certain the surprises had ended.

But there was one more they didn’t see coming. Keeping this secret hidden for two days required master-level parenting.

To set the moment up, we played the dog-barking version of Jingle Bells. As the soundtrack blared, we went upstairs and returned with Carolina.

An eight-week old Golden Retriever.

Love arrived on four clumsy paws. The stunned silence lasted only a second before turning into pandemonium.

Screams bounced off the walls. A celebrity had entered the room, greeted with hugs and belly rubs. The unwrapped gifts were ignored as this fluff ball explored her new home.

We’d never had a pet unless you count a few fish. But that all changed in an instant. Her tiny little heartbeat turned our family of seven into a family of eight.

I’m convinced the best presents come with fur and a wagging tail.

Carolina forever.