Holiday Hijinks

Me: Come on guys, it's time for our Christmas Photo Shoot!

Guinness: What's a photo shoot? Does it involve sticks? Because I have a great one! 

d'Arcy: Maybe if I don't make eye contact.....

Carmen: Oh- a camera! I am very photogenic. Let's go. 

Irish: Don't fall for it- it's a trap

Me: Martin? Chester? Where are you?

***crickets***

d'Arcy: I really think I'm too old for this. 

Guinness: This is boring. Where's my stick? 

 Me: You look adorable d'Arcy. Please do it for me. 

d'Arcy: Ok, but don't show any other border collies- I'll be a laughing stock. 

Guinness: STICKS ARE MORE FUN THAN PHOTO SHOOTS!

Me: GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAN! 

Guinness: *whine*

Me: Okay, try to look festive. 

Guinness: This is my festive face

Me: I guess I can live with that. 

Guinness:  Okay, back to the important stuff- STICKS

Me: Okay, that's the dogs, now for the horses.....

Irish: You put silly antlers on my head but you can't make me like it. 

Irish:  do I hear a cat snickering? 

Me: For a horse that requires so much maintenance from me you could do this ONE THING. 

Irish: Oh, sure, play the guilt card. How's this: 

Me: You look like a llama reindeer. 

Irish: But I'm smiling. What more do you want? 

Me: Try again. 

Me: This is perfect. *click*

Irish: Where's my carrot?

Carmen: It's my turn! Here's my sultry look

Me: ummm, well it's very , um, exotic but not really Christmassy. Try for less 'dramatic-spanish-mare' and more angelic. 

Carmen: Okay, here's what I call my 'Downton Abbey' look:

Me: I love it! 

Okay, now who am I missing...Oh right the cats! 

Me: Martin- there you are. Not sure why I'm surprised this is where you spend winter! 

Martin: You woke me for this? 

Me: So...how about we try for a look that is a bit less murderous? 

Martin: This is the best I can do, take it or leave it. 

Me: uh, I'll take it! 
Martin: Good call. Now go bug the fluffy squirt. zzzz

Chester: I'm no expert but I don't think that this is right. 

Me: Your neck is too small, let me try again. 

Chester: I kind of hate you right now. 

Me: You can't do that- it's almost Christmas- a time of love and forgiveness. 

Chester: I think I can work up just a bit of Christmas spirit but don't tell Martin. 

Me: That is an awesome pose. Thank you! 

Me: That's a wrap. I can't believe how exhausted I am. Now to just pull it all together. 

******
several hours later
******

Me: Okay everyone are you ready?

 Ta-dah!

Irish: Well I guess it's okay. Why is that cat riding me?
Martin: This card would be nothing without me. 
Carmen: Shouldn't I be in the centre?
Guinness: Where's my stick? It needs more sticks.
Chester: I do look adorable.
d'Arcy: Border collies don't read your blog do they?

Me: c'mon guys- let's say it all together:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKAH, HAPPY KWANZAA, HAPPY SATURNALIA. "

Or Whatever it is that you celebrate. May it be filled with love and laughter and light.