Jonathon Brooks
My enemies call me The Bear. My friends call me Ted. And my beloved family call me Ted Bear. Some think I’m cute. Others find me vicious. One special someone refers to me as adorable. It could be said I’m a bear of many hats. Also it could be, and is said, that I’m a beast or a wild animal. So it’s up to you to decide if we are enemies or friends or if you love me. Oh, Christ on a cracker, here comes the dog again!
The dog hates me. He tosses me this way and that like I don’t have any feelings at all. The dog started it! I would’ve been his friend if he hadn’t picked me up with his revolting mouth and began throwing me into the sky within our living room. I wish he’d go find a biscuit or a bone or a girlfriend. Jesus, leave me alone you mutt.
In the store where I was born they would call me Teddy Bear. It’s been years since I lived there. Three Christmases ago I was a gift from the family to the family. I love my family, minus the mutt of course. Here it is Christmas morning once again and joy is in the air like campers in a forest. I could make it in the wilderness if ever given the opportunity. As long as my family was present with me then I’d be doing swell. The dog is losing interest in me now because someone just hollered out something about a treat. Good riddance, my enemy! Next time you shall feel the wrath of The Bear! For now, though, it’s back under the tree as decoration I go.
The family consists of a mom and dad and daughter and son. I’m in love with this living room more so than I was in love with the Macy’s Department Store where I used to reside. Shoppers used to admire me, but they didn’t purchase and take me home. Then one day it was the daughter who said she could not live without me and that she must have me and that I’d be the most perfect Christmas present. Dad pulled out the green, if you know what I mean, and then I was placed in a cozy sack and on my way to a happy home.
So here it is Christmas once again! I see on the TV and hear on the radio that some humans get depressed during the holiday season. That’s not how this bear rolls, though. It’s my favorite time of the year and I take joy in every passing moment it offers. I can understand how some would get sad if they aren’t surrounded by loved ones during this season. If they’re bears, like me, I sincerely hope they get tossed in a cozy sack soon and get to journey home.
The family is opening up all of their presents and taking all the pictures! The son just got a Nintendo Switch. The daughter just got a Polaroid camera. Dad just opened not one or even two but four new ties. And Mom got a beautiful new green dress. I take this all in from beneath the tree. Now they’re standing next to me and taking photos with the new camera. I put on my most pleasant smile. I must look picture perfect.
After the photos the mutt is back looking for trouble with Ted the Bear. I’m about to growl my most ferocious of growls when he does something unexpected. He gives me three short and sweet licks with his dog tongue right on my little bear nose. He doesn’t toss me this time and he doesn’t attempt to ruin me and he doesn’t slobber on me. It’s like he is offering peace on Christmas morning. Maybe the mutt is all right after all.
Whoever you are and whoever your loved ones are, I’m just here to say I wish you happy holidays and a joyous Christmas and a festive new year with adult beverages and a sweet January and a happy rest of those other eleven months. Go buy a teddy bear or fly a kite or play a video game or get dressed up in a fine tie or green dress. Love your friends. Love your family. Love your life. Make peace with the dogs around you. Make friends of enemies. Do your best to turn darkness to light. And to all a merry Christmas and to all a good morning!