I grew up on a ranch, where raising Hereford cattle is our main source of income. We raise cattle because we like them and we provide them with the best care. In all these years, we have never forgotten Thanksgiving, especially the cows and other ranch animals at Christmas.
On Christmas morning, we opened our Christmas presents early—before dawn—so that we could do housework and feed the cows as usual. When doing housework, we wish the animals a Merry Christmas and usually give them some extra feed. The cows got a little extra grain, and so did the horse teams pulling the forage sleds. The chicken got the potato skins and other scraps that had been preserved with grains the night before. Dad allocated a little extra hay for cows, horses, sheep, and other livestock on the pasture.
Cats and dogs were also treated. Mothers often leave meat crumbs for cats and a large piece of bone for dogs. All of this may seem a little stupid, but it is our gratitude to the animals that live with us.
As the years passed, Lyle and I got married and had our own children, and we continued the same Christmas tradition. During the years we raised livestock, we got up very early on Christmas morning. The boys enjoyed the gifts Santa left under the tree and opened their stockings. Then it's time to do housework so that the animals don't have to wait for breakfast. All animals received special Christmas gifts and some extra food. After doing the housework, we went back to the house and opened the present under the tree.
Most households have pets, and some of them perform life-saving tasks. Most people agree that pets provide comfort to their owners. Apart from Christmas, what better time to thank our animals? Just for fun, I had a daydream and made a list of "gifts" animals might like to receive at Christmas.
*Extra portion of hay filled with alfalfa leaves or clover
*A small stall full of straws, you can rest on a cold night
* A feeder full of bird food
* A handful of grains for licking
* A little leftover turkey
*Pine Cone Roll with Peanut Butter and Seeds
*The remaining turkey drips are placed in a disposable baking tray
* A bowl of hot milk
*Pat your head lightly
* Treat well throughout the year
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What exactly is Christmas? Some possibilities: stay with family, find suitable gifts for everyone, have time to leave or be busy with projects at home.
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