Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello and happy Thursday! It's the day of Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge, so we're of course ready to rhyme.

As always, our host shared a photo prompt to help guide us as we get poetic. This week's prompt is this image here:

That photo seemed perfectly apt for this time of year, when the act of shopping is all shades of chaos. As has been the case for every poetry day of December, I wanted my rhyme for today to pay homage to Christmas. Though I didn't look back to last year's December rhymes, I'm fairly certain the poem below is a lot like one I wrote last year. I still felt inspired to write another one in this line of thought, though, so here it is:

Shop 'Til You Drop

Christmas was but a week away,

A fact that made Sarah feel a tad bit afraid.

Christmas was indeed her most favorite time of the year,

But right now forgetting something important was her greatest fear.

Determined to figure out the source of her Christmas anxiety,

Sarah sat down and had a good think until it came to her, finally.

She threw her arms in the air and shouted, "Of course!

If I had forgotten this completely, I'd feel great remorse!"

Sarah ran to her room and rummaged around,

Until all her spare change she had sought and found.

Then out the front door she bolted and dashed,

And then she arrived at the shopping center just like that.

Sarah shopped at this store and at that store,

And then she shopped at just a few more.

She got funny looks from some folk here and there.

One cashier said, "Are these all gifts you're going to share?

Shall I ask who they're for, do I dare?"

Sarah smiled at all those who asked questions,

But she gave no cares to others' opinions or suggestions.

Sarah had a Christmas tradition to uphold,

And it was a tradition near and dear, truth be told.

Finally, after many hours and many stores,

Sarah held in her hands shopping bags that numbered far greater than four.

She already knew good and well where she was taking these bags,

Inside of which were indeed many gifts to be had.

Sarah arrived at her destination and smiled.

She checked her bags one last time to ensure everything was properly compiled.

She was happy to see everything in order,

Right down to the toys and treats and bones and more.

The building in front of her was big and made of brick.

Above its front doors ANIMAL SHELTER was written in letters quite slick.

Sarah walked through the front doors and was greeted by whiskers and wags.

In this sort of company, Sarah could never feel even remotely sad.

A woman walked by as Sarah entered the door and said,

"Sarah! We knew you'd be here so that Christmas cheer could be spread!"

Sarah held up the bags upon bags filled with gifts for her furry friends.

"I shopped 'til I dropped," she said, "but everyone here is worth it again and again."

Sarah made her way over to the Christmas tree in the corner,

She sat beside it with her furry friends, including Daisy, Patch, and Warner.

She opened the bags and handed out gift after gift.

There were balls and bones that made tails wag swifter than swift.

There were toys with feathers and bells that resulted in meows and happy kicks.

There were blankets and treats and so much more from which Sarah's furry friends could pick.

Sarah could not believe she had almost forgotten to complete this ever important tradition.

During the Christmas season, this seemed like her absolute most important mission.

It was a busy time of year, yes, but Sarah would never have forgiven herself for forgetting.

Thankfully, though, she did not miss out on this significant visit in the end,

And she knew she would not come close to forgetting it, not ever again.

Sarah hoped she was bringing to life the true magic of Christmas.

She hoped she was bringing joy to her furry friends, such as Molly and Finneas.

After all, isn't Christmas the perfect time to help those in need?

If you ask Sarah, that's the meaning of Christmas indeed.

***

Are you ready for Thimble and her Thankfuls? As has become the norm these days, Thimble is thankful for all things Christmas. She certainly loves her Christmas trees, in all shapes and forms.

Thimble does wish she didn't have to share her trees with her furry siblings, but she's still grateful for all things Christmas nonetheless. Besides, if Thimble really wants a turn with any of her trees and it's occupied, she's not opposed to using her paws and a bit of force to get her way. So what if her mom says no fighting? A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

We're also, as always, so very thankful for all of you friends of ours!

***

And now how about we share the statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge? Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. My holiday plans include _________.

2. I can't wait to see _________ open his/her gift from me.

3. All I want for Christmas is _________.

4. _________ is the best way to spread holiday cheer.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Tip of the Day

Our past couple of tips covered what you can do to keep your furbaby happy and safe if you are traveling during this holiday season. On the other hand, what if your family is coming to your house for the holidays? First, as we've said many, many times before, practice door safety when guests are coming and going. If need be, block your kitty or pup's access to the door, or give them a safe room in which to stay. Consider whether your guests are staying for a short or long visit, and consider your individual furbaby's personality and behaviors when determining if, how often, or for how long they can safely intermingle with guests.

Of course, it isn't just your furbaby you have to worry about when guests arrive. Make sure that all guests know any important rules when it comes to your furbaby. If your kitty or pup is staying in a safe room while guests visit, for example, then make sure guests know if they are to refrain from visiting that room in the house. On the other hand, if your furbaby is a social butterfly and is out and about with guests, make sure that your guests understand what they should and should not do to keep your kitty or pup safe. For example, make sure guests are aware of the potential for escapes if the door is kept open. In addition, guests should know whether you allow your furbaby treats, and what human foods are dangerous and should not be fed to your kitty or pup. Also take safety precautions if guests are staying overnight. For example, make sure guests know to keep all medications or other potentially dangerous items well out of reach of resident cats and dogs.

It is possible for your house to be inhabited by both your furbabies and guests during this holiday season. At the same time, it's also important to make sure that all precautions are made to ensure that guests' stays are safe for everyone, including the furbabies of the home. So, simply think ahead, and prepare both your furbabies and guests for a safe Christmas.