Merry Christmas, Tonight, to the Animals!

I just want to say Merry Christmas, tonight, to all you animals out there!

Merry Christmas to all of you in Burrows! May you be warm and safe in your fine burrows! May they be fine, cozy burrows!

Merry Christmas to all of you in Dens! Don’t worry if your den is actually in a burrow. Wherever your den is—in reeds, in brambles, in barns—I love you! I speak to you tonight and say Merry Christmas!

And you in Nests—not mattering if they are ground-nests or high up in trees. Not mattering if your nests are upon wind-swept rocks or along the ledges of skyscrapers! You are beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Even you who are not bedded down—you owls, bats, and stalkers of the night! Merry Christmas!

And you in herds, gathered together for warmth! To the herd, and each member of the herd, Merry Christmas!

To the ducks and geese at the park, Merry Christmas and cracked corn! Even you, Embden scrooge-goose!

Even you worms! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, even you who knew Polonius! Especially you who knew Polonius—may you fatten and prosper!

Merry Christmas to all the cats that humble us! Every one of you cats all over the earth! Merry Christmas!

And you, beloved dogs—you beauties, you buddhas, you deep friends—you give more than we can ever give back to you! Merry Christmas, beloved dogs!

And you slugs. Merry Christmas slugs! Merry Christmas slugs!