I know I wrote about this last year, but it’s still true — this is my favorite time of the year. The sun sets earlier, the lights in homes shine a little brighter, and there’s a quiet warmth that settles in as the holiday season arrives.
This last post of 2025 comes with thoughts of love and peace for all of you. A little heartfelt joy, from my home to yours.
Christmas Eve has always been my favorite night. The glow of the tree, sipping something warm, and watching White Christmas followed by It’s a Wonderful Life — always with Benji curled up nearby. This is our fourth Christmas together, and this little flower brings me more joy than I ever imagined. It’s the small things that get me every time: toe beans peeking out from under his blanket, soft snores, and the way he completely relaxes into the quiet of the evening.
After days of baking, cooking, and preparing, Christmas Eve feels like the exhale. The quiet is what I crave most. The time between holidays feels sacred — a gentle ending to one year and a soft opening to the next. The light slowly begins to return, and spring, though far off, is already on its way.
While I’ll be dining alone on Christmas Eve, as I have for many years, I hold tight to the traditions passed down by my grandparents. The Feast of the Seven Fishes (well… I usually do two). Clams and linguini, zeppole, anchovy and mushroom soup. A little odd, maybe, but traditions matter. They ground us. They connect us.
Benji’s feast looks very different — simple, nourishing, and made just for him.
Benji’s Holiday Beef & Veggie Bowl
A cozy, wholesome meal to share the spirit of the season with your pup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- ½ cup green beans, chopped
- ½ cup peas
- 1–2 cups water or dog-safe bone broth (unsalted, no onion or garlic)
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add carrots, green beans, and peas along with water or bone broth.
- Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in cooked brown rice and let cool before serving.
Serve warm, not hot. This can be offered as a special holiday meal or as a topper over your dog’s regular food.
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reminded that the most meaningful moments are often the quiet ones — a warm home, familiar traditions, and a dog who feels safe enough to rest deeply beside you.
Here’s to light returning, hearts staying full, and another year of muddy paws, gentle moments, and love.
With gratitude,
Joan & Benji
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