A/N: Will this be the year I get a full Christmas story out before Christmas? Fingers crossed. This fluffy, fun story should wrap up on Christmas Eve, and the chapters should be very short. Enjoy!
Rick opened the door to the waiting room to return Buddy, a very sweet, 180-pound Saint Bernard, to his owner Aaron.
"Buddy!" Aaron shouted with glee from a waiting room chair.
Rick let go of Buddy's leash when the dog darted to Aaron.
"Hey, Buddy! Were you a good boy? Yes, you were! Who's a good boy? You're a good boy," Aaron cooed, affectionately rubbing Buddy's ears. "How's he doing, doc?"
"He's doing great," Rick answered as he walked over to them. "I removed the sutures without any problems, and his incision looks healthy. There's no tenderness, swelling or redness. I think it's safe to say Buddy has made a full recovery."
"You hear that, boy? Doc Grimes says you made a full recovery! No more eating Gracie's Barbie dolls, ok? No more surgeries."
Buddy happily licked Aaron's face while his tail wagged wildly.
"I can't thank you enough, doc. You saved Buddy's life."
"I can say the same thing to you, Aaron. If you hadn't brought him here when you did, things may have worked out differently."
Aaron gave Buddy a kiss on his head, stood and held out his hand. "This Christmas is going to be a good one for my family because of you, Rick. You're the hero. Thank you."
Rick smiled at the praise and shook Aaron's hand enthusiastically. "If Buddy has any problems, give us a call and we'll get him in for another appointment. Or text me if anything happens after hours. But Buddy should be fine. I shouldn't have to see this big guy again until his annual exam." He rubbed Buddy's massive head. "Keep being a good boy, Bud. And listen to your daddy. Stay away from Gracie's toys."
Buddy licked Rick's hand while his tail wagged wildly.
"You and Michonne have a very merry Christmas," Aaron said warmly as he gathered Buddy's leash.
"And you, Eric and Gracie have a merry Christmas yourselves," Rick replied with a big grin. "Beth will take care of you at the front desk."
On his way back to his office, Rick's phone chimed from an email notification. He normally didn't keep his phone on when he was at the clinic, but he'd been waiting for a very important email to come in for the past few days. He pulled his phone from his belt, checked the email and pumped his fist in exhilaration. It was the email he'd been waiting on.
Date: December 3, 2022
From: The Town of Alexandria Christmas Committee
To: Residents of Alexandria
Subject: Christmas Festivities 2022
Ho Ho Hell-o, Alexandrians! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means… The 3rd Annual Christmas Extravaganza is right around the corner! Your Christmas Committee is pleased to announce this year's Christmas Extravaganza competition:
Event #1 - Christmas Drink Showdown: Which team mixes the best Christmas drinks?
Event #2 - Christmas Cookie Contest: Which team can eat the most Christmas cookies in 5 minutes?
Event #3 - Christmas Trivia Night: Which team knows the most about Christmas?
Event #4 - Christmas Fashion Show: Which team has the best Christmas-themed outfits?
Event #5 - Christmas Talent Show: Which team has the best Christmas-themed talent?
Event #6 - Snowman Building Contest: Which team can build the best snowperson in an hour?
Event #7 - Christmas Lights Contest: Which home is the best decorated?
Rules:
- This is a team competition. All teams must consist of two members. Significant others, friends, family members, etc. may form a team
- Points are awarded in each competition depending on how a team finishes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & all other finishers
- The competition ends on Christmas Eve
- The team with the most points will be crowned as Alexandria's Christmas Extravaganza royalty!
- Previous winners are eligible to compete:
2020 King & Queen of Christmas: Rick and Michonne Grimes
2021 King & Queen of Christmas: Shane and Sasha Walsh
You'll have to act fast if you want to participate in this spirited and friendly competition! Sign up through this link by 6PM tomorrow.
Glad tidings for Christmas! May your bells jingle all the way!
Your Christmas Committee director,
Hershel "Poppa Santa" Greene
Rick's phone rang right as he finished reading. He answered immediately. "Did you get the email?" he asked, his heart racing from Christmas-fueled adrenaline.
"I already signed us up," Michonne said with a giggle. "We're reclaiming our crown this year. We'll be Christmas Extravaganza royalty once again, Rick!"
A/N: Thank you for reading. It's very much appreciated if you take the time to leave a review!