This one has appeared around the Noel twice–originally on Literally Stories and last year on this site.
Far be in from me to prevent a possible tradition from setting in. Stranger stuff has happened. Not in bunches, but some.
There are famous fictional Cat names in this: Rhubarb, Toonces. Most of the others are named after demons, including “Amy” (no fooling). May all the roving fiends discover kindness, not just during the holidays but throughout their hectic lives.
Leila
Saragun Springs 
Leila
This is a charming piece which teems with life and well-deserves to be a Christmas tradition. The animals are just as alive as the humans, as in all your work. Your human characters are both realistic and likable – a rare feat.
I can add, in light of the Grinch’s rantings as a guest columnist yesterday, that you know how to write dialogue. It advances the story without being expository, it sheds light on character, reveals nuance, has humor, SOUNDS REAL, and is never overused in your work.
There are a lot of things going on in this story. It sheds light on the “real” meaning of the holiday season (or what the real meaning of the season should be) and it has a life-giving, life-enhancing effect. Merry Christmas Week!
Dale
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