The holidays are all about cherished family traditions. One of our traditions is me playing the role of shepherd with my family’s Nativity set. It’s a role I’ve taken very serious for a few years now, ever since Mom brought home a new manger. Normally I leave our Christmas decorations alone. However, I was instantly smitten by this one fleecy sheep. No matter how many times Mom tried to dissuade me, I would retrieve Sheepy and carry her around the house. Ok, truth be told, I’m not the best shepherd. There have been times when Mom would find Sheepy in some random places. But hey, tradition is tradition!

This year though, my role as shepherd was in jeopardy. Considering the ooze coming out of my nose, and the discovery that Sheepy was looking even more poorly than me, Mom wasn’t so certain this beloved tradition would continue. I may be alright with having a couple of new holes in me and being sheared thanks to surgery, but apparently that doesn’t apply to the holes in my Sheepy.

That’s when my dear friends Nittany and Blue reminded me of my very own post about not postponing joy this Christmas, by surprising me with a new sheep! Introducing Stunt Sheepy! While the original Sheepy will continue her role in the Nativity set, Stunt Sheepy will help me continue my role as shepherd!

Thanks Nittany and Blue, for remembering our cherished family tradition, and reminding us not to be sheepish when it comes to joy!

Alright, I admit occasionally the original Sheepy will still come out to play. Tradition is tradition, right?