A Christmas Pudding

It was Christmas eve and we had all sat down to a vegetarian steamboat dinner which had been painstakingly prepared by a couple of nuns.  As we waited for the soup to boil, Head Nun asked the nuns, "What do you think is the best gift you can give for Christmas?"

The nuns thought for a while and after some time unanimously agreed that since they had no money, they could only give in terms of loving kindness and service to everyone, regardless of race or religion.

Head Nun appeared to be pleased  with their answer, then she turned to me and asked, "What about you, Vege Cat?  What do you think is the best gift you can give for Christmas?"

I too thought for a while, then said, "The gift of happiness.  I mean I want everyone to be happy!"

Head Nun smiled and patted my head.

Then Ning sauntered in and in his usual nonchalant way asked, "What's going on here?"

"Ning, how come you're back so early? I thought you would still be celebrating at the club,"  I said.

"Oh, I've had enough to drink, just want an early night."  he replied.

Head Nun then asked him, "Ning, what do you think is the best gift you can give for Christmas?"

"A bottle of champagne," yelled Ning without hesitation.  We all laughed and shooed him off to bed.

Then I noticed Tai Koe in the corner of the kitchen.  He had taken an early dinner by himself and was sitting quietly in deep thought.  I nudged Head Nun and whispered, "Head Nun, ask Tai Koe."

"Oh, yes.  Tai Koe, what do you think is the best gift you can give for Christmas?"

Tai Koe looked up and for a while said nothing.  We all know Tai Koe to be knowledgeable and wise and we waited with bated breath for his words of wisdom.

Then he said, "A Christmas pudding."

We all roared with laughter - and so ended a wonderful evening that we shall always remember for as long as we live.

"Peace on earth will come to stay

when we live Christmas every day!"

Meowy Christmas, everyone and
may your new year be happy and bright!