¶ Christmas Fun and First Game Rules
This episode of Bluey is called Veranda Santa. It was a festive day at the Healer House. Everyone was bustling about enjoying the Christmas cheer. Bluey was very excited about the presents under the Christmas tree and sneakily tried to take a look at one that had her name on it. Dad caught her. Aha no peeking at those presents. Bluey asked, Why not? And Dad then explained that Santa doesn't give presents to naughty kittens.
Next to Bluey, Muffin started to wonder how Santa gets in the house if there's no chimney. Maybe he uses the veranda, Blueie suggested. Oh yeah, said Muffin. From nowhere Bingo jumped out of the pile of presents and said, Let's play Verandah, Santa Bowie and Muffin excitedly agreed, and shouted, Yeah on, Dad said Bluey, as the kids ran off to go upstairs to start the game. The game began with Dad as the first Firanda Santa, which means Dad was wearing a Santa hat.
He put on an exaggerated Santa voice and sent the kids to bed. Remember, he called as he left the room, Santa only gives presents to nice kids who are fast asleep. So no peeking or no present. The kids tucked themselves in, pretending to drift off immediately. Once the room was quiet, Dad crept in with the presents, ready to place a pencil case under Bluey's pillow, a can of shaving cream under Bingo's, and a snow globe under muffins.
But just as he moved, Blueie's curiosity got the better of her, and she peaked. Dad, as Santa, turned dramatically, his voice booming. Oh was that a peak? Startled, Bluey squeezed her eyes shut and whispered No, I'm still asleep. It wasn't a peak. Dad gave a suspicious nod and finished his delivery. When Dad came back into the room without his Santa hat on, they all pretended it was Christmas morning, and the kids scrambled to check their gifts.
Everyone was thrilled, until Bingo noticed Bluey holding the pencil case. Hey, that's my pencil case she shouted, grabbing it back Dad stepped in quickly, reminding Bingo not to snatch. Bingo hesitated, then apologized to Bluey and held out the pencil case. But Bluey was still upset. Dad asked Blueie if she was going to accept Bingo's apology. No, why should I? She huffed. Muffin piped up. Santa likes children who accept sorry.
After a moment's thought, Blueie grudgingly took the pencil case back and accepted Bingo's apology.
¶ Bluey's Lessons and Sox's Upset
Now it was time for the next veranda, Santa. Bluey eagerly volunteered. She donned the Santa hat, shushed the others into their pretend beds, and dramatically told everyone Night night, kids, no peeking or no pretend. But when it was time to deliver the presents, Blueie's mischievous side emerged. Instead of being quiet, she shouted Ho ho ho waking everyone up.
When the kids protested, Bluey declared that there would be no presents because they had peeked at Santa. Dad chuckled from his pretend bed, muttering, What a stitcher After a round of apologies from everyone, Bluey relented and handed out the gift. Boy, I sure am a very nice child, she said loudly, glancing up as if speaking directly to Santa. If I were the real Santa, I'd give me lots of presents. she said. Dad raised an eyebrow and stated, Well, I'm not sure that's how it works.
Next, it was Bingo and Sox's turn to be Veranda Santa. Sox was thrilled to help, barking excitedly as they got ready to be Veranda Santa together. But when Bluey jokingly pretended Sox was her teddy bear, Sox got upset and bit Bluey's arm. Ow, Sox bit me, Bluey cried. Dad stepped in, kneeling down to explain to Sox that biting wasn't okay. Sox looked confused, but Bluey was still fuming. It wasn't even an accident. It was on purpose for no reason. She's not even saying sorry.
Dad sighed. She's only one. She doesn't know any better yet. We have to teach her. Bluey folded her arms, still upset, but agreed to keep playing the game. And when it was time to choose the next veranda Santa, Bluey's eyes gleamed with revenge. Me, she said firmly. Dad gave a knowing look. Strap yourselves in, kids, he muttered. Now as Veranda Santa, Blueie handed out presents to everyone except Sol.
Sox looked under her empty pillow, confused, and began to whimper. Bluey smirked. Oh, I guess Verandasanta doesn't give presents to kids who bite people. Sox was even more upset now and ran out of the room, her tail true. The game had now finished and Mum and Dad went to talk with Bluey, obviously disappointed in her action. Bluey, I think you should say sorry to Sox. I didn't do anything wrong, she insisted. I was teaching her that Santa doesn't give you presents if you're not nice.
¶ The True Spirit of Kindness
Dad sat beside her and said softly. Bluey, don't worry about whether Santa's gonna bring you presents or not, okay? Why? asked Bluey, her brow furrowed. Mum chimed in. Because it's not the reason to be nice to people. Well, then what's the reason? Bluey asked, genuinely curious. Mom smiled and led her outside. Under the soft glow of Christmas lights, Sox sat near a reindeer decoration, sniffling sadly.
Bluey watched her for a moment, her heart sinking. That's the reason, mum said quietly. Dad added, Imagine if Sox did to you what you did to her. Bluey nodded, understanding now. She walked over to Sox and knelt down. Hi, Sox. I'm sorry I didn't give you any presents. I was mad at you because you bit me and you didn't say sorry. Sox looked up at her with big eyes, then leaned in and licked the spot where she had bitten Bluey. They hugged tightly, both of them feeling better.
It was time for one more round of the game, and it was Dad who was going to be Veranda Santa. With his Santa hat on and presence in hand, he tiptoed around dramatically and pulled back the cover. Except there was no one under the covers just pillows. What's this? he exclaimed as Santa The kids and adults had been hiding, and as soon as Dad pulled back the covers to only find pillows, everyone yelled Git him and started pelting him with pillows.
Veranda Santa's just trying to do his job, Dad said. You naughty kids. Laughter echoed through the house as the Healer family ended the game in a joyful, chaotic pillow fight. Bluey reflected on the day's lesson. Being nice wasn't about what you'd get in return, but about caring for others. With her family by her side, she felt the true spirit of Christ, kindness, understanding, and love.