A Goat for Christmas

[Lil' Stevie's mother is sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of tea. Lil' Stevie walks in with a confused look on his face]

Lil’ Stevie: Mama, would a goat make a good Christmas present?

Mama: A goat? Why would anyone want a goat for Christmas?

Lil’ Stevie: When I talked to granddaddy on the phone, he said that he would buy me a goat for Christmas if I come stay with him in North Carolina.

[Stevie’s mother laughs out loud]

Lil’ Stevie: What’s so funny mama?

Mama: Well, what did you say?

Lil’ Stevie: I asked him if I could bring the goat back to Washington D.C. if I changed my mind about staying.

Mama: What did he say?

Lil’ Stevie: He said I could ‘cause DC already has a donkey and an elephant. He said that it was about time for something new like a goat.

Mama: [Smiling] Oh, grandpa went political on you. I guess that it is about time for a new symbol of change in Washington. A goat is a great political symbol because goats get rid of all the trash around your house. Also, a goat can produce plenty of cheese to help the budget. What do you think?

Lil’ Stevie: Political symbol? I don’t know what that means, but I think it would be cool to ride my very own goat to school every day. Plus, I could eat grill cheese sandwiches whenever I want to. Mama, that would be the best Christmas gift in the world!