Jinx and Me: A Christmas Tail
A Christmas to Remember: Family, Gifts, and a Pet Rat
It was Christmas, and my dad picked up Robert, JC, and me in his pearl white Mercedes Benz convertible with red interior. Robert and JC were my new stepbrothers through Dad's marriage to his second wife.
There was snow on the ground and we waved at skaters circling the two-story Christmas tree outside Macy's. Dad made us wear ties to go to for lunch at a classy place called Manning's, then he took us all to the restroom. Manning's had a small booth outside there that sold goods and services to people. We stopped and dad gave us each a quarter to buy a comb, and a splash of cologne. We went inside and he showed us the right way to comb our hair and straightened our ties. We all looked in the mirror and he said, "A man needs to look his best to do his best".
After lunch, he gave us each a brand-new James Bond attaché case—a marvel for any kid: a case that could shoot plastic bullets, had a pop-out knife, and a silencer-equipped toy gun. We tucked them in the car and walked down a Christmas-light-laden street to join a long line waiting for Thunderball. The movie was thrilling from start to finish.
On the way back to the car, we passed a store window decorated to look like the North Pole, where four white rats sat together in a cage, framed by red garland and felt. Their white fur and red eyes made the scene surreal.
JC ran up and exclaimed, "Look, it’s a mouse!" Robert and I corrected him in unison, "It’s a rat!" and quickly added, "Jinx!" And just like that, the name was chosen for my soon-to-be pet rat.
Dad tried to resist but was no match for three pleading boys. An hour later, we left with three rats and all the supplies we needed to house, feed, and play with them.
Two Christmases, Two Families: A Pet's New Home
When Dad dropped me off at home, Mom was less than thrilled. But we won her over soon enough. My room became Jinx’s playground: a cage, wheel, tunnels, tracks, and eventually Hot Wheels and train sets intertwined with his domain.
I would let Jinx run freely around my room—desk to bookshelf, windowsill to dresser—before picking him up, lying on my bed, and feeding him treats while gently petting him.
After Christmas eve with Mom and my sisters we went over to dad's for Christmas day. JC and Robert had already put the rats in a cage. We spent the day playing with the rats and also our attaché cases.
The Great Escape: A Small Pet's Kitchen Adventure
One day while Mom was cooking a casserole, I must have left my bedroom door ajar. Jinx, ever curious and enticed by the smells, ventured into the kitchen just as Mom bent down to pick up something from the floor.
When their eyes met, Mom screamed. Jinx bolted under a cabinet, and Mom grabbed a broom. I awoke to the commotion and ran in as Mom was chasing Jinx around the kitchen.
I was following right behind. Thwack! The broom hit the floor. Thwack! It hit me as I tried to intervene just as I caught Jinx.
Jinx took his chance to flee—straight into my little sister’s room where Duchess, her young tuxedo cat and Christmas gift, lay napping.
Duchess vs. Jinx: The Chase
Jinx scrambled up the bedspread. Duchess, now wide awake, began stalking, her tail twitching, eyes fixed, bottom wiggling, preparing to pounce.
I arrived just in time, scooping Jinx up as Duchess lunged. My sister bolted upright, yelling, "Mom!" Mom, now standing in the doorway with broom in hand, glared at me.
I cradled Jinx, tiptoed past her wary gaze, and dashed back to my room, closing the door firmly behind us.
Jinx’s heart was pounding—he was lucky to be alive. From then on, I made sure his habitat was safe and enriching: another cage, and plenty of things to keep him entertained.
Lessons and Lasting Joy: Small Pets and Big Memories
For years, Jinx brought endless joy and companionship. I never forgot the lesson: small pets can bring big joy—but they also demand responsibility and care.
Thank you for reading! If this story inspired you, we invite you to visit jspetshop for thoughtfully selected supplies for small pets — from secure cages to enrichment toys to keep your little escape artist happy.