It's beginning to look a lot like....

Christmas!

I think this tree might be big enough for all the presents to fit. 

...And there is the Big Guy, himself!  (that's me, peeking in the side)

By the time I made it downstairs, I was so excited to give Mr. Claus all the wish lists from the pod, find out what kinds of cookies he and the reindeer want for their Christmas Eve snack, give him a big hippo hug, and get his autograph, I forgot to take a picture. 

At least I have another two weeks to let him taste test the cookies, amend our lists, and take more pictures!

Hippo Christmas!

Hippo hopes everybody got a hippopotamus for Christmas.



Hippo Christmas to all, and to all a good hippo-night!

Hippo Claus

This is Opie's first Christmas with our clan. The other hippos have been telling him about all the exciting activities this season brings: Hunting for a 12-inch Christmas tree. Decking the halls with penguins. Advent calendars filled with chocolate. Cutting out cookies shaped like stars and sheep. Beautiful lights at the zoo. And a visit from a jolly elf in a red suit!

We were surprised when Santa Claus made a personal appearance at our home one night, far ahead of Christmas Eve. He invited Opie to sit on his lap and telling what a good hippopotamus he has been all year.


Opie was a little shy but thrilled to meet the big guy (who must have magically shrunk himself to little hippo size). Opie did comment that Santa Claus sounded a little different than he expected. Instead of "Ho! Ho! Ho!", Santa went more like "Giggle. Giggle. Oof! Snicker. Giggle." when Opie sat on his lap.

Hippo says he knows just what to get Opie this year. What a thoughtful friend!

O Christmas Tree

Little Christmas has passed, so Hippo will take the tree down soon. Before he does, he wanted to share a picture of his nifty origami tree.



Not all of the presents were for Hippo--he had to share.
But he did get some good presents from Santapotamus!

H(ipp)O, H(ipp)O, H(ipp)O! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to Hippofans everywhere! I hope everyone got everything they wanted! I know my stocking was full.



I get really into holidays--especially Christmas. I even got my very own Santa suit this year! Here I am with a little friend.




Maybe I can even be one of Santa's Little Helpers next year!

A visit from Santa Claus

Santa. Santa! SANTA!!!

How have you been? I hope you keep warm while you make your deliveries. Do you need to borrow my hat and scarf?


I have been a very, very good Hippo all year.


So why is my stocking still empty?


I even helped decorate for your arrival. There are monkey ballerinas swinging from the Christmas tree.

Looking for Santa

The weather has turned cold, snow has fallen, and we've finally finished the turkey from Thanksgiving. So that means it's time for Christmas! Hippo's looking all over for where Santa hid the presents.