In a forest that had felt unusually heavy throughout 2025, Louis, standard poodle, tried to find a quiet moment beneath a tall eucalypt.
As Culture Manager of the forest, he prided himself on being steady, thoughtful and just a touch grand. With his elegant stride and regal curls, he carried himself like a creature destined for admiration. He cared deeply for everyone, even if he sometimes acted as though the forest existed purely to delight him.
While Louis rested, a small Quokka darted through the undergrowth. Bright-eyed, curious and always juggling ideas, she moved with a quick spark that contrasted sharply with Louis’s composed, deliberate pace. Her way of approaching problems was different to his. Where Louis preferred calm contemplation, she thrived in motion. Where he liked structure, she enjoyed energy and experimentation.
In her rush, the Quokka accidentally hopped right across Louis’s perfectly groomed paws.
Louis jolted upright with a lightly offended toss of his curls. “Excuse me,” he sniffed, in that slightly haughty tone he used when he suspected someone had forgotten his importance.
The Quokka froze. “Apologies. It has been a very big year, and I am trying to get everything done before the break.”
Louis’s stance softened.
“Yes. It has been a difficult year for the whole forest.”
“If you forgive me,” the Quokka said gently, “I promise I will be able to return a favour one day.”
Louis found this amusing. Not because she was small, but because their approaches were so different he could not imagine how their paths would ever meaningfully cross. Still, sensing the tug of the festive season, he let her go.
A few days later, Louis found himself deeply tangled in a net of competing expectations. Conflicting directions. Too many opinions. Not enough clarity. End of year fatigue weighing on every branch. Feeling stuck and overwhelmed, he let out a long, tired howl that echoed through the trees.
The Quokka heard him.
She bounded to his side, surveying the mess with clear, calm eyes. “Let me help,” she said.
She loosened knots. She simplified what mattered. She brought pace where Louis brought steadiness. She brought clarity where he brought care. Their very different approaches balanced beautifully. Slowly, Louis was freed.
He looked at her with genuine gratitude. “I never expected this.”
The Quokka smiled.
“Different does not mean disconnected. It just means we see things differently. And that can be a strength.”
Louis lowered his head and said, “Thank you. Truly.”
And so, as the forest prepared for the softness of the summer festive break, both Poodle and Quokka learned something gentle.
The year had been long and challenging, but kindness still mattered.
Difference could be powerful.
And the softness we offer each other often becomes the thing that carries us through.
This Christmas, may the forest find rest, warmth and generosity. And may we step into the new year remembering that no matter how we work or think, we are always better when we look after one another.
