For many, the holiday season is synonymous with family traditions, and for one Reddit user, u/pacmaneatsfruit, that has always meant a festive trip to see the dazzling Christmas lights. As a child, pacmaneatsfruit eagerly anticipated the annual outing with their family, and it was a tradition they knew they wanted to carry on with their own children.
In 2017, when pacmaneatsfruit adopted a pit bull named Ruckus, their plans for a growing family took a slight detour. Though they still hoped to have children, the couple decided not to wait to continue their cherished holiday ritual. Ruckus, after all, was part of the family now, and they were eager to see how he would react to the twinkling lights that had always brought them so much joy.
“We decided we couldn’t wait for a baby to start this tradition, so we took our dog to see the lights,” pacmaneatsfruit shared on Reddit. “We were hoping for that same sense of wonder we see from kids, and we got it from our pupper.”
Ruckus’ response was nothing short of heartwarming. The pup’s wide-eyed amazement as he gazed at the sparkling lights and inflatable decorations was a moment that immediately captured the hearts of his new family.
“Most people take their kids to see the lights hoping to see that look of awe,” the post continued. “We got that look from our dog.”
One of the highlights of their Christmas light tour was a particularly over-the-top house in their neighborhood, known for its extravagant displays of blow mold animals, Santas, and a life-sized Santa on the porch. Despite the sensory overload, Ruckus was completely captivated.
“This house is extra,” pacmaneatsfruit commented. “It’s got every inch of the yard covered in Christmas decorations and they play festive music. Ruckus loved it.”
Each year, the couple continued their tradition, bringing Ruckus back to enjoy the holiday lights. As the years went by, the gleam in Ruckus’ eyes remained unchanged, his excitement growing with every Christmas display. But just like his human parents, Ruckus began to long for the addition of a child to share the magic of the season.
Then, in 2023, pacmaneatsfruit’s dream came true—they welcomed their first baby into the family. The couple knew they had to bring their new child along for the Christmas light tour. Ruckus was finally able to share his favorite tradition with his little brother.
“After years of taking our dog to see the lights, we brought our baby along this year, and it was just perfect,” pacmaneatsfruit posted on Reddit. “Seeing our dog and our baby together, taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, was everything we had hoped for.”
The photo of Ruckus with his baby brother at the Christmas lights display was met with an outpouring of joy from online commenters, with one even pointing out the newly expanded family in the caption.
“What a beautiful way to share your tradition with your growing family,” one user wrote. “Looks like you’ve got your second baby now!”
For this loving family, the holidays have always been about creating lasting memories. And with their beloved dog Ruckus by their side and their new baby to share in the festivities, this year’s Christmas light outing was more special than ever.
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