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AUTHOR'S NOTE: Part of this story idea is courtesy of my good friend, AmagnifcentMeerkat. I really appreciate chatting with him and his input about my stories. I hope all of you have a friend like him in your lives.

All was quiet at the Wilde home. The snow and Christmas lights from outside prevented the house from being completely pitch black. Nick and Judy were sleeping soundly, with the rabbit cuddled up closely to her vulpine husband, who was busy lightly snoring. The alarm clock on Nick's side of the bed read 2:30 AM. It was early Christmas morning. Ever so softly, the sound of footsteps approaching their door could be heard. The door handle of the bedroom turned slowly, with the hinges squeaking. Eddie, Sammy, Abby and Emma, dressed in their pajamas, came skulking into their parents room, seeing them still sleeping. Eddie, being the boldest, tugged at his mother's pajama sleeve.

"Mommy?" he said. "Mommy?"

Judy blinked her eyes, seeing her for children looking at her. "What is it?" she asked, groggy and still not completely awake.

"Can we open presents?" asked the boy, his tail wagging.

The rabbit looked over at the clock, seeing what time it was. She then turned her attention back at her son. "It's just after 2:30 in the morning. Go back to bed."

"Aw," whined Eddie. "But we wanna open our presents!"

Judy, angry at being woken up so early, flew into a rage. "You kids get your butts back to bed right now!"

Knowing their mother meant business, the four fox-rabbit hybrids yelped, scurrying back to bed as quickly as possible. Nick, blinking his eyes, woke up, wondering what was going on. "Hey, what was all that about?" he asked, yawning.

"Our kids just asked if they could open their presents. Look at the clock."

The fox looked over, seeing how early in the morning it truly was. "Geez, those four must have a death wish if they thought it would be okay to wake us up now."

"I swear," said Judy, putting her head back on Nick's chest. "They're going to be the death of me."

"At this rate," said Nick, closing his eyes. "We're going to have to have more kids, because you might end up killing the four we have now."

"Don't tempt me," said Judy, getting another look at the alarm clock. "Now, let's go back to sleep."

"Good idea," said Nick, knowing that they could rest easy without their kids pulling a stunt like that again. If they had any sense, they would stay in their rooms until their parents came and got them.

Four and a half hours later, Nick and Judy awoke from their sleep. Indeed, the children had enough sense to stay put until Nick and Judy told them it was okay to go out into the living room. The staircase sounded like a herd of elephants in a stampede as the four kids ran down into the living room, seeing Christmas tree had presents all around it. Jumping up and down, Judy had to glare at the kids to get them to settle down. That never ceased to amaze Nick, how his wife could get them to behave with just a look. The female rabbit had learned how to keep the four in line, as it was usually just her handling them during the day. Going over to the Christmas tree, Nick knelt down, picking out a present for each one of the kids.

"You remember the rules," said the fox. "We each give you a present and you open it together, then we'll give you another round of gifts. Got it?"

The four nodded excitedly. Picking up the wrapped gifts, Nick distributed them out to the his kids. "Okay, Eddie, here's yours. Sammy, this one is for you. Emma, looks like this one has your name on it. Abby, here you go."

Nick sat down on the couch next to his wife. Almost instantly, the couple heard the sound of paper ripping and being thrown on the floor. The two laughed, remembering what it was like to be so young, so happy to open presents on Christmas morning. Nick being the smart ass that he was, played a mean trick on the four, having them unwrap clothes before any of their toys. The four gave their parents horrified looks, causing Nick to grin and Judy to scowl at her husband.

"Nick, you big stinky tail," she said, giving him an elbow to the stomach. "Give them the presents they really want."

"Oh, alright," he said, getting to his feet. "Here you go, you little brats."

The four kids didn't mind being called brats if they were getting toys. Sure enough, with the next round of unwrapping, the two boys and two girls were pleased to see the real gifts. Eddie and Sammy, who always talked about becoming a police officer like their father, were ecstatic, seeing that they got little Zootopia Police Department uniforms, along with toy handcuffs and guns. Emma and Abby received dolls that had been specially made to look like female fox-rabbit hybrids. Judy didn't know that her husband had made such a purchase, but found it to be a very nice, sweet touch. Nick went round after round, passing out presents as Judy took pictures with her phone of the kids; glad that they were enjoying themselves so much. By the time all the presents were unwrapped, the four little ones ran up to their parents, hugging and kissing them.

"Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Daddy," they told them over and over.

"Your welcome," said Judy, soaking up their attention. "Wow, what a mess," she observed, looking at all the torn wrapping paper and empty boxes lying on the floor.

"I'll go get a trash bag, or two," said Nick. "Hey, would you kids lend me a paw so we can get this cleaned up?"

Grateful for all they had been given, the four went to work, swiftly disposing of the mess they had created. Judy went out to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family. Nick turned on the television, hoping to see the Christmas Day parade in downtown Zootopia. The kids busied themselves with their new toys, much to their father's delight. Soon the house was filled with the smell of pancakes cooking on the stove, which never failed to bring Nick out to the kitchen, hoping to sneak a pancake or two without his wife noticing.

"Ouch!" yelled the fox, feeling Judy whacking his paw with a wooden spoon. "I should have you arrested for assaulting a police officer, Judy."

"You go right ahead," said Judy, cracking some eggs and letting them run out into a hot pan on the stove. "You're gonna have to deal with me when I get out of jail, though."

"Alright, alright," said the fox, throwing his arms in the air. "Hey, you're actually making me eggs this morning?"

"You and the boys," corrected Judy, who usually couldn't stand the smell of them, being a rabbit. "I hope that you're happy."

"I'm always happy when I have my honey bunny and my four little brats with me," said Nick, putting his arms around his wife and kissing the top of her head. "Love you, Judy."

"I love you too, dumb fox," giggled Judy, still flipping pancakes over as her husband's arms enveloped her smaller body. "What time are we going over to your parents' house?"

"Sometime after eleven," answered Nick. "I'm sure Mom and Dad will be showering the brats with presents today."

"Of course they will," said Judy, scrambling the eggs in the pan. "They're rich and they absolutely love their four grandchildren. Would you expect anything less?"

"Nope," said Nick. "You about done with those eggs?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," joked Judy. "You make sure that Eddie and Sammy get some too, or I'll take that wooden spoon to your ass."

"Good grief," said Nick, backing away. "I think you need some anger management classes, honey bunny."

"No," said Judy. "I just need a husband who acts more mature than our five year old cubs."

Nick stuck his tongue out at his wife, making a farting sound. Judy shook her head. "And you wonder why I call you dumb fox?"

Nick hugged his wife again. "I know why you call me dumb fox, you don't understand that I love being your dumb fox, do you?"

"Yes I do," she said. "And I wouldn't have you any other way."

The Skulk Mansion was littered with Christmas decorations both outdoors on the lawn and house, as well as inside. Entering the gargantuan dwelling, Eddie, Sammy, Emma and Abby ran to their grandparents, who of course we're thrilled to see them.

"Grandma! Grandpa!"

"There's my babies," said Cindy, giving them all kisses. "Are you kids ready for me and Grandpa to give you your presents?"

"Yes!" they shouted emphatically.

The fox and rabbit couple watched their kids run off into the living room where the Christmas tree was at. Coming down the stairs, Nick caught sight of his brother and sister. They came over to him, hugging him tightly.

"Hey, big brother," said Anthony. "You still playing that Stratocaster I gave you?"

"Everyday," answered Nick, turning his attention to his sister. "And how's the prettiest vixen in the world?"

"I'm fine," said Amanda, giving her brother a kiss on the cheek. "I bet Mom and Dad are giving my nieces and nephews their presents right now, aren't they?"

"Of course," said Nick. "You going out there to watch them."

"I am," said Amanda. "You coming too, Anthony?"

"Um," said the young male fox. "Eventually. I need to talk to Nick about something right now."

"Okay," she said, taking off to see the children.

"What's up?" asked Nick. "You enjoying your first year of college?"

"I am," said Anthony, scratching his head nervously. He and his twin sister were in their freshman year at Zootopia City College, so they hadn't moved out of their parents house.

Nick, being the sly fox he was, couldn't help but whisper in his brother's ear. "You getting any pussy from some of the vixens at school?"

Anthony laughed at the question. "Well . . . yeah, but just a few."

"That's good," said Nick, playfully elbowing him. "So I at least know you're not trying to tell me you're gay."

Anthony elbowed him back. "Oh, shut up, Nick. Would you care if I was gay?"

"Nope," said the older fox. "I just hope your happy, healthy and safe. So, What's on your mind?"

"There's something I need to tell Mom and Dad, but I'm not sure they're going to like the news."

"Oh? What's wrong? You're not flunking out of college, are you?"

"No, no," said Anthony, shaking his head. "In fact, I made the dean's list this semester."

"Good boy," said Nick. "So, what's the big secret you can't tell, or perhaps don't want to tell Mom and Dad?"

"I um," said Anthony. "Forget it, okay? I'll just tell everybody at lunch."

"You sure?" inquired Nick. "I'm your big brother, you can tell me whatever you want, you know."

"I know, but I think it's best that I tell everyone at once, that way Mom and Dad can't get after you for knowing it before they did."

"Okay," said Nick, not wanting to push his brother into revealing what was on his mind. "I'll respect your decision. Hey, looks like lunch is ready."

Anthony and Nick went out to the dining room, joined by the rest of family. The servants had prepared a full meal that day. Though Judy and the girls would be having their usual salads, everyone else would partake of the large turkey that was the centerpiece of the table. Nick licked his lips, seeing mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and rolls next to the bird. For desert, there was pecan pie, carrot cake and several other sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. Norman sat down at the head of the table, ready to eat.

"I'm so happy we can all get together today as a family," he said. "Is everyone hungry?"

"Yes!" they all said at once.

"Okay," he said, laughing. "Well let's get started then."

Judy and Nick assisted their kids in dishing out the food. They were still at the age where getting food on their own might prove to be a messy ordeal, and Nick especially didn't want his father's exquisite dining room table soiled by one of his kids spilling gravy on it. Nick really piled on the turkey, adding plenty of mashed potatoes and gravy, as well his mother's patented stuffing. The family conversed as they ate, though Norman had an idea for a conversational topic.

"How about we all go around the table and say what we're thankful for on this Christmas? I'll start. I'm most grateful for having such a wonderful, loving family. What about you, Cindy?"

His wife patted his paw. "I'm most grateful for having a rich husband," she said jokingly.

Judy was next. "I'm most grateful for having four healthy, happy kids that I get to take care of everyday. What about you, Nick?"

"Other than my incredible family, I'm most grateful that I got promoted to Captain this year; quite a nice bump in pay for me. Looks like you're up, Amanda."

"I'm most grateful for my family, and for making the dean's list this semester, just like Anthony did."

Everyone looked at Anthony, who was unusually quiet, looking down at his food. Norman spoke up. "Anthony? You care to share with the rest of the family what you're grateful for?"

"Um," said the young fox. "I'm most grateful for being able to go to Zootopia City College and getting good grades, and just so everyone knows, I've decided what I wanted to do after I graduate."

"What's that, sweetheart?" asked Cindy.

"I'm going to be an officer in the Marine Corps," he said nervously.

Norman and Cindy dropped their forks, not believing what they had just heard. "Did you just say the Marine Corps?" asked Norman.

"I did," said Anthony. "I take it you and Mom don't approve?"

"I think there's better careers out there for you,son," observed Norman. "You've got your music, you could go into business . . ."

"But I want to be a Marine," protested Anthony.

"Don't interrupt your father, Anthony," scolded Cindy. "You need to listen to his advice."

"I knew this was going to happen," said Anthony, getting up from the table. "I'm going to my room."

"Anthony, come back here!" yelled Norman, but his demand was ignored by the boy.

"What's wrong with Uncle Anthony?" asked Eddie.

"I'll go talk to him," said Nick, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Nick knocked on Anthony's bedroom door. He was told to come in by his younger brother. Inside the room, that was adorned with guitars hanging on the wall, Anthony sat on his bed, sulking.

"Hey," said Nick. "I guess that's what you were trying to tell me before lunch, huh?"

"Yeah," said Anthony. "I don't understand why they're getting so upset about this. It's my life, after all."

"I know it is," said Nick, sitting down on the bed next to his brother. "But you know what? Mom and Dad worry about me too."

"They do?" asked Anthony. "But you're an adult. You've got Judy and the kids to take care of."

"True, but I'm also in a dangerous line of work, too. You know how many times Mom has told me that she wished I would chose another career?"

"How many?" inquired the young fox.

"More times than I could count," said Nick, putting his paw on Anthony's back. "But that's parents for you. They're always going to worry about you no matter how old you get. I gotta ask; is this really what you want to do with your life?"

"Yeah," said Anthony. "I've wanted to do this for a long time, but I knew how they'd react to the news. I mean, I know I have the opportunity to do anything since Dad has so much money, but what's wrong with me wanting to be in the military? I want to do something other than just make a bunch of money."

"Very noble of you," mused Nick. "Well, if that's what you want to do, then I'm going to support you, Anthony."

"You will?" he asked.

"Damn right I will," said Nick. "I think you'll make a fine Marine too."

"Thanks, Nick," said Anthony as he hugged his brother. "Can I tell you something else?"

"Shoot," said Nick.

"When I get out after four years, I want to join the Zootopia Police Department."

"You're serious?" said Nick. "Wanting to follow your big brother's footsteps?"

"Kind of," laughed Anthony. "But can you keep that between us? I don't want them to freak out again."

"Deal," said Nick. "It's just between us. Now, how about we go downstairs and finish lunch? I'm still hungry and I plan on attacking that pecan pie with a vengeance, okay?"

"Okay," said Anthony, laughing once more.

Anthony and Nick rejoined the family, but before they resumed eating, Nick wanted to tell his parents what was going on with Anthony. "Mom, Dad, I've talked it over with Anthony and he really does want to become a Marine. He's a fine boy, he's got a good head on his shoulders, and I think it would be a shame if the Marine Corps didn't get a fine officer like him."

"Well," said Norman. "Perhaps we did overreact, but I'm just worried about you, that's all, Anthony."

"I know, Dad," he said. "I apologize for causing a seen in front of everyone earlier. That was uncalled for."

"We forgive you," said Cindy. "I won't lie, I'm not crazy about you joining the Corps, but it's your life. I worry about your brother being a police offier, you know."

Anthony looked over at Nick, who gave him a wink. "So I've heard."

Nick and Anthony sat down, resuming their meal. Nick kept looking over at his brother, proud that he had such a kid for a sibling. Nick was confident that Antony would do just fine in the Marine Corps, but he knew without a doubt that he would make an even better police officer. Nick hoped his brother would get to serve under his command one day, and that he would go as far as he could within the department. He had the potential to be the Chief of the Department one day.