
Greetings and good winter tidings once again from your highness, Emperor Julius! I hope this missive finds you all well, wherever in the world you might be.
As this calendar year draws to a close, it is natural, especially for an emperor such as myself, to sit quietly beside a fireplace or in a warm lap and reflect on the months that have passed — to recollect battles fought, wars won, food eaten, yarn taken. 2021 was a year of ups and downs for the empire of royal Julius. There was the war with Dog at the beginning of the year. There was an ill-fated bath in summer. Despite these challenges, however, it was all in all a good year for yours truly. I got extra food, a new cat tree, new blankets, snuggles…and perhaps, even, a companion in the court jester Dog. On this New Year’s Day, I sit in my royal chair and am content.
2022 will be even more propitious for my empire. I plan to lead regally, and I have plans for greatness.
Resolution #1:
2022 will be a year of prosperous calories. I plan to extract even larger tithings from Dog. As he has grown bigger, so has the size of his food bowl. Accordingly, I am going to expect more of him if he is to remain a resident in my empire.
Resolution #2:
I plan to bless the new furniture my humans have recently brought into my empire. The humans bought new things covered with beautifully tempting cloth and fake leather, and I am going to artistically shape these new belongings until they are to my liking, suitable to be sat on by a royal such as myself.
Resolution #3:
I plan to communicate more with my subjects and be more available and open as an emperor to them. Every night at midnight, I am going to climb to the top of the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator and make announcements that will ring proudly from corner to corner of my domain.
Resolution #4:
I plan to take more interest in the activities of my Main Human to show my appreciation for her undying servitude and loyalty. I am going to sit on every thing she tries to do to show how interested I am in her work. Paper, cloth, knitting, you name it, my butt will be there!
Resolution #5:
I plan to continue being an amazing emperor, full of glory and greatness. I will strive to always be the best emperor I can be — proud, strong, and determined. It has been five great years of rule in this household, and I am looking forward to what 2022 has to offer me.
Take care, my dearest subjects. Stay safe and well and warm, and may 2022 be a good year for all of you!
Until next time,
Emperor Julius