I realize I’m probably going to have to answer for things like this—putting plaid Christmas pajamas on my lethargic Basset Hounds on Christmas Eve—in the hereafter. But I just can’t help myself. Look at those little snaps! Look how adorable he looks! And look how happy he is!
Never mind that the PJ’s were way too short for his body, which all clothes made for canines are. But that’s okay. It’s the thought that counts!
Too-short Basset attire aside, we had such a nice Christmas. Of course, the days leading up to it could only be described as frenzied, frazzled, and frenetic—what with the last-minute travel and a winter storm that blanketed the ranch in thick ice—but once we rolled our bodies out of bed yesterday morning, the joy and peace of Christmas descended upon our household and we had nothing but peace like a river in our souls for the rest of the day. And by golly—I think the river’s still running now!
Here’s a funny story I don’t think I’ve ever told you: Last year my niece and nephew—my brother-in-law Tim’s kids—were so excited about Christmas that they sneakily set all the clocks in the house way ahead and successfully duped their unsuspecting parents into getting up at 1:30 a.m. to open gifts. It wasn’t until the gifts were open and Tim and Missy noticed the sun never came up that they figured out what was going on.
I don’t know why that story makes me laugh so hard, but it does.
Meantime, we’ve always told our kids that if they come downstairs before it’s light outside on Christmas morning, Santa will come reclaim all his gifts and Christmas will be null and void. Isn’t that a beautiful family tradition we’ve instituted through the years.
How was your Christmas, friends? I hope you had a special, love (and food) filled day.
What did you do?
Whom did you see?
What did you eat?
Did you dress up your dogs in plaid Christmas pajamas? Please say yes.
I’ve missed you over the past several days, but I’m excited to get back to blogging about important issues again. Like the gross under-representation of Basset Hound physiques in the canine apparel market.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!
Lots of Love,
P-Widdle-Diddle
Ree Drummond is the founder of The Pioneer Woman and a lover of butter, basset hounds and life on the ranch! Ree started her blog in 2006, and now millions visit ThePioneerWoman.com every month for her trusted recipes and fun family stories. Here’s what she has been up to since it all began:
New York Times Bestselling Author
Ree has written two memoirs (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, and Frontier Follies) plus nine bestselling cookbooks:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (2009)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier (2012)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays (2013)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime (2015)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! (2017)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier (2019)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Super Easy (2021)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready! (2023)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes (2025)
Food Network Host
Since 2011, Ree has been sharing simple, family-friendly recipes—and the occasional kitchen prank!—on her award-winning show The Pioneer Woman, filmed right on Drummond Ranch. Ree is also a regular judge on Food Network competitions, including Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Founder, The Pioneer Woman Collection
Ree has been creating and selling kitchen and home products at Walmart since 2015 and she’s involved in designing every piece and pattern. The line now includes best-selling appliances (you have to see the floral blender!), plus hundreds of pieces of cookware, tableware, and more. Ree doesn’t like to play favorites but the Agatha print has a special place in her heart.
Restaurant and Hotel Owner
Together with her husband Ladd, Ree has opened several bustling businesses in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile—a bakery, restaurant, and general store that draws visitors from across the country (many come for the biscuits alone!), P-Town Pizza, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, and The Boarding House, a charming hotel with eight different rooms decorated by Ree and Ladd.
Media Personality
Ree appears regularly on national TV shows like Today, Good Morning America and more—all while managing to keep flour off her shirt.
Wife, Mom and…Grandma!
Ree’s kids (daughters Alex and Paige and sons Bryce and Todd) are all grown up, and as of December 2024, Ree is the proud grandma of the cutest baby ever, Sofia Scott, born to Alex and her husband Mauricio. Ree still cooks for Ladd (and the kids when they’re home), and she also looks after a few mischievous ranch dogs.
