Healing, Humor and Joy: Marvin the “Mental Health Warrior” Cat's Crew Sings Jingle Bells

I knew something was up the moment I heard off-key humming outside my house.

Not caroling-humming. Not cheerful-humming. This was determined humming. The kind that says, We are doing something whether the world is ready or not.

I opened the door. There stood Marvin the “Mental Health Warrior” Cat, chest puffed out like he’d just won a Grammy.

Beside him were the usual suspects: Doug the “Depressed” Dog, tail wagging cautiously;

Samantha the “Stressed-Out” Squirrel, clutching a clipboard she absolutely did not need; Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark, apologizing for something that hadn’t happened yet; Percy the “PTSD” Platypus, standing calmly at the back like a seasoned professional.

Marvin grinned. “Bruce,” he said, “We’re rewriting Jingle Bells.”

Of course you are, I thought.

“To make it Warrior style,” Marvin added. “Because this time of year? People don’t need another song about snow. They need reminders that they’re still in charge.”

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How This All Started

We gathered in the living room. Someone lit a candle. Someone else knocked over a candle. Samantha sighed. Doug apologized for knocking over a candle he didn’t touch.

Marvin hopped onto the coffee table. “Warriors,” he began, “let’s remember why we’re here.”

He looked at me. “It started when Bruce decided mental health shouldn’t be whispered about, overcomplicated, or left to chance. It should be talked about. Laughed about sometimes. And most importantly — acted on.”

Doug nodded. “Because feelings don’t go away just because we ignore them.”

Andy raised a paw. “Or because we Google them at 2 a.m.”

Percy spoke quietly. “Or because we tell ourselves we should be stronger.”

Samantha added, “Strength is doing something about it. Preferably with a plan.”

Marvin smirked. “Exactly. The Mental Health Warrior Program exists because for 20 years, Bruce struggled with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. It left him feeling so powerless that he tried to end his life. But in that dark time, he realized: mental health is not enemy, it is the key to overcoming any challenge.

Armed with that knowledge, Bruce created the Mental Health Warrior Program – a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge!

“And not my anxiety?” Andy asked hopefully.

“Especially not your anxiety,” Marvin said.

Which is when Percy stepped forward. “If we’re going to sing,” he said calmly, “let’s do it right.”

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🎶 Jingle Bells (Warrior Style)🎶

🎵 Verse 1 – Marvin the “Mental Health Warrior” Cat

Warrior bells, warrior bells,

Feel it, then decide,

Pause your breath, choose your step,

You’re in charge inside — hey!

Warrior bells, warrior bells,

One step every day,

Feel your feelings, take one move,

And lead the Warrior way!

(Marvin bowed. Doug applauded. Samantha corrected his tempo.)

🎵 Verse 2 – Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark

Andy felt his worries rise,

Heart went fast and loud,

“What if this all goes wrong?”

Andy worried out loud.

So he stopped and took one breath,

Didn’t run away,

Turns out fear can’t drive the sleigh

When Andy leads the way!

(Andy blinked. “Wait. I think I nailed that.” Marvin beamed. “Growth.”)

🎵 Verse 3 – Doug the “Depressed” Dog

Doug felt heavy in the cold,

Joy was hard to find,

Getting off the couch today

Deserved a medal — fine.

He didn’t need to feel great,

Didn’t need to shine,

He showed up in mismatched socks

And called that winning time!

(Doug sniffed. “That was vulnerable.” Andy nodded. “Very brave. Emotionally.”)

🎵 Verse 4 – Samantha the “Stressed-Out” Squirrel

Samantha felt the pressure build,

Calendar screamed loud,

Too many things, not enough naps,

Stress was very proud.

So she stopped and checked herself,

Said, “Nope — this won’t stay,

”She crossed things off and took a breath

And saved her holiday!

(Samantha smiled. “I feel accomplished.”)

🎵 Verse 5– Percy the “PTSD” Platypus

Then one foggy holiday night,

Nothing could be seen,

Percy said, “Just slow it down,

”Calm and cool and keen.

Feel your feelings, choose one step,

That’s the Warrior way,

Emotions plus action help us lead

Through foggy days — hooray!

(Percy nodded. “Fog happens.” Samantha sighed, “It wasn’t on my list.”)

🎵 Final Verse – All Warriors (Together)

Big emotions, little steps,

That’s the Warrior way,

Feel it first, then choose your move,

And lead your life — hey!

Big emotions, brave hearts too,

You know what to do,

Feel your feelings, take one step,

And let YOU lead you!

(Silence. Then Marvin shouted, “We’re going on tour.”)

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The Real Warrior Message (No Singing Required)

After the laughter settled, Percy spoke again. “This season,” he said, “brings memories, stress, expectations and noise. You can’t control that.”

“But you can control what you do with your emotions,” I added.

Marvin nodded. “That’s the whole Warrior deal.”

Doug wagged his tail. “You don’t have to be perfect.”

Andy whispered, “You just have to start.”

Samantha closed her clipboard. “And choose the Mental Health Warrior actions that work for you."

Because here’s the Warrior truth: You don’t need to hide from your emotions — and you don’t need to drown in them either.

This holiday season — and every day after — YOU are in charge! 🎄⚔️

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!