How many of you are NOT buying much if any this Christmas?

[IrishAyes]

71. I've really enjoyed reading this thread

because I like to hope people are happy much of the time, especially during the holidays. It's been years since I had family around, so any chance I have to celebrate with others is welcome - beforehand. On Christmas Day itself, I prefer to be alone in peace and quiet. It's also the one day I unplug electronically. No outside news to spoil the day. I tend to spend a little extra on the 2 dogs but not much; they eat well all year anyway and as for toys, they prefer a frisbee or ball game to any of the expensive chew toys I've bought for them in the past. They really love small fallen tree branches to chew on. Today at the store I bought them kong toys to hide treats in; when I presented these wonderful items to Molly and Brigid, they just looked at me as if to say we're not hungry, fish out those treats yourself if you want one. Then they curled up and went to sleep. Guess I've been feeding them enough.

That ball game almost every day is what they really look forward to. It requires 3 balls and keeps me busy; the JR wants one thrown for her to chase, and the mini-beagle/pom mix likes to snatch one if she can and play keep away. The third is for me, because Brigid wont drop the ball she's retrieved unless I throw another one first. When it's finally time to quit, I try real hard to outsmart her by faking a throw so I can gather up all 3 balls and put them away - but it's not easy. She's on to most of my tricks, and by then all three balls are slippery with dog slobber so she can bump my hand and make me drop them....

That's my idea of fun. Nobody starts arguing politics or criticizes a single thing. It's our Peace Day in honor of the Prince of Peace.

Oh, and I sing one of my favorite Christmas songs for Molly and Brigid. "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"