Welcome to my holidaze, step right up ... get yer funnies and cuties and yummies ... several thoughtfuls as well. This is a shortie - compared to my usual epics anyway. Another page will be on the way shortly, wanted to allow time for you to swipe graphics and get going on ideas (lots in links). Also, please see Ernie about his Bring Em Home for Christmas project: http://www.ehowa.com/military.html

and Taz

and Trolls

and Buster

Thanks to Texas Sue for Buster cutie, and Ontario Sue for Troll graphic,

I couldn't do any of this without help from my friends.

Above is my shot, below is the pro - had a great turnout at the shelter.

You can track Santa Paws here: http://www.noradsanta.org/english/home/index.html and, did you know Santa is keeping a list of kind boys and girls who take, treats, food, blankets and toys to shelter animals?

Now, what does Santa want?
He told me himself ... educate just one person,

spay/neuter for all - you'll sleep better that night!

Think about sponsoring a spay or neuter through a shelter or rescue group. Great feel-good gift to yourself, in someone's name for the person who has everything or someone who knows it needs to be done but funds are tight. You could even organize a group fund-raiser at work, school, church, through Scouting or other assembly clubs. Just the pitch for the idea is a great opportunity to enlighten.

No Chocolate, Please

Although Fido and Fluffy may be attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, in sufficient quantities, chocolate can make them very sick and can be fatal.

Be sure to store chocolate well away from pets. Open counters or ledges are not good places - some dogs may 'counter-surf', and cats easily reach counters (what's worse, they can knock chocolate off the countertop and straight into the path of enthusiastic dogs).

Tinsel's pretty, but ... it can pose a danger if swallowed, causing intestinal blockage.

Mmm mmm! Extension cords! Tie them out of reach. Some hardware stores sell a plastic tubing for inserting cords to keep your gnawing critter from shock. 

Above adapted from Bully-Free Living Ezine, visit http://www.bullyfreekids.com

http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/hazards.htm - Holiday pet safety - covers a lot, a few tips and ideas I hadn't seen or thought about before.

Guests adding to the holiday noise and confusion equal stress for your pet. They can escape when visitors come and go, they might be stepped on and unsupervised children can be too rough. "Just a little bite" from everyone amounts to quite a lot - advise guests not to share goodies and keep an eye on them so they don't. Keep critters on their regular routine (food/exercise) and provide a quiet hideaway. Adapted from: http://www.practical-pet-care.com/article_view.php?ver=31

Christmas Survival Kit

Christmas CD - music for wrapping gifts
Clear tape - for the roll you forgot to buy
Cookie recipe- one more to add to your favorites section
Gift tags - for the ones you will run out of
Bubble bath - to take away your shopping spree aches and pains
Roll of extra film - so you won't miss those special moments
Tea - to help you calm your nerves
Antacid - to help those tummy aches we all get
Aspirin - to take away the headache of overdoing

Thanks Kassey

Jingle bells
Laugh a spell
Make your spirits bright

Take a sniff
A good big whiff
Of pine and such deli..ights

Wrap the gifts
Give some lifts
Help each other out

Share your wealth
and share your health
With those who go without

Chorus

Dashing here and there
Making Christmas bright
Remember those who haven't much
and do what you feel's right.

Bells and songs replete
The season's joy is neat
Give of yourself you won't go wrong
and, now, this song repeat ...

A falling snowflake may take up to two hours to reach the ground, and even the heaviest snowflake falls at only one mile per hour.

Christmas carols for the psychologically challenged

Schizophrenic ~ Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personalities ~ We Three Queens Disoriented Are; You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, She's Gonna Pout, Maybe One of Us Tell You Why; Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire; We Think We Might Be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic ~ Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic ~ Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and ...

Paranoid ~ Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me

Passive-Aggressive ~ On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me (and then took it all away)

Obsessive-Compulsive ~ Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock ... (better start again)

OK, the above is funny, however, there will be people struggling with holiday depression and holidays can be especially rough on anyone already living with a disorder. Last year I ran a couple of good pieces for ways to cope and hopefully make the season a bit brighter for all (about halfway down the page): http://www.therealmartha.com/WARChristmas/index.htm

This was most apropos, popping up in my horror scope :)

A good time to learn to laugh at yourself. Or, develop multiple personalities. That way you won't be laughing at you, you'll be laughing with you. Little do they know ...

Find a list of stress busters on last year's page too, and lots more goodies. If all else fails, just remember,

M&Ms Hot Chocolate

1/2 cup M & M's plain chocolate candies
2 cups hot milk

Place candy in blender. Add hot milk. Whiz until smooth.

Holiday Wassail

1 gallon apple cider, divided
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 oz. can of frozen lemonade
6 oz. can frozen orange juice
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Combine 2 cups apple cider and spices in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Add remaining cider and other ingredients and heat until very hot ... do not boil.

Include a whole orange studded with cloves. The cloves give it the wassail taste. Let it steam in a crock pot and the whole house smells like Christmas! This is wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Years. From MommieMail@aol.com (also M&Ms hot chocolate above) http://www.geocities.com/heartland/lake/9042/mommymail.html

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.

No that's not Buster again, these sweeties are Timmy (sitting) and Phoebe. Layla, Phoebe's sister, is the "I'm innocent" adorable featured here: http://www.therealmartha.com/Smile/index.htm

Precious babies. I have one wish for Christmas. That all little lost dogs and cats could have some love this year with a really soft bed to lay down on. One that is warm and cozy. ~ Wysper

Make a read-along book for the little one in your life. Choose several "Little Golden" books, tape yourself reading each one on a separate tape. Start out by describing the picture on the front cover so the little one can find the right book. Subscribe to Heart and Home free newsletter: subscribe@homesteadliving.com or http://www.homesteadliving.com

As a little girl climbed onto Santa's lap, Santa asked the usual question, "And what would you like for Christmas?"

The child stared at him open mouthed, horrified for a minute, then gasped, "Didn't you get my E-mail?"

All I Need to Know I Learned from a Snowman

It's OK if you're a little bottom heavy.
Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.
Wearing white is always appropriate.
Winter is the best of the four seasons.
It takes a few extra rolls to make a good mid-section.
There's nothing better than a foul weather friend.
The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.
We're all made up of mostly water.
You know you've made it when they write a song about you.
Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!
Avoid yellow snow.
Don't get too much sun.
It's fun to hang out in your front yard.
There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.

From a newsletter: Think carefully about the gift you are giving. Is it truly something the recipient needs or wants? My grandmother used to say, "Don't give old people something they have to dust. Food or a plant is better." You can't go wrong with a cheery poinsettia or a basket of warm muffins.

I agree, and it is the thought that counts - whatever age. Gift giving shouldn't be a contest, or bury you in debt. If you don't hate house cleaning (or pick any chore), consider that - costs you nothing. If money isn't an issue, hire a service. Food is always appreciated, I've never seen any go to waste. The muffins don't have to be warm either. Hit the bakery. Check out the gourmet section at grocery store too. Even a bottle of real maple syrup (or another flavor) will be a standout. Or expensive ooey gooey cookies, jar of nuts, imported cheeses - OMG, this is getting dangerous.

From Rexanne: Leave reindeer prints (dirt from the planters applied with cut up sponges) and Santa boot prints on the fireplace, gnawed carrots, cookies mostly eaten, etc. Daughter (at the doubting age), "Gets the biggest grin when she sees all that."

http://www.rexanne.com/xmas-main.html ~ Fill your stockings with WWW goodies

New from Rexanne: The Cards of Life reveal where your placement in the card spread lies. Accurate and uncanny, a Cards of Life reading will surprise you with its in-depth analysis of your life patterns, your personality traits and your destiny, all at a very affordable price.

A Card of Life reading makes a great holiday gift that you can easily have sent to anyone with an email address. Surprise someone this year with a really unique gift or order one for yourself! These readings also make great newborn, birthday or "just because" gifts.

The Cards of Life
http://www.rexanne.com/cardsoflife.html

Easy Christmas shopping!

She's not kidding when she says uncanny, my reading was right on.

Antique style ornaments to make - free, using scraps from your craft box

Items needed: small balloons, white glue, scraps of ribbon or metallic string

Blow up your balloon to the size you want your ornament to be. In a bowl, mix 1 part water and 3 parts glue until smooth. Dip string, ribbon, or other wrapping material into the mixture. Leave it in for a few seconds. Pull string out gently through fingers to remove excess glue. Start wrapping string around the balloon. Wrap the entire balloon, or make any pattern you wish. Allow the ornament to dry, then pop balloon and remove (use tweezers if necessary). Hang with matching ribbon or clear fishing line. From Heart and Home newsletter: subscribe@homesteadliving.com

Thanks Sandy

Christmas theme at the White House is All Creatures Great and Small. The special on HGTV was well worth watching - might be coming up again. Or go to:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/holiday/decorations

Caution: Do not burn Christmas tree branches in the fireplace. They throw off a lot of heat and an oily soot which can be hazardous/damaging.

Give the tree at least 24 hours before decorating to allow branches to fall into true shape. And don't forget to whack half an inch or so off the trunk before setting in water - it will drink better, as much as a gallon in 24 hours. More care and selection tips: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/selection.html

Think about a live tree to plant outside for later enjoyment. Ask about planting guidelines at the nursery.

Showing off my early Christmas present, certainly made my day

Dear Ms. Jones,

I see that my little dish of patriotism has been placed on your Website  (http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm). Let me assure you that I am for real and I am the original author ... although I am now on the "dark side" as an officer (went through OTS last winter). I wrote my feelings down immediately after the 911 attack. I'm honored that you have posted it ... I appreciate the credit. Originally, I had composed and sent it to a select group of people when I was stationed at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Amazing how fast that got out!!!

It's funny though, seeing your Website ... I'm now in Bosnia for a tdy, and I just happened to come across it on a "Dogpile" search. Small damn world.

Respectfully,

Jamie (Jed) Nichols
Lieutenant, USAF
Eagle Base, Bosnia
DSN 762-8870 
jameson.nichols@email-tc3.5sigcmd.army.mil

One little taste of Lt. Nichols' dish:

Next time Old Glory prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her and the military member or veteran lucky enough to carry her. Your stupid funnel cake will forgive you if you stand for five minutes with your hand over your heart. You might as well be throwing the funnel cake at the flag if you don't stand ... of course, either will earn you a severe ass-kicking.

Kicking ass may not be exactly in the holiday spirit, however doesn't hurt anyone to take a moment to think about what our vets and current troops mean to those of us cozy at home with family and friends. There are several snail and e-mail contacts listed on the K9 page link above. Takes only one more moment to let someone far from home know you care.

Words are the soul's ambassadors, who go
Abroad upon her errands to and fro.
~ James Howell (1594-1666)

These came from a list post without credit - would appreciate the info.

Quick and easy Christmas gift craft: Poke candy kisses into wire whisk until it's full. Then cover the outside with iridescent cellophane. Tie with a ribbon, and add a tag that says, "We Whisk you a Merry Kissmas!"

Here's one small creature not too happy about Santa. You may recognize Popeye from T-day page http://www.therealmartha.com/MuchMisc/index.htm, he's "praying" for giblets.

Oh my, here's another unhappy camper, the look is priceless: http://www.funnypostcard.com/link.php?id=1

Buddy has everything under control, Santa's the one who looks a little unsure: http://www.funnypostcard.com/link.php?id=2

On the other paw, another Buddy's not sure what in the world's going on and Max is maxed for Christmas - follow the links.

Non Alcoholic Punch

2  1/2 gallon cartons store bought orange/pineapple juice
1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale and lemon lime soda
1 orange, sliced thin
1 lemon, sliced thin
1 lime, sliced thin

Combine cartons of juice with the bottles of soda. Use slices of fruit for garnish. Serve over ice.

That sounds pretty good for a crowd. Say you want a real zingy for breakfast, just the folks. Substitute club soda for water when using canned juice (frozen or "pourables').

From Dawn: When taking a cake or bars to work or someone's home, instead of taking your favorite knife and forgetting or losing it, bring along thread or dental floss. Make a taught string to slice.

You Just Might be a Scrooge ...

If your only contact with three spirits on Christmas Eve is gin, vodka and bourbon.

If you turn the lawn sprinklers on to keep carolers  away.

If you buy all of your gifts at a store that also sells gas.

If you get your tree at a rest stop at night.

If you give bathroom fixtures as gifts.

If your favorite Christmas movie is Jurassic Park.

If your idea of Christmas dinner is a six pack of beer and a cheese log.

If your best tradition involves a fire and reindeer meat.

If your favorite pastime is putting defective bulbs in your neighbors' string of lights or defacing lawn caricatures with egg nog.

And, finally - if your only holiday decoration is a rotting pumpkin - you just might be a Scrooge.

Six Can Casserole

1 can chicken rice soup
1 can mushroom soup
1 can chow mien noodles
1 small can evaporated milk
1 can tuna, chicken or turkey
1 can French style green beans

Mix and put into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with butter and crumbs. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour. From Hel (not Helen, another contributor)

Both of the above were NOOMs (new ones on me), so ... ta da ... Hel and Dawn each have a copy of "Holiday Lifestyles of the Culinarily Inept" on their snail way. Get your own free copy by surprising me with a hint or less-than-fiver (ingredients). OK, so there's six in the casserole. I don't count "regulars" - ordinarily that means sugar, butter, milk - don't think it's stretching to call tuna or chicken a staple.

"Thou Shalt Not Skim Flavor from the Holidays"
by Craig Wilson, USA Today

I hate this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds. You can't pick up a magazine without finding a list of holiday eating do's and don'ts. Eliminate second helpings, high-calorie sauces and cookies made with butter, they say. Fill up on vegetable sticks, they say. Good grief. Is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas a carrot stick? I didn't think so. Isn't mine, either. A carrot was something you left for Rudolph. I have my own list of tips for holiday eating. I assure you, if you follow them, you'll be fat and happy. So what if you don't make it to New Year's? Your pants won't fit anymore, anyway.

1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. Don't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookie-less January is just around the corner.

Twelve Days of Puppy Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven strands of wiring
Ten bubble lights a-leaking
Nine chewed-up candles
Eight slept-on silk things
Seven yards of ribbon
Six wreaths a-fraying
Five shredded stockings
Four crumpled cards
Three opened presents
Two broken bulbs
And the angel from the top of the tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Twelve puppy kisses and I forgot all about the other eleven days.

Cat-mas Season is Here!

Cat-mas season is a wonderful time of year when the humans decorate the home for us cats in anticipation of the visit from Santa Claws.

The tree went up yesterday, and so did I. Made it to the fourth branch within the first five minutes before the Big Man chased me out.

So, as I do every year, I waited and watched the humans decorate the Cat-mas tree with all sorts of what they call "ornaments." I call them "cat toys."

Ornaments are invitations to a cat, bright and shiny spheres just daring a cat to knock them off. Every year the humans hang the ornaments a little higher out of my range, forcing me to elevate my game.

Humans "ohhh and ahhh" as they decorate the tree. I salivate in anticipation of the night's activities.

This is great! A tree in my own home, why don't they do this year-round? Five, six, seven branches, I climb like a pro. Ten, twelve, I am halfway to the top, and there is the first ornament! This is easy as Cat-mas fruitcake. I make my way down the branch approaching the first ornament. It lightly jiggles as my weight causes the bough to bend. Almost there! One paw away and I feel a shudder.

Something is not right, I begin to lose my balance. The room is tilting! No, the room is not tilting, the Cat-mas tree is falling! It seemed like forever as the tree leaned, then pitched, and finally crashed to the floor in a resounding bang of exploding bulbs, ornaments, and broken limbs.

I quickly extricated myself from the splintered tree just as the Big Man came bursting in snapping on the lights.

"What happened?" he growled.

Not a peep from me.

"I guess we hung too many ornaments on one side," I heard him say as he hoisted the mangled tree back into place.

"Good answer," I thought. Maybe I'll tear down those stockings that were hung by the chimney with care.

It was good day.

Thanks Marie

Jalapeno Jelly
by Joyce Moseley Pierce 

Need a quick treat for those upcoming holiday office gatherings? A few years ago I was introduced to the combination of Wheat Thins™, cream cheese and jalapeno jelly! Don't let the jalapeno scare you. There are two ways to combat the "fire" you feel on your tongue caused by these hot peppers, and that's with milk or bread. Whoever created this Southwest delicacy knew what they were doing. The cream cheese and cracker are there to calm the nerve endings in your tongue so you can enjoy the blend of flavors.

The kick in this jelly is a delicious way to open the eyes, as well as the taste buds, of your friends and co-workers. Just place a block of cream cheese on a festive holiday plate and pour the jelly over it. Put the crackers within reaching range, but not close enough that they get soggy from the jelly.

You can buy the crackers and cream cheese at any grocery store, but you may have to search specialty shops for the jelly. Sometimes you can find it at Cost Plus or Marshalls in their food section. However, if you really want to impress your friends, try making your own. If you've never handled raw jalapenos before, let me offer a word of warning. The skin of the pepper is safe to touch - it's the seeds that produce the burning sensation. Use plastic gloves if you're worried about handling them. If you choose to brave it without the gloves, keep your hands away from your eyes while working with the peppers - even the slightest bit on your fingers will send you screaming if you get it in your eyes.

Pepper Jelly
14 hot peppers (jalapeno)
4 sweet peppers (red)
3 cups white vinegar
10 cups sugar
2 pouches pectin
2 tsp. red (or green) food coloring

Cut peppers. Discard seeds and stem. Grind peppers in blender with vinegar. Move this mixture to a large pan and place on your stove burner. Add sugar, bring to boil, and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and skim. Add 2 pouches pectin and food coloring. Boil hard for one minute. Seal hot.

One year for Christmas I canned the jelly in half pint jars and gave them as gifts. I made a label with a jalapeno on the front and tied a holiday ribbon around the lid. You might also add a Southwest fabric to lay under the screw top lid. One friend was so excited she grabbed a spoon and ate it right out of the jar!

In addition to being great for dipping with crackers, it's great on toast or as a ham glaze. It adds a "kick" wherever it's used. You may even find yourself reaching for a spoon!

Copyright 2002, Joyce Moseley Pierce 
Joyce is a freelance writer and owner of Emerson Publications. She is the creator of "All They'll Need to Know," a workbook to help families record personal and financial information. http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/843554/index.htm
She is also the editor of The Family First Newsletter, an Ezine for families with young children. To subscribe: http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/848640/index.htm

You have permission to publish this article in its entirety as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. Please inform writer of your use. mailto:piercejam@sbcglobal.net

I had a hotsie that involved an outrageous amount of dry mustard and a small jar of peach, or maybe it was pineapple, or apricot preserves to pour over cream cheese. Can't find that sucker anywhere. May have had onions too. Let me know if that rings any bells.

Doily Candy Bowl
from DreamLoversMail@aol.com http://hometown.aol.com/dreamloversmail/myhomepagenewsletter.html

"This is a very easy project for kids and it makes a lovely gift or table decoration."

white crocheted doily, 4" - 6" diameter
small margarine container (empty)
fabric stiffener
narrow ribbon
craft/white glue
wax paper
plastic wrap or sandwich bag
Christmas florals (optional)
Christmas candy

Turn the margarine container upside down and cover with a plastic sandwich bag. Pour the fabric stiffener into a bowl. Dip the doily into the bowl, saturating it thoroughly. Wring out the excess back into the bowl.

If you don't want to buy fabric stiffener, you can make your own by boiling equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar is completely dissolved, or use liquid starch, or mix white glue with a little water.

Drape the doily over the margarine container. Press down over the sides, but let the edges flair out. Set on the wax paper and allow to dry overnight. Thread the narrow ribbon in and out through the holes in the doily bowl. Leave both ends on the outside and tie together into a bow. Glue a Christmas floral or other decoration to the side.

A naughty elf made me do this - honest!

If something is terribly wrong with you, and you'd prefer someone else ... let me know. Also can add a name to top.

Christmas Returns

Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they'll open by morn

He slips past the trees in windows aglow
Through the gate to the backyard
As icy winds blow
To find the pup bought last year
Chained up in the snow
And, kneeling, he whispers,
"Are you ready to go?"

There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note of footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night ...

Links are not in the best order, sorry. Still having weird font size problems too.

Excedrin (the aspirin company) is giving $1 for each click on the Toys For Tots link: http://www.excedrin.com/

http://www.therealmartha.com/ChristmasPups/index.htm - Say no, live animals are not good gifts

http://www.therealmartha.com/WARChristmas/index.htm - Last year's page

http://www.butlerwebs.com/music/lyrics-christmas.htm - Christmas carol lyrics

http://www.theroadlesstraveled12645.com/OhHolyNight.html - Oh Holy Night by Richard Carpenter, piano and orchestra - graphics are outstanding

http://www.myfurrytales.com ~ Must-have memory journals for new furry family members; new loss/grief section including hand-crafted Pawsoleums - wonderful poem on that page; then lighten up with funnies and more

http://www.angelsonmyside.com/christmaslove/christwaslove.htm - Christmas Love, Donna shares her angels (print-out), a classic story and Yorkie Angel as Santa

http://www.aaanimations.com/requestcliche.html - Bunches of cuties, lots of categories

http://www.oldversion.com/ - Old versions of popular ISP programs and more

http://christmas.allrecipes.com/gifttag/default.asp - More tags, very cute, not necessarily kitchen-related

http://community.webshots.com/photo/45511452/56372033UeeSHV - Bird lovers must check tree full of bird ornaments on printable calendar

http://www.holiday-giveaways.com/ - - Snow peeps are one freebie, lots more

http://www.knowledgehound.com/topics/xmas.htm - Activities, recipes, crafts, gift-wrapping, wreaths, links and more

http://www.mybackyard.com/index.htm - Crafts, cooking, garden ... holiday themes and more, be sure to check out Grandma's Tips

http://www.ivillage.com/partners/wishbone - Easy holiday food dress-ups from Wishbone

http://webfusion.co.uk/santasgrotto/jokes.shtml - Funnies, links to more categories

http://www.getcreativeshow.com/index.htm - Craft and needlework resource

http://www.murphys-laws.com/murphy/murphy-laws.html - All in one spot

http://www.parade.com/special/sandralee/ - "Why slave over hot gravy when you can open a can?" - From Parade magazine, "lifestylist" Sandra Lee

http://www.semihomemade.com/ - Sandra Lee's 70/30 philosophy; 70 percent ready-made plus 30 percent fresh ingredients makes your busy life easy, fun and fabulous.

http://www.semihomemade.com/cooking/1Cmeals.htm - Just an example: Steak Pinwheels with Sun-dried Tomato Stuffing and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes; bonus: critter treats - aha! She gets double points for having ASPCA and Humane Society listed on link page.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8099/holiday.html - Several easy holiday recipes

 Holiday Shoppers' Specials - Easy dishes for tired shoppers
        http://www.shaboomskitchen.com/r-shopspec.html
Christmas Dinner at "3 Pines Ranch" - Our traditional Christmas prime rib feast
        http://www.shaboomskitchen.com/r-christmas.html
New Year's Buffet - Great stuff for your New Year's party or open house
          http://www.shaboomskitchen.com/r-newyear.html
The Day After - Cures and traditional New Year's Day vittles
          http://www.shaboomskitchen.com/r-dayafter.html

http://lovethissite.com/reindeer/ - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Updated

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/6804/sewing.html - Lady Renee's Sewing Room - tips and resources, links galore for experienced "sewists" and beginners (child or adult)

http://www.9sites.com/index.htm - Christmas for the Piggies at Shepherd's Green

Funny Dog of the Day, Buddy's Christmas! - just can't wait ... http://www.FunnyPostcard.com/link.php?id=14

http://tinyurl.com/3imx - Personal checks, labels and accessories support a variety of causes, this link goes to spay/neuter

http://www.uniquechecks.com/ - Checks and more (clothing, cards, mousepads, coasters ... ) from your pics, add message or caption  

http://www.bostonrescue.net/Plate.html - Collector plate and more fund-raising items, gift certificates, links to main site and more, partnered with http://www.rottbros.com/, check out the people earmitts: http://www.rottbros.com/earmitts.html, cool signs: http://www.rottbros.com/signs.html and lots more neat stuff

http://www.teelfamily.com/activities/snow/boraxsnowflake.html - Grow a snowflake in a jar; find variety of snow links too

http://www.simnet.is/gardarj/calendar.htm - Advent calendar, uses nice old-fashioned Christmas cards; check out links too

http://www.flw.com/merry.htm - Merry Christmas in more than 350 languages, flags, anthems, games and more

http://joypages.com/humor/xmascarols/index.php - Kids' Fractured Christmas carols, cute - the first one, "Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly" reminds me of a fave neuter ditty, "Deck the Halls with Balls of Collies"

http://web.icq.com/shockwave/0,,4845,00.swf - Santa and reindeer spreading holiday cheer

http://www.wtv-zone.com/LadyBoheme/scrapbook/ - Naughty, and nice - must meet the snow peeps

http://www.geocities.com/italkr2/thanksgiving.html - Missed this one for T-day, the "Warm and Fuzzy" ideas apply equally well for now

Grizzly Paws kitchen tools (very clever) and more great shopping/gifts - sales benefit organizations you choose: http://www.gearthatgives.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDStore.woa/3/wo/rw5000sr6005y700h1/6.0.25.8.3.1.1