In 2007, I made this family history book using Ancestry.com, that left the whole family quietly reading for about 20 minutes on Christmas Day. If you've met my family, you know that we are all so over-opinionated and busy that it's rare for at least one of us not to be talking about something. (Or explaining to someone why they are wrong.)

And, last year, I got Kiva gift certificates for my immediate family, which meant my dad and Sasha were searching for deserving poor people to loan their money to within minutes of opening their presents. I seem to have remembered wrapping them creatively, too. How DID Sasha get that paper out of the wine bottle? Hmm... don't remember.

Anyhoo, I have to warn you, this year will be a disappointment. I got nothin' left. No great purchases or wrapping ideas.

Seriously, I was considering purchasing turducken dog food for the animals in the family, but I think my mini-obsession with turducken likely will dissipate by Christmas. So that probably won't happen. Peabody doesn't strike me as a dog who will reward the bearer of turducken. And Ozzie strikes me as a dog who will reward anyone who looks at him. And, clearly, BlackJack likes secure in his knowledge that he's the most important being in this townhouse and, I suspect, will love me regardless of how many baths I subject him to. So, really, what's the point?

So family, someone else is going to have to step up to the plate. I'll wrap something. There will be bows. Perhaps some recycled gift wrap.

But it won't be amazing. Barely worth a thank-you card, I'm sure.

Sorry, I thought it best to warn you in advance :)