Today I (and my family) received a package from an elf who was generous enough to save Christmas after our first match fell through.

The package was adorned with personalized touches that made it that much more great.

Midi the Golden Retriever was acutely aware that there was something tennis-ball-scented in the box. She was eager to help unpack. She was rewarded with a gigantic tennis ball bone. She has been working to destroy it for the past hour, and it's survived this far. Consider me impressed.

In addition, my one-year-old daughter received a cute knit owl cap -- she'll be the star at daycare. Good timing, it's cold.

I'll be throwin' down some jams with my new ukulele song book: "It's Ukulele Time!"

But the absolute winner of the bundle was absolutely perfect for us -- Apparently Midi stole one of my ukes to pose for a painting session. Included was a ceramic tile with an image of my coffee shop dog recording her debut solo album.