I have enough lotion to run a bath-and-body boutique. Even though I smashed seven ornaments, and Kiwi, my blind parakeet, attacked another three, taking ornaments off the tree is more painful and time-consuming than taking a family portrait (especially if Uncle John suddenly has narcolepsy and Grandpa can't keep his opinions about my generation to himself).

If you're a teenager, you won't get another allowance until August. After buying presents for others, I realized I didn't have an outfit to flounce around in at holiday parties. So I purchased the first dress, shoes and necklace I saw. I realized the dress was inappropriate for the parties my parents would attend (just kidding, mom), so I bought another dress.

The "If you give a mouse a cookie" effect soon took hold. If you give a 15-year-old a dress, she'll want matching shoes. Then she'll need a pedicure.

My New Year's resolution is to keep Christmas simple. Less decoration and fewer presents (well, maybe not the latter).

Isabelle Ghabash

Bountiful