The hollows have been haunted. Thanks have been given. Since, in the great state of Alabama, this is considered a holiday: the iron has been bowled.

The last column said Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. No argument here. But according to many sources it is also one of the most stressful. According to a survey by Med Star Health, over fifty percent of people surveyed say it’s the most stressful. One of the main reasons mentioned is the pressure of gift giving.

Is this the right size? The right color? If I buy online, will I get what I paid for? Will I offend a fourteen year old girl buy giving her something that has clearly not been cool since she was thirteen?

Gift cards are tempting. However, many consider them cold and impersonal. They also often go unused. This means the store or credit card company gets the gift, not the intended recipient.This time of year is also stressful at The Humane Society and other shelters.

Mother cats often abandon their kittens in unfriendly environments like the cold weather this time of year. Volunteers are overloaded. Still, the phones are ringing with people looking for somewhere to take a abandoned kittens.The advantages of pet ownership are numerous. They provide affection, comfort and companionship. Studies suggest there are health benefits. They lower stress and reduce the likelihood of stress related illnesses such as high blood pressure.

The particular advantages of cats is they are lower maintenance than other animals. They are loving but have independent natures. They do not need to be walked. They have an instinct to use a liter box and can be trained to do so with little effort.

Of course, they must be spayed or neutered. The average cost at a veterinarians office is between $99-$125. But there are places that will do it for little to no cost as a service to the community.

Give a friend some love. Give a kitten a home. There’s much to be said for gifts that keep on giving. Too much cannot be said for gifts that keep on loving.

Besides, what is cuter than a kitten in a basket with a bow around its neck?