We went to the local Whole Foods Market for milk (which he drinks by the gallon) and to choose a child to help from their store tree. He selected Sebastian, a 12 year old boy who wants a "hand-held travel game." We found him a baseball game that fit the bill at CVS, loaded him up with some batteries (which are almost as expensive as the game!) and a fleece pullover at Old Navy which my nephew assures me will be a hit. I'm glad we did this because I want him to remember that there are 12 old boys, just like him, who aren't as fortunate.
Then we put up the tree. That's Sebastian's gift you see there. My nephew was a lot of help.We read books and ate burgers and pizza and played with my cats (very gentle with Joey, very patient with Reynaldo) and laughed a lot. I am glad we had the time since, now that he's 12, I'm not sure he will always be so willing to hang out with his old aunt.