Less than 10 days until Christmas!

Rather than posting my Christmas list (with pictures!) as I have done in the past, I thought I'd try something different this year and post my list and give odds on what I am most likely to receive.

How could I possibly be able to determine what I'm most likely to get? First, I know which ones are too expensive for anyone to get me, so those are out. Second, I know that there will be some that are purchased by my immediate family but given to me "from" people outside of my immediate family. Third, I know my family. They will not be able to stay away from giving me some of the practical things on my list- call it a combination of nature (our family's thrifty Scottish heritage) and nurture (self-reliant New England location). Fourth, and finally, only once in my life has my family (specifically my mom) truly surprised me with a Christmas gift. So, off we go!

• Outside Magazine subscription: 2/1
• A good bet as it makes things easy for my brother in-law's brother.
• Two tickets to a Red Sox game: 15/1
• Not confident in this one, but if it happens, my sister will be behind it.
• Digital Camera: 5/2
• This is the most likely to be my "big gift" this year.
• Any of the IKEA items on my list: 50/1
• Too expensive and too inconvenient to acquire. I'll drop the odds to 25/1 on the kitchen table/chairs or a gift card.
• Items from my Amazon wish list: 3/2
• These are the cheap, "go to" gifts for those who can't come up with anything else.
• Seinfeld/Family Guy seasons on DVD: 4/1
• I should probably give higher odds on these, but somebody might come through.
• Duvet Cover: 2/1
• Almost a lock, if Mom finds a bargain it will be a done deal.
• Small Humidifier: 6/1
• This would be so practical it would almost hurt my feelings so I'm going to have faith in my family and put a little longer odds on it than I probably should.
• Shoes from Zappos: 10/1
• Even the lack of risk (free shipping/free return shipping) in getting the wrong size will not allay the fears of certain people in my family have of ordering online.
• Wireless router for my iBook: 3/1
• I could probably shorten the odds even more on this because my brother (the software engineer) will likely be able to acquire one at a criminally low price.
• House plant: 1/1
• The time of year might work against this, but at worst, I'm sure I'll get a gift certificate for one.
• GPS unit for hiking: 25/1
• Too many variables for some people to consider purchasing it.
• Step stool: 1/1
• Inexpensive and practical- too hard to resist.

So there we have it! I'll be back in eight or nine days to see how I've done...