I didn’t receive a lot of suggestions about local places to buy Christmas gifts, although I was impressed and surprised by the number of suggestions from people suggesting donations to local animal shelters, particularly for those who qualify as “impossible to shop for,” or “already has everything.”

Carol Mankin of Cannonsburg also had a great idea that would be of more direct benefit for many animal owners, especially those having difficulty keeping with the their veterinary bills.

“If someone went to my vet and pre-paid $25 or $30 I would be thrilled,” Mankin said, just before we amused ourselves talking about the silly level of interest we give our dogs and cats, including the habit of talking to them as if they are either children or the wisest creatures in the universe.

On a related note regarding Christmas shopping, I’ve been watching the parking lots at local malls and Walmart stores and have concluded most people around here have decided to not participate in the current economic recession. Times are indeed tough, but when it comes to Christmas, local residents have obviously found ways to make the season bright.

I get a lot of otherwise useless business-related reports in my inbox, and found one particular report from a Los Angeles consultant last week to be quite interesting. In direst terms, the analyst concluded holiday gift sales are down by a whopping 2.6 percent, with “necessity gifts” as the only retail area to experience a sales spike during the ongoing Christmas season.

I have done practically no Christmas shopping myself, although I can suggest a visit to see Curtis Combs at Ashland Bicycle & Extreme Sports on Winchester Avenue in Ashland if you want to get someone a well-made, expertly assembled bike for Christmas. If you missed the story in Thursday’s paper, Combs is also accepting old bicycles to be repaired and renovated as gifts for local children and adults.

People have also told me this is a good time to get a great deal on a vacation package. I can’t really vouch for that, although at least a dozen people have mentioned it.

Going ... going ...

It’s no secret that the Ashland Waldenbooks will be closing shortly after Christmas, despite a sincere petition effort from customers who want to see the store remain in business.

I received a note urging me to come by the store in the Ashland Town Center to take advantage of a clearance sale offering “up to 30 percent off almost everything!”

If you’re interested, get there while you can.

Good review

Savannah’s Restaurant at 1208 Sixth Ave. in Huntington recently received a 2009 Award of Unique Distinction from Wine Enthusiast magazine for the wine list and cuisine it offers to patrons.

Savannah’s features more than 300 wines from every region of the planet, with an emphasis on vintages from California and France. More than 30 of those wines are also offered by the glass.

The award is presented based on wine service and selection, and the magazine will include Savannah’s in the February 2010 edition.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.