The gifts received, the young lad immediately sets about a round of extensive (if less than rigorous) experimentation. It is determined that puzzle pieces (all the letters of the alphabet) are equally useful as a load for the dump truck. Cars designed to run around a plastic track can be made to run across the floor, or down the steps. And everything, it seems, is an acceptable option for the dog to chew.

Wherever the trail of this research may lead, and whatever its conclusions might be, we are hopeful that it will result in the happiest of holidays.