The Christmas Letter! You nailed it on the head--and I love your rebuttal! I have a Christmas song I sing in honor of my mare who has almost died so many times we refer to her as The Mare Who Lived. Sung to the tune of O Little Town of Bethlehem:
O little bay mare of mine
You cost me money dear
Without your fees I have no doubt
Some gifts I would give this year
Your bills are truly staggering
They're really somewhat large
I think of you
I sigh and cry
And pull out Master Charge

*snicker*

Awesome post--you win on the hop so far in my book!